Dear Family and Friends:
“Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, just to take Him at His Word!” This past year, God’s people have been tested to see where we put our trust. Thinking of recent events, it is almost as if God is prying our hands off what we often trust: health, freedom, our finances. One by one it is as if God is asking, “Do you love Me more than these?” Would you be content if all you had was your walk with God? Are you holding onto the Lord as tightly as other things? I am thankful for God’s promise: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” 2Tim 1:7. Recently someone shared with me the verse, Isaiah 26:3 – “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee”. No wonder many of God’s people do not experience perfect peace: their mind is not stayed on the Lord.
Here at Living Waters Baptist Church, God continues to give opportunities to encourage these people. Many of our people have lost loved ones or face discouraging physical and spiritual needs. We look to God for the right words to encourage and point them to Christ. Martha: grieving the loss of her husband. Cyrus: losing his grandma and his mother having health needs. He is questioning why God allows it and is struggling with depression. Rachel: physical needs and her son’s spiritual needs. Bob: wife just died. Please pray for wisdom in ministering to this family. Lynn: facing health/spiritual needs.
In recent months, we have seen strong attendance to the services. We are encouraged to see a desire to be in church. Paul has been able to invite several of his coworkers to church. Several express a desire to come although their work schedule often prevents it.
As a church we are supporting one missionary to Mexico and another to Native Americans. This year the church chose to raise their monthly support. A missionary to Israel just came and presented the ministry as well. We are excited to see the people grow in faith as they take part in missions.
Family praises:
• We have seen God answer prayer for Paul’s mom in giving her strength and healing. She is doing so much better, and we are thankful for what God has done in her life.
• Andrew has received two pieces of equipment that is helping in his mobility. His wheelchair helps him sit up in church and helps when we go places. His stander helps develop his bones and should limit improper hip alignment. Andrew is now beginning to crawl and pull himself up on things. He is now almost 2½. Every day he is doing things that never seemed possible. His smiles are sweet, and he brings much joy to our home.
• In January, we attended the wedding for one of Paul’s brothers. It was a blessing to be part of a Christ-honoring wedding that was testimony to several unsaved people.
Ruthanne and Hannah holding a shofar at the display table from the missionary to Israel.
Andrew enjoying his new swing!
Praises:
• Andrew’s new equipment and development
• God’s provision to give more to missions
• God providing funds toward the modular building
• We are now having Sunday School again after stopping for a year
Prayer Requests:
• Those who have stopped coming to church
• Wisdom for our old modular building
• Personal and church revival
All for Jesus,
Paul and Naomi Sondergaard
Ruthanne, Nathan, Hannah, Aletheia, and Andrew