S DeFord

I Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

Dear Praying friends and Faithful supports,

You have, no doubt, spent much time over the last couple of weeks reflecting on God's blessings and wondering where the time has gone. As we face another New Year Paul's words to Timothy, given through inspiration of God, seem more timely than ever. Time does fly, God does bless, but we also see more and more need for God in a world that increasingly rejects Him.

Psalm 145:2 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.

Hello Praying Friends,

     Our Great God continues His work in our lives and in the ministry among the Hualapai.  This summer has been an even greater blessing than anticipated.  Our oldest daughter Jackie was married to Jonathan Cook July 16 in King, NC.  We saw the Lord work in our behalf throughout the trip.  Our van seemed to be struggling at times, but we made it all the way across the country and back home without any repairs having to be done.  Though it does appear we will need some transmission work done before we take any more trips.  The wedding was a testimony to God's love toward us.  Please pray for the Cooks as Jon works to complete his masters degree at Ambassador Baptist College this year.

Dear Praying Friends,

Ephesians 1:11-12 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

Thank you for your investment in the work here among the Hualapai. God's hand has been evident throughout the Spring here in Peach Springs.  Attendance at church continues to grow.  We have seen several services with over 80 in attendance the last couple of months.  This past month Kent was saved and has been bringing his sons with him to church.  He works nights, but has been making the effort to be in church despite being tired.  Please pray for his continued growth and consistency in church.  Also be in prayer for others who are raising their hands during the invitations but not responding.

Dear Praying Friends,

Revelation 3:8  I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

Our Sunday morning study in Revelation has been a blessing.  So far we have worked our way through the first three chapters, and have thrilled to see Christ revealed!

Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Dear Praying Friends and Family,

Praise the Lord for His presence, power, and provision. While we always count it a privilege to serve the Lord, sometimes He proves Himself above and beyond the norm causing us to stop and marvel at His greatness anew.

Dear Friends  and Family,

  Isaiah 7:14 "... Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."

 I love the fall and winter time of year. This time of thanksgiving and the Christmas season is my favorite time of all. It is a great time to tell each of you how much we appreciate your consistent prayers for this ministry. The support of like-minded believers not only keeps us on the field, we also know it helps to sustain us each day. This has been an event filled time for us. We started October off with evangelistic meetings with Brother Richard Coyle. We are still seeing the effects of that week. We have seen three ladies and a couple of men coming to services regularly since then.

II Corinthians 1:11 Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.

Dear Friends,

The Lord continues to bless despite our unworthiness. September has been another wonderful month here on the Hualapai reservation. Our teens participated in their first West Branch Regional Youth Conference on the 11th. We had seven teens attend the all-day event. The messages were exactly what our youth needed. We had one dedication that day.

Dear Friends,

I Peter 1:18-19  Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold,...But with the precious blood of Christ,....

Praise the Lord, the blood of Christ still redeems the lost.  Steve was recently blessed to lead one of the young men from church to the Lord.  Chance is one of our home-school young people, but had never accepted Christ as his Savior.  Steve spoke with him a few time during the last school year regarding his need, but he was not ready to be saved.  A few weeks ago during the invitation at church he raised his hand for salvation.  Later that evening, Steve and Chance's dad met with him and he was gloriously saved. 

Dear Praying Friends,

"But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun." Exodus 17:12

Thank each of you for "holding up our hands" through your prayers, letters and cards, and financial support. We have been going through the book of Exodus at church and the previous verse expresses our thoughts toward you.

Habakkuk 3:2 O LORD, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O LORD, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.

My friends,

Thank you again for remembering us.  Your prayers and support were felt throughout the month.  We began March having special revival services with Evangelist Troy Carlson from the Bill Rice Ranch West Branch in Williams, AZ.  Attendance was great each night.  I was blessed to see raised hands during the invitation time indicating the Spirit's working among the church folk.