Claiming Victory

We had a great service last Wednesday and Sunday, albeit the attendance was still down.  We kept soul-winning, visiting, and praying and even though we missed several families, God gave us peace and still worked in the hearts of those that did come.

Last night God brought more than usual, 30 folks.  That was our average before the gossip and backbiting and wolf attacks, so it was encouraging to see The Lord still at work.  We had one new family to come last night as well.  The service went great.

I did something unusual, though after I dismissed the kids to their class and right before the preaching.  I took four chairs and put them beside the pulpit, and told the people the chairs were for 2 couples that had received Christ but no longer want to come to church.  I told the church that it was our responsibility to pray for them, and that I was going to leave the chairs there until those two families came back.

Well, a church member called one of the families and told them they were not right for not coming to church anymore, and that they weren't going to grow and God wouldn't work in their hearts while being outside His will.  Afterwards, that church member called us to joyfully tell us that the family admitted they were wrong and would be back on Sunday!

God's GOOD!!

I've cancelled our trip to Washington state in honor of our support being so close.  We're going to trust God to give us the rest of what we need by the end of Spring.

Erika, Ashley, and Charlie are doing well.  My new Grampa continues to grow.  It's so special to hear him praying and singing hymns during his devotions.  He's a completely new man and I'm so proud he's staying with us for a little while.  He helps me with all of the maintenance and work on the property, and enables me to spend more time studying and praying.

I thank God for my family.