Ft. Defiance church of Christ

December 2009 Newsletter                                                                            

Greetings,

This is always a time of year we seem to share more time with family and friends. Above is a picture of Lilia and her dear friends from Kayenta, AZ. It was a blessing to have the Austin family stay overnight with us. Lilia had so much fun with the girls, and Pam & I spent our evening with Josh and Divine talking late into the night. Their stay with us was a tremendous uplift for us. We just want to thank you both for all the encouragement you have given us, may God bless you and your work in Christ.

Willing helpers

Pam was so amazed by two girls (Seniors in H. S.) and could not stop talking about them. One afternoon Tiffany Bia and DeeDee Brown stopped by just looking for something to do. They offered to help us with whatever we needed done, so we invited them in to have lunch with us. We asked if they were doing this to make a little extra cash for the holidays and they immediately both said “NO! We just want to help because we have nothing else to do.” We told them that we have several large boxes and bags of clothes that need sorting. They were a big help.

The next day while Pam continued to sort clothes with them she learned that they were both going to be moving to Phoenix to live with relatives so they could continue their education. She also learned that they were not going to have Christmas this year because their parents could not afford it…..On Christmas Eve, Pam and I dropped off a food box and a turkey so they could enjoy a Christmas dinner. During our visit we told Tiffany’s parents how pleased we were to have these two come and offer their help and asking for nothing in return.

Travel…

This month I took a much needed trip to Melrose, NM. I fist stopped in Albuquerque to preach on Sunday morning at University CofC and continued on to Melrose, making it there in time to preach that evening. I took my mom (Laura) along with me on this trip and she was deeply moved by the love and hospitality you have all shown. She is staying with us here in Fort Defiance off and on during the cold season. Although she has obeyed the gospel back in 2003, she continued to worship at her home church while I was in school. With me back home I have been taking advantage of studying with her and she loves the personal Bible studies.

Stepping UP…

While I was away, Virgil Morgan who I mentioned in our September newsletter and Steward Silentman another brethren who is always encouraging me, stepped up this month to fill the pulpit. Virgil taught a short lesson on the Lord’s Supper and Steward preached a lesson from 1 Corinthians. Both worked together on short notice to carry on worship and did a wonderful job. Everything I heard about the work was encouraging. It’s nice to know that we have men that can step up when needed. May they be blessed in their growth in Christ.

FAMILY TIME

It was brought to my attention that family time should not be neglected. Although I’m excited about the work here and can’t stop noticing when opportunity is knocking, I have devoted some personal time to my family while this opportunity stands. We have really taken advantage of Pam’s time-off for the winter break and we are enjoying the snow.

      (In the picture to the right is our nephew Leland who stayed with us for a week and our Lilia.)

 

 

FINAL WORDS – We have been blessed in so many ways and God is who we ultimately give thanks and glory to. I find myself being pushed by the motivation that continues to grow inside me. And I pray that I will continue to grow with heavenly wisdom and knowledge that I need and so much desire.

May God Bless you in every way, and may this season bring joy to your families.