To download the prayer letter in a printable PDF format with picture and graphics, please click HERE

“…upon this rock I will build my church…”

~ Matthew 16:18 ~

In spite of the interruptions in life due to the COVID-19 virus and the resulting restrictions, this summer has been a busy one as we have constantly adapted our ministries and way of life.  Starting in July, Newfoundland allowed churches to once again meet in person.  This was a great blessing and we were excited to resume in-person services, but it did not come without its difficulties.  

In Stephenville, New Hope Baptist Church lost its meeting place in the local community college due to the COVID restrictions.  All other public places had similar restrictions, so we began holding outdoor services as the weather allowed.  We first held services at the O’Briens’ house before moving to the town park in later weeks.  The park services lasted until the beginning of September when the weather turned colder as fall approached.  Thankfully, God has provided a rented room at the local curling club where we can hold services each Sunday and we held our first service there this past Sunday.  

Although we currently have a place to meet for New Hope, the COVID restrictions have shown us that we cannot continue to rely on rented space for a meeting place.  We are currently in talks with someone about either a long-term lease or a rent-to-own agreement for a building on Main Street.  Please pray with us for wisdom as we seek God’s will for a permanent location for New Hope Baptist Church.

In Corner Brook, Grace Baptist Church had an unexpected blessing when the owners of the storefront that we lease graciously suspended our rent payments for the months that we were unable to hold services.  When we reconvened for services in July, we were excited to have several visitors who have been faithfully attending since then.  God has brought two families and a single man into our congregation and we are excited about the work that God is doing in Corner Brook.  Another praise is that we were able to complete a much-needed project at the church — refinishing the floor.  The church people gave sacrificially for the project and we even had several of the church men show up throughout the week to help!  

Family News and Happenings

One big blessing for this summer was that outdoor sports were permitted to take place.  Both Elliot and Kara were able to join the local teams for the summer and through that, we have been able to make many new friends and acquaintances in the community.

Elliot chose baseball this year for his summer sport.  It was a great option, because many of the boys that he played basketball with last fall were also playing baseball.  We spent many hours at the ball field this summer sitting alongside the parents chatting and building relationships with them as we watched our sons play ball.  Provincial tournaments were not allowed this year, but we hosted a regional tournament and Elliot’s team was able to take home the silver medal.  

When Kara found out that she could play soccer this year, she said it was a dream come true for her!  She enjoyed playing for the first time and Katie was able to get to know many of the moms during her practices and games.  Kara also participated in a regional tournament at the end of the year and she is already looking forward to next year!

Throughout the soccer and baseball season, the Lord kept bringing us into contact with one young family in particular.  Please pray for this family and that God would give us opportunities to continue to build a relationship with them now that the sports are over.

Thank you for your faithful prayers and support. We are truly blessed to be His servants and your representatives to the people of Newfoundland.

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To download the prayer letter in a printable PDF format with picture and graphics, please click HERE