September, 2010

It's fall! Where did the summer go? We were too busy to notice! But here is some great news - we have a good offer on our Michigan house!! We are waiting eagerly for a response from the bank as it's all in their hands now. Please continue to pray with us that everything will go through. We'll keep you posted. And now to catch up. . . .

We really enjoyed having a mission team from our sending church, Berean Baptist in Bunker Hill, IL, come for a week. They were able to get so many things done that would have been impossible for us otherwise. The week ended with our second Community Outreach event. (You can see pictures, if you'd like.) We considered it very successful with several families to follow up with.

Another very big project that took lots of time was a web site for our church. A man in our group did all the technical, behind the scenes work to set it up, then we did all the work of designing and publishing it. Now all we have to do is maintain it (all we have to do???) The final step still to be done is getting it listed in searches. Feel free to check it out (link at right) and then give suggestions for improvement. We want it to be a good reflection of God's work here.

The Good News Club is underway again for the school year. The lady heading it up and Cheryl were able to attend a workshop and came back with some ideas for better organization for our club. We have fewer children than last year so far, but it should grow. We are very thankful for the cooperation and even encouagement of the school administration. Our game time is much better because of a different room, and the kids are loving it!

Now that schedules have become somewhat more predictable, we have started a new men's group called Men of Integrity. Seven men came, including a guest we've been praying for, for breakfast and Bible study on Saturday morning. This will be a monthly event with the purpose of building spiritually strong leaders for our church and our families.

Sunday evening, Sept 26, was the first of our small group gatherings. Fourteen people came. We are using a DVD series on creation/evolution and will meet for 4 weeks. After a break we plan to begin again with a new topic for study. The purpose is not only for teaching our church group, but to give them a non-threatening setting to bring unsaved or unchurched friends to.

We are looking forward to attending a seminar from Sept 30 - Oct 2, called "Intentional Discipleship." We have already been to the introductory session held during the summer, and the material is excellent. It should be an invaluable tool for starting a church out doing things the best way possible



Ryan - 2



Seth - almost 2



On a personal note - we're going to be grandparents again! Elizabeth and Troy, who have 2 little boys

will be adding a 3rd little one to their family in the spring. We're hoping for a girl, but another boy would be just fine with all of us, too.

      

Cheryl was offered the job of accompanying the junior and senior high choirs of the Danville school. She had just been praying that if the Lord wanted her to work, she'd be willing, but a job would have to come to her as she had no idea where to look. About 2 days later, she received a call, and now she's spending much needed time practicing and running back and forth to the school - choir is right in the middle of the day! It's pretty stressful for her, but she's really enjoying it.

We cannot end this without once again saying how much we appreciate and are thankful for our wonderful supporters. You have been so faithful even during financially difficult times. We are often amazed at the way the Lord has provided for you and for us. Thank you so much for giving and for praying. We could not do this work alone!

Joyfully serving,

Ed and Cheryl