Dear Family and Friends:
And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; I Timothy 1:12
IBIMI Missions Retreat: Once every year our mission (IBIMI) meets together to share burdens and encourage one another. This year our church hosted the retreat. God had laid it on Pastor Messick’s heart to invite all our board members (see photo) including his sending pastor, Pastor Felber. Bill Rice III preached. Paul and Betty Hiscock presented their Sermon-in-Songs. And we enjoyed a train ride, a skit time, and lots of fellowship with one another.
Faithful Servants: We are thankful Pastor DeWayne Felber, though 91 years old, was able to come out for the retreat. It was through his faithful preaching for over forty years that God called many into full-time ministry – including the Messicks. Many sweet and tearful testimonies were shared praising God for the part Pastor Felber had in each of our lives. The retreat ended on April 7th and Pastor Felber returned home in Indiana on Monday, April 9th. On Wednesday night at his son’s church he shared how he was thankful the Lord allowed him to take the trip. The next morning, he was in the presence of the Lord Jesus. God’s timing was perfect. We’re thankful to have been a part of his last week here on earth.
The mission retreat was a special blessing to us as we saw our children interacting with missionaries and others who have served the Lord for so many years. It brought joy to our hearts that our children had so many examples of serving the Lord. Speaking of faithful servants, we just learned that on May 14th, Norman Johnston went home to be with the Lord. Brother Johnston was on our mission’s advisory board and led the mission’s department at Ambassador Baptist College. Paul took one of his classes when we were at Ambassador and he was a special blessing to our family.
Ladies Ministries: Near the end of April we had a mother/daughter banquet with the theme, “Be Still my Soul.” We invited several ladies to the banquet, but it was a great encouragement when some of the Native American ladies invited their own family and coworkers to the banquet. Often people respond to family and friends better, so we were encouraged to see the ladies serve the Lord in this way. Mrs. DeFord spoke on having a quiet time with God.
One of the ladies who came to the banquet expressed a desire to come to the Ladies Bible study. Because of her work schedule, she asked if we could move the Bible study an hour earlier. Pray that Sharon will start coming to Bible study as well as Sunday services!
Family Update: Recently, we began talking about purchasing homeschool curriculum for the upcoming school year. Looking at the cost, we hesitated. Naomi stopped at a garage sale and found boxes of Christian curriculum for 2nd through 6th grade. What a blessing to find several hundred dollars’ worth of needed books for only $50. Jehovah-Jireh – yes, God does provide!
Please pray as we prepare for a trip this summer. Lord willing, we will visit several churches in the Midwest to present the ministry. Knowing we would be gone for several weeks this summer we have been praying for help for the Messicks. Our prayer was for someone who could not only help with some of the responsibilities but also experience the unique challenges of ministry in the Southwest. Just over a month ago Brother Norman Johnston contacted the Mission and asked if any of the churches could use a student from Ambassador Baptist College. We were excited to see God answer a specific request. Please pray for Shea as she helps primarily with the ladies and kids this summer.