“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Galations 6:9 (NKJV) It’s one thing to have an idea, it’s another thing to make it happen. The move to Michigan has presented us with many challenges and as we look back, we know that without God’s peace and provision we would have given up. But God answered and provided in His ways (which were not always ours.) Things rarely went according to “our plans” and yet, here we are in Michigan! God sent many people to help and encourage us. It’s been hard leaving friends and family behind, but following God’s will and plan has been so worth it! We no longer own a house in Iowa! Our favorite quote from the Iowa City home inspection was, “This is an above average, quality built house for its … Read More

“It shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; And while they are still speaking, I will hear. Isaiah 65:24 (NKJV) Jehovah-Jireh – God Provides!! We have been reminded once again how God provides for our needs. God has given us the desire to move near the home office. The list of things that needed to happen to move was simply overwhelming. How or where do you even start? God was already preparing that answer. Brian’s parents have made many trips to help fix up our house to sell. We have also had 8 other adults labor alongside of our family. We know that God is behind all of this and we know we could not have done it on our own and we are grateful. As we defined our dream home to buy in Michigan we came up with our list of desires. We found a … Read More

“I am not worthy or the least of all the mercies and of all the truth which You have shown Your servant; for I crossed over this Jordan with my staff, and now I have become two companies.” Genesis 32:10 (NKJV) As a mission’s agency, Continental Baptist Missions celebrated its 75th anniversary this year. CBM started as Hiawatha Land Independent Baptist Missions in May of 1942 with six missionary families. These missionaries had a burden to bring the gospel to the remote logging and mining camps in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. CBM now has missionaries serving across the continental United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. In Genesis, Jacob crossed the Jordan the first me with only his staff. When he crossed again, he did so with two companies of family, servants, and animals. Just as God was faithful to Jacob, God has been faithful to CBM and its desires … Read More

Download a PDF version of the Newsletter! “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;” Ephesians 4:11-13 (NKJV) As we have been involved with Continental Baptist Missions we have witnessed firsthand the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry. God calls and equips people with a unique skill set to do the job He has called them to. This month we attended Harvest Baptist Church’s ten-year celebration of their church building built by CBM. During the Sunday school hour, we watched a video of the construction … Read More

Download a PDF version of the Newsletter! “And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, And establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands. ” Psalm 90:17 (NKJV) As we serve God, our prayer is that He would truly “establish the ministry of our hands.” This month we joined a workday at Camp Manatoumi in Illinois. Brenda, Nathanael, and Rebekah planted hundreds of flowers, Luke helped another man install a water heater and Brian put up fascia on the ladies bath house. Amanda did not join us because she went to the Adventureland youth rally with the youth group. 
We decided that the month of May would be our only opportunity to make a trip out to the build site in Ft. Ashby, WV, so we went. God was so good to us. Our mechanic informed us that our … Read More

Download a PDF version of the Newsletter! “Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!’” Luke 15:8-9 (NKJV) Just after Nathanael was born, almost 9 years ago, Brenda misplaced her wedding ring at her aunt’s house. Everyone searched and searched but the ring was lost. Brenda was sure she had set it down inside and held on to hope that it would be found someday. This April we received a text from Brenda’s cousin with a picture of the wedding ring, asking if it was ours. Praise the Lord! The lost has been found! Brenda’s aunt was outside when she saw something shiny in the … Read More

Download a PDF version of the Newsletter! “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Phil. 4:8 (NKJV) Every year our church puts on a ladies retreat. This year Brenda was asked to speak for one of the sessions. The theme was, “Think on These Things” from Philippians 4:8. Brenda spoke for the final session and taught ~60 women how to apply principles of biblical thinking to real-life scenarios. As she was preparing, God gave her many opportunities to apply the verses in her own life. It was a challenging opportunity and a big step outside of her comfort zone, but she is praising God for a great experience and the ability to teach. We are … Read More

Download a PDF Version of the Newsletter! “Through wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established; By knowledge the rooms are filled With all precious and pleasant riches.” Prov. 24:3-4 (NKJV) In May of 2003 , Brenda and I moved into our current home. We chose this house because it was located near our church and we never wanted distance to be a reason to not attend a church service or be part of a ministry. As we reflect on how God has used our house, we are grateful and amazed. Inside our home, we had Sunday school in the basement, a missionary lived with us for over 6 months, the youth group came over multiple times and other ministry opportunities just seemed to happen. In that time God also expanded our family from 2 to 6 and it has been a great home to raise a family. … Read More

Download a PDF Version of the Newsletter! “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Tim. 3:16-17 (NKJV) Sitting in our church on January 1, I (Brian) was convicted that he needed a better plan for personal devotions. He also knew Amanda was struggling. The youth group leaders have been encouraging the teens to use the book, “Once-A-Day Devotional for Teens.” After Amanda explained the book to us, she and I decided to make a New Year’s goal. It took some convincing to get Brenda to change her reading plan but in the end, she decided to join us. We are praying that God will allow us to continue through the end of the year. It has been a blessing. The synergy … Read More

Download a PDF Version of the Newsletter! “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV) This is a great verse to meditate on. It is so easy to fear when things do not go as planned or as you would like them to. Although Brian’s back is pretty important as a future builder, God allowed him to start having back issues. At his yearly physical, the doctor recommended physical therapy. During his first visit, Brian was surprised at how much flexibility he had lost. The physical therapist pointed out his extremely tight hamstrings. She gave him in- structions and sent him home. Even though it was hard for him to understand how some of the exercises would help his back, he decided … Read More