• With ministry responsibilities at capacity, it was necessary for Susan and me take off last week and just rest. In March we tried to get away for a week to Mrytle Beach to a condo owned by her brother. It turned out to be the very week of Spring Break. We left after two days. Later that week I came upon Jesus words to his disciples, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” (Mark 6:31) A crowded beach town was definitely not a desolate place! So last week we planned differently. We enjoyed the mountains and lakes, and small towns of North Carolina…all within a two-hour drive of home…and spent one day at the Columbia, SC Zoo (I love going to the zoo).

Solomon’s words in Eccl.9:7-9 were on my mind as well, “Go, eat your bread with joy…for God has already approved what you do…enjoy life with the wife whom you love…”   Think of it, God finds pleasure when we enjoy the gifts He has given us. One writer rightly said, “in the created world, you can only enjoy what you do not worship.”

• In our last ministry update, I shared about my sister Anita and her husband Jim who live a mile from us. Jim was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer in March of last year. His condition has grown steadily worse, and now his death appears to be imminent. Jim and I have had numerous conversations about life and death. I am continuing to communicate with him as the Lord gives opportunity. Please pray that the gospel seed would land in fertile soil and spring forth in eternal life even at this late hour. Please pray also for Anita during this difficult, emotional time. 

• It is always a blessing to receive reports from churches that have completed the six-week season of prayer. Jonathan Edwards called these seasons of prayer, “A call to united extraordinary prayer.” Open Door BC in New Woodstock, NY is in transition and has recently finished their season of prayer. It was wonderful to hear some of the testimonies shared by the people.
• Bible BC in New Harford, NY is at the midway point in their six-week season of prayer. It was a blessing to hear from the interim pastor, Tom Taylor that the church family is “so excited by it.” Some of the comments shared by the people are “a half hour is not enough time”, and “I began this as a duty and it has renewed a desire to talk with God more, I am praying all day!” 
• I am excited about the new prayer module that will be ready in the fall. The module is structured so that one church is able to assist a sister church in launching their own season of prayer. More information will be forthcoming.

• This evening (Tuesday the 23rd) the New Hartford Bible Baptist Church steering committee will be meeting. In the last ministry update I shared that while there was much to celebrate, added responsibility falls on the deacons during a transition period, and that steps needed to be taken to alleviate some of the burdens the men were under. While one deacon is rolling off, this evening we will be welcoming three new deacons that were recently voted on by the church!
  With the completion of needed discipleship training, peacemaking, and a detailed pastoral search plan, the church is ready to move forward with the call of a permanent pastor. A perfect time to pause and seek the face of God in united extraordinary prayer. Would you please pray with them?

• May 22-24 Jon Jenks and I traveled to Reading, PA to hold a Friday-Sunday consultation with two churches that are considering merging. Both churches are now separately engaged in 30 days of prayer, while at same time meeting together at alternating sites over the next four weeks for joint worship, and holding leadership meetings. This process will culminate in the two congregations voting on merging into one body. Please pray for them as they discern God’s will in this important matter. 
• June 5-7 Jon Jenks and I were in Williamson, NY, at Bible Baptist Church located just three miles from Lake Ontario, a beautiful area. It was a blessing to spend these days with the pastor and congregation. The training was well received. The congregation has entered into 30 days of prayer while they process all that they have learned and seek God’s will concerning entering into a period of revitalization with BCP’s help. Please pray for pastor and congregation.

• I recently completed 24 weeks of leadership training with the pastor and three of the men from Faith BC in Reidville, SC; the church Susan and I attend. The Leadership Journey course culminated this past Sunday with the men sharing testimonies of God’s transformative work in their lives. At the end of the service, the next group of men to go through Leadership Journey was announced, as well as the four ladies (including Susan) beginning the 24-week Grove study; both kicking off with separate retreats in the fall.