Dear Ones in Him,
It has been some time since we last wrote and we have much to share.
MARCH
First, you may remember that we had requested prayer for our daughter-in-law, Elda, who underwent cancer surgery. We are so very thankful to report that she is doing well! A wonderful answer to prayer!
On March 8th, the Lord blessed us with our first great-grand baby! Emma Darling was born to Jake and Jessica Tyson, and her name certainly fits – she is darling and very precious. JD and Jenny are now grandparents and loving it!
After months of waiting, the modular was finally torn down. The demolition company did a great job, all went very smoothly and was removed in one day, with clean-up the next day. We all had a huge surprise, including the work crew. As they were pulling out the girders underneath, out came running for their lives, five javelina! Evidently, this had been their family home for sometime!
We had mentioned in our last letter that work had been done to enclose the pavilion. There is still finish work that needs to be done, but it will be a tremendous help having children’s church and fellowships there.
The end of the month, it was so good to have a visit from Bud & Connie Wells of Cody, WY. They both have had major health issues, so it was a blessing to see their health improved.
APRIL
The first of April, we enjoyed having Peggy Weishaar, from Indianapolis spend a week with us.
Bev has mixed emotions about having turned 80 in January. Since then, she has broken two teeth and had to have crowns put in, a day after learning she would need knee replacement surgery, her knee gave out and she fell, injuring her hand on the cabinet. The doctor recommended a cane for safety. Her knee surgery was scheduled May 31st, but had to be postponed until she can see a cardiologist. Gary is wondering what he might expect when he turns 80 in October?! He is waiting to learn he may need a pacemaker. Seriously, overall we are doing well.
MAY
In May we were privileged to fly to Conway, AR. to celebrate two very special occasions. The dedication of Emma to the Lord, and the wedding of Hunter & Becca Tyson. Hunter is JD and Jenny’s third son. We so enjoyed being with their family again.
It was great having our niece and nephew, Rick & Sharilyn DeCrastos from Noblesville, IN. here with us for a week.
The last of February, Paul & Naomi had shared with us that Paul felt the Lord had worked in his heart and felt was he ready to take over as pastor of Living Waters Baptist Church. We were thrilled with the news, for we knew many had prayed for this, and we felt this was God’s plan. God will bring the right people at the right time, and He did this in bringing Paul and Naomi and their dear family. They have a heart for the Native American people. It has been a joy to have ministered alongside them to accomplish God’s plan. We feel it best not to attend LWBC, to allow Paul time to establish his ministry as shepherd of the flock.
So, the Transition Service was held on May 28th, with Brother Steve Deford, our mission director, giving the challenge. It was a very special weekend, a time of reflecting back on God’s faithfulness and giving thanks for the privilege of serving Him these last almost forty years.
We aren’t calling this Retirement, as we want to fill in for missionaries on the reservations that might need to be away from their churches for a short time. Please pray with us that God would show us what He would have us do in service for Him. Someone said that this isn’t “retirement,” but re-assignment!” We just want to be used of the Lord any way He leads.
Several traveled to celebrate with us. The “icing on the cake” was that Kirt, and Elida and the boys came up from Glendale, and brought JD and Jenny with them! We had no idea they were flying in from Arkansas. Though JD had to return home, we were so very glad that Jenny was able to arrange to stay with us for two weeks.
JUNE
Besides having Jenny with us in June, it was a blessing to have a visit from our niece and nephew, Kevin & Arlene Roberts, from Kendallville, IN. It means so much to us anytime family and friends make the long trip out this way to spend time with us.
PRAISES:
*Elida’s good health
*Our new great-granddaughter, Emma
*For the privilege of working with Native Americans for almost forty years
PRAYER REQUESTS:
*Wisdom and guidance for Paul & Naomi and financial support
*God’s direction for us
*Completion of the pavilion
*Funds and workers for the modular replacement
*Funds and workers to finish the pavilion
From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your love, prayers and faithful support through the years.
Love in Christ,
Gary & Bev Messick