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

Download a PDF Version of the Newsletter! Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Matthew 28:18-20 (NKJV) Although the pre-field ministry has changed our lives, God continues to graciously use us where we are right now. Our neighbor Preston has been spending more time with us. Brian even forces him to eat his vegetables! We learned a few months ago that he wanted to be baptized at the same time as Nathanael so Brian worked through a baptismal study with both of them. We have no doubt that Preston is a believer and our hearts are blessed. The day of the baptism, Preston was baptized … Read More

Download a PDF Version of the Newsletter! “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NKJV) Brenda finished her first marathon! It could not have been done without the support of others. First, a pastor led her to believe it was possible. Then a friend spent countless hours training and running the race with her. Truly, they helped each other up when they fell down, when they were discouraged, and thought it was impossible. The family was supportive and cheered her on. Even at the finish line, a family from a church we had visited served snacks! It is amazing to experience God’s provision through encouragement and faithful friends on this adventure of … Read More

Download a PDF Version of the Newsletter! ”But now ask the beasts, and they will teach you; And the birds of the air, and they will tell you; Or speak to the earth, and it will teach you; And the fish of the sea will explain to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this, In whose hand is the life of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind?” Job 12:7-9 (NKJV) This month, we continued to have mouse issues, but not in our house. We went on a family vacation to the Boundary Waters in Northern Minnesota. As the sun was setting and we were relaxing at our campsite, we saw shadows moving across the ground. There were mice everywhere! This is not what we wanted to see. We did not ask the mice to teach us, but … Read More

Download a PDF Version of the Newsletter! “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” James 1:2-3 (NKJV) This month we continued to deal with mice. Last fall, Brian decided to install shelves in the basement to store extra food. We had a 15 lb bag of oatmeal sitting on the top shelf. We realized that mice were enjoying the food buffet in our laundry room. We removed all the food from our basement and have caught another 10 mice. As we prepared for our September Boundary Waters trip, we discovered the mice were nesting in our storage closest. They made a mess of things and damaged some gear. We struggled to count it all joy when mice moved into our home. Even in the midst of trials, it is always amazing to see God’s blessings big … Read More

Download a PDF Version of the Newsletter! “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” Matthew 6:19-20 (NKJV) This month we put significant effort into downsizing with another three weekends of garage sales. We ended each weekend thinking we didn’t sell a lot, however, when we looked at the combined effort we were thankful for our progress. Unfortunately, we also had additional help in the form of mice. We are not sure where they are getting into the house, but we have trapped over 10 mice since the 4th of July. They, of course, got into things and caused damage. Thankfully, we haven’t lost anything of much value. It was a practical reminder for … Read More