July – August 2014
Dear Supporting Church Families & Friends,
“My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle…” How time does fly by, and what a busy, fast Summer we’ve experienced. We thank the Lord for His provision, safety, and the many opportunities we’ve been blessed with!
During July, I was privileged once again to travel to Virginia and take part in the youth camp that the Lord has allowed me to attend and preach for several years. This year was very exciting, as for the first time, I was able to take my family with me! What a great time of traveling across the country, seeing many things and many friends in a short amount of time! The camp was great, and time spent traveling with family was wonderful!
In August, we were blessed to attend the annual retreat of our mission board, Independent Baptist Indian Mission, Inc (IBIMI). The meeting this year was held at the church established by Dr. Glen Jaspers in Marshalltown, IA. The church (& the Jaspers) were such gracious hosts, and the mission family so enjoyed our time there. We’re thankful for this time to fellowship with the other missionaries serving with Native Americans. Bro. Jaspers has been such a friend to the Mission, and great personal friends of our family as well!
School is back in, at home and on the reservation. We pray the start of school will also provide new opportunity with the children’s Bible club in one particular village where “tribal programs” have shut us out over the past couple of months. Quite often, school season brings an increase in children’s attendance, and we pray this will be the case again this year. We appreciate your prayers for the Bible Club, as we seek His leading, and for our home school as well.
The past couple of months have brought tragedy to our area of the reservation, directly touching our church family. There was a 6 year old boy who occasionally attended different church services, day camp, etc.., who was attacked by killer bees while playing with some friends in the desert, and passed away from his injuries. His aunt is one of the most faithful people at the AkChin church. We appreciate your prayers for this family. Within a few days of this tragedy, a 36 year young lady who was saved at the church several years back, and who has family that is faithfully attending the church, passed away unexpectedly. Please pray for this family, including a sister and several nieces who have been drawn back to the Lord through her death. These have been 2 sad reminders of the truth that our lives are like a vapor, appearing for a little time, and then vanishing away. How important for everyone to make sure they’re ready, and then to be busy doing all we can, while we can!
On a brighter note, many from both churches have been saving up for many months in anticipation of our upcoming church trip in September. Lord willing, we will get away for a few days as a church family with a time of touring and fellowship. We appreciate your prayers for this special time.
Our family is continually blessed. We appreciate your prayers and support!
Working together with you for HIM,
Brian & Louann Shannon & family