|
Dear ,
This summer has proved to be filled with some 'polar' weather and events. Since May, we've attended the funeral of the pastor who impacted our lives to be in full-time ministry, have been in the delivery room for our third grandchild and attended the wedding of a close friend's son. We have received so many prayer needs of family and close friends and our hearts go out to all of them.
Pastor Jeff Thornley, of Waldorf MD GBC, died suddenly at the age of 55. Pastor Jeff impacted thousands of people as was evident from the line that wrapped around the church for 7 hours during the viewing. People flew and drove thousands of miles to attend his 
funeral and comfort his family. It was like being at a ministry reunion, as we remembered Jeff and his heart for those who long for the love of Jesus. So many of us have gone on to serve God in full-time ministry because of our time there at Waldorf. His family, of course, is devastated much more than any of us will ever know. Ted was honored to be a pallbearer and to share in this time of rememberance and celebration of a life fully lived for God. We continue to pray for Cindy and her three sons as they move forward without their husband and dad and for the church family that Jeff loved so much.
Also in May, we were blessed to be present when our daughter-in-law, Madi, gave birth to little Lacey on her older brother's birthday. Not only do they look alike and share the same birthday one year apart, but they even weighed the same.
Following Lacey's birth,  Ted spoke at the Village Church on stewardship and we shared our financial testimony. That was followed up by a seminar Ted taught in our basement on debt-free living where we were able to share with about 30 Villagers the dangers of debt and how to become debt-free in less than 8 years. We have heard a lot of good news from those who desire to make some major changes in their lifestyle in the upcoming years.
After a special wedding with dear friends, we were blessed to speak at a marriage seminar for Muskoka Community Church in Huntsville, Ontario (where the G20 summit was recently held). It was great reconnecting with Pastor Jeremy and his young church of just three years. We were privileged to come alongside when they contacted us several years ago for sponsorship as they were
starting the first Ashland Brethren church in Canada. They now have a strong community of believers and are fully self-supporting. They are adventurous and even enjoy outdoor services and activities throughout the year. Many lives are being transformed by the love of Christ there.
We also got to visit Ted's brother, Chris and his wife Joan, and attend the baptism of a young woman staying with them. It was very exciting to see her express her new faith in Christ.
Medicine Hat Matters
 Hope everyone received the Spring GBCanada USA newsletter in the mail (if not, you can get a copy at www.gbcanada.ca). Elise is standing by awaiting your email on how creative you were in helping us to launch the new church this fall (see last page of that newsletter). Each of the Canadian churches are fundraising as well. The Village sold travel mugs and held yard sales raising over $1,500. We're at 50% of our launch needs...we know you can be creative too eh?
Travel Update: It was wonderful to reconnect with friends from the past in IN when we drove to Indianapolis for GBIF board meetings in May. Thanks for praying as we are getting ready to leave for the FGBC Conference, Vision2020, and our trek to Alberta to attend the Great Canadian Adventure and the first TransCanada Summit, which is the gathering of all the Canadian churches started by GBCanada. Grasslands, the fourth church, will get some needed assistance and boost from both the GCA and Summit groups coming. We'd appreciate your prayers for that impact and also as we drive nearly 10,000 kms. We're pushing 300,000 kms on our 11 year old van, so pray we won't need to stop at "Corner Gas" for repairs (that's a Canadian joke-you'll have to Google it).
 As the Great Canadian Adventure will play a big role in launching Grasslands Church this fall, it's still not too late for YOU to physically show up and be part of what God is doing in Medicine Hat. Click on this link www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0Oljq5-dlw to see our video and listen to one our church planting associates, Bart, tell you all about it. You can also go directly to the GCA website or click on the Short-Term Teams tab on our website. If you can't make it this time than thanks for praying for great spiritual impact and making some good connections for the fall 2011 launch. The core team is still forming and could use more committed partners serving and growing alongside as well.
For ongoing and historical updates for all the GBCanada missionaries and church planters, please check our website and follow the links. |
