February 2025 Prayer Letter

A snowy scene outside a building with a gray concrete exterior and large glass doors. A sign on the door reads "Grace Baptist Church" with service times listed: Bible Foundation at 10:00 a.m. and Worship Service at 11:30 a.m., along with a phone number. Snow covers the ground, sidewalk, and the base of the doors, with a clear view of snow-covered mountains and a frozen landscape in the background under a gray sky.

March 1st, 2025

Prayerletters

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

“Praying always…that utterance may be given unto me…to make known the mystery of the gospel”

~ Ephesians 6:19 ~

Besides the normal routine of weekly services, Bible studies, and discipleship, the first two months of 2025 have been mostly devoted to planning and assessing the financial status and ministry opportunities for Grace Baptist Church in the coming year. The church is in a tight spot financially, but so far, our people have responded well with giving to specific needs, and we are trusting the Lord to provide what is needed as we follow Him in ministry this year.

In order to help you all pray effectively for us and the ministry here, I want to give a brief overview of our upcoming ministries and events for the year here in Corner Brook and ask you to pray with us about these.

John 3:16 SUNDAY, March 16, (3/16) — This will be an evangelistic Sunday, centred around the message of John 3:16 with a potluck lunch following. The goal is for our people to invite friends, family, coworkers, and neighbours to come hear the Gospel.

Bible Conference, April 27-30 — My former pastor, Pastor Charles Surrett will be coming to preach for us. We are looking forward to a time of encouragement and strengthening from God’s Word.

Ladies’ Retreat, May 23-24 — The 23rd is focused on equipping Christian ladies from across the island, and the 24th is an outreach luncheon for the community. This year Mrs. Rachel Harrison, the wife of a supporting pastor, will be the guest speaker.

Anniversary SUNDAY, June 29, — Grace Baptist Church will celebrate its 4th anniversary with Pastor Boyd Stansford as our guest preacher.

Family Fun Day Carnival, July 26, — The city of Corner Brook asked us to host this event again this year. It is a tremendous outreach and opportunity to give the Gospel in the community.

Family & TEEN Camp, August 18-21, — A collaborative effort of outreach & equipping for all the churches on the island.

Wreath-making Workshop, November 22, — This is an evangelistic outreach that has grown each year.

Christmas Parade, December 6, — We plan to have a float and distribute Gospel packets along the route.

Besides these events, we will have our regular summer outreach of distributing door-hanger packets, and we will be filing for Registered Charity Status as a church. We would greatly appreciate your prayers as we plan and prepare for each of these events. Some of them will require faith and sacrificial giving from our people, but we rest confident that God has directed our church to these specific opportunities. We are excited to see how God will provide & bless.

Family Updates

Elliot celebrated his 16th birthday in December, and on January 14, he passed his written test for his learner’s permit. Winter driving in Corner Brook is not easy, and he has done well so far with learning how to drive in less than ideal road and weather conditions.

Karalyn turned 13 at the end of January, and, as is our tradition, we celebrated with family and ice skating at our local rink!

Both kid have started back with piano lessons and are progressing by leaps and bounds. They alternate playing for offertory each week, and Kara will often fill in for Katie when she has to be in nursery.

We have a couple of family trips planned for the upcoming year as well. In July, we are planning a quick trip to the States because Katie was asked to be in the wedding of a dear friend. Lord willing, we will try to work it so that our kids can attend Camp Barnabas at Ambassador Baptist College at that same time.

In August, our mission board is hosting a week-long retreat in Ottawa for all of the Canadian missionary families. Canada is a big country and many of us serve in remote places, so it will be good to reconnect with the other missionaries and spend time fellowshipping and encouraging one another.

A Need for More Labourers

There is one more thing that we would ask you to pray with us about — for another family or couple to come help us here on the West Coast of Newfoundland. Between the two ministries (Stephenville and Corner Brook), there is a great need for a third family who could serve as a floater between the two — helping out and assisting in each location as needed. Even if it is not someone called to vocational ministry, a solid, grounded lay family would be a huge asset to the ministries here. Would you pray with us that God would send someone to western Newfoundland? Would you be willing to pray that God would send you?

Prayer Praises

Elliot earned his learner’s permit and is driving now

Both kids progressing with piano and using their talents in the ministry here

The Lord opening many different doors to minister in our community and beyond in the coming year

Prayer Requests

Wisdom and provision for each of the outreaches and events that God has given us in 2025

For God to send another family to assist the ministries here in western Newfoundland

For the John 3:16 Sunday – that our people would be faithful to invite others, that the who receive invitations would be receptive, and that those who come would understand the Gospel and trust Christ

Thank you to all who continue to uphold us in faithful prayer and financial support. We are truly blessed to be His servants and your representatives to the people of Newfoundland.