Dear Friends in Christ,
Psalm 116:15 “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.”
A couple of weeks ago, we received word that one of our dear friends, Carl Filer, left this old world and is now with the Lord. Carl and Esther have been behind us in prayer and support while we were still in Bible College preparing to serve the Lord in Arizona and have remained faithful all these years. They had a dairy farm in New York and were an example of serving the Lord without the title of “pastor” or “missionary”, yet were in “full-time” service as they witnessed to neighbors and fellow farmers and lived a life that put God first in their decisions and activities.
This week, Heaven received another of God’s servants, Steve Fox. Steve pastored an Indian church down in the Phoenix area and though he was not with our mission, he was a good friend with many of our missionaries and we feel the loss even as we rejoice.
Please pray for Steve’s wife, Treasa, as well as Carl’s wife, Esther, as these women face the changes ahead and challenges of life alone after many years of marriage. We are so thankful for these men and their faithful examples of serving our Lord. For them, the work is over. Pray for us to leave behind the same testimony of faithfulness.
We have been praying for a pastor for the First Baptist Church in Tuba City, as well as the Navajo Fellowship Baptist Church in Page. The folks in Tuba City have voted on a man to come and he is to move in next month. June 28 will be our last week-end of filling the pulpit for them before they have a full-time pastor once again. Pray with us for other opportunities to preach and teach God’s Word.
The folks in Page are seriously considering a man at this time also, though we haven’t heard that he has formally accepted that position. How exciting to watch God at work and see our prayers answered. Thank you for praying with us.
We have submitted a materials list to a sawmill in Alaska and waiting to get a price list from them. Pray with us for a reasonable cost and for the workers needed to continue building next summer.
This week, Daniel M. stopped by as he traveled home from Bible College for a visit before spending his summer working as a counselor at a Christian camp. In his first letter to the church of Thessalonica, Paul described them as his “crown of rejoicing” (2:19) because of their service to God. What an encouragement to see God at work in Daniel’s life; a crown of rejoicing.
I Thes. 2:13 “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.”
This week, Janet fell over a garden hose and fractured one of her ankle bones. Thankfully, no surgery is required but she is now wearing a “walking boot” and using a walker as she heals. Please pray for her as she heals and as she is forced to slow down and do more sitting.
We do serve a mighty God who is able to change lives. Thank you for your prayers and financial help so that we can be fellow-servants in this ministry.
In Christ,
Sam & Janet Grammer