Dear Ones in Him,
As we begin our thirty-second year serving among the Native Americans of Arizona the years have been full of blessings and challenges and experiences that have stretched us in our walk with Christ, and it has been a wonderful privilege to be a part of God’s work here.
The first half of 2016 has flown by and our semi-annual newsletter is overdue! You may recall that in January we asked for your prayers as our son, Kirt, went through triple bypass surgery. So thankful to God for answering those prayers as Kirt is back to work full-time and doing well.
In May, Naomi and Bev gave a Mother/Daughter tea at church.They were hoping that fifteen to twenty might attend, but were thrilled to have thirty-six there! Mrs. Sue Smith brought a wonderful message reminding us that our Heavenly Father cares about us and we can “cast all our cares on Him.”
Also in May, our hearts were saddened at the passing of Bev’s dear sister, Betty. Though we miss her greatly, we rejoice in the knowledge that she is with her Savior and our separation is only temporary.
July saw six of our junior age at West Branch church camp. Four of the six made the life-changing decision to trust Christ as personal Savior. We rejoice in the salvation of five of our young people this year, and are looking forward to a baptism service later this month. Please pray for spiritual growth in these young lives.
We just ended a great four days of VBS with an average of twenty-four children. What a blessing to hear the children in the Sunday morning service share the Bible verses they had memorized, as well as the songs they had learned throughout the week. Naomi did a wonderful job putting this all together.
It is exciting to see our church growing, and are anxiously awaiting yet another new “member’s” arrival! Paul & Naomi are expecting their fourth little one the end of August. Please pray all will go well.
We would covet your prayers for a father who, through wrong choices brought on by drug addiction, will be spending several years in prison. His daughter attends Junior Church regularly.
Included are some pictures of the Mother/Daughter tea and of VBS.
We are grateful for your interest in this ministry and we thank the Lord for each one of you who continues to pray for us.
God bless you,
Gary & Bev Messick