|
|
A view from our home |
|
|
Terry and Pam Laurence
June and July 2010 Newsletter
|
|
|
|
|
Dear
Brethren,
There are
so many to thank for making this summer another memorable one. We are so grateful for the encouragement that
each of you have given whether you are near or far. As you know we have just completed our first
year and have learned and gain so much in this ministry. We had hoped that we
could come and visit some of you this summer but with all the excitement we
seemed to have filled our calendar with enough to keep us busy the whole time. Our
summer began with Pam going to the hospital and being admitted for three days.
With Pam’s permission, the surgery was for a partial hysterectomy, which had kept
her off her feet for an additional week.
Special Thanks – This year Doug and Maxine Sheppard brought
a whole team of sojourners along with them. I have to say this has got to be
one of the hardest working groups I have ever seen. They seem to know what each
other was thinking. As they pulled in, Maxine reminded us that we are not to do
anything extra but to keep on keeping on and that they were here to serve.
Everyone knew what their job was and didn’t waste any time finding their place.
Before we knew it the forms for the new sidewalks were laid out. When Pam and I
returned with the paint it didn’t take long before the exterior walls of the house
were painted. We love the new colors and how it makes the place look pleasant
and inviting. A special thanks also
goes out to the University cofC and Northeast cofC for your hard work and
involvement.
Vacation Bible School – This year we had a better idea of what to expect and could
not wait for the Newport
cofC van to come rolling in. It seems as though we had known them for years, what
they bring with them is lots of love and a special bond and they also do a fantastic
job with VBS. Along with the sojourners they made this a successful meeting. We
had a total of 88 this year and have made a couple of good contacts. Please keep
the work here on the Indian Reservation in prayer.
Bible Camp – There was no slowing down, as soon as VBS was over we were
looking ahead to this year’s Bible camp. This would be Pam’s first year and
also the first for the Fort
Defiance congregation.
There were 10 of us who went and following behind us was a large group from Hico, TX
that came to join us all. We want to thank the Hico congregation for the
donation of clothes and teaching material that is so much needed. Hico took a
huge load off by helping with the cooking and serving.
This year’s
theme was “A River of Contentment”
and from what I heard everyone enjoyed the lessons and had a great time. This
annual camp gives us all an opportunity to work with each other and to teach. In
the photo to the right we have Pat Osif from Kayenta teaching one of the classes.
Monthly Classes
In June our study in Genesis was
completed and now we are in the book of Exodus. July was Fort Defiance’s
month to host the class (Fri & Sat). Wayne Burger from Bear Valley
came out to teach chapters 1-18. He always does an awesome job in keeping everyone’s
attention. One of the ladies that I had studied with at the Senior Center
several months ago happen to come to the class and talked a little with Wayne Burger
during one of the breaks and Wayne
encouraged her to get with me to talk about some of the questions she had. I
just want to say that we have had two one-on-one studies since and she has
really enjoyed them. Her name is Joanne Becenti ( raised traditionally) please
keep her in your prayers.
Final
Words
With our first year behind us Pam and I can face the
challenges before us with a little more insight. There are always lessons to be
learned on how to approach the evangelistic work no matter where you are.
I received a phone call from Josh Austin concerning a topic
he was to speak on and the questions he asked me made me think back to what it
was that first grabbed my interest in studying the Bible and why I was able to
stick with it. We probably all have taken different steps, but for me, I told
him what made the biggest difference was the way he studied with me, how he
took the time to break the verses down so that I could understand them. He made
studying simple, taking small steps. He use Scripture to answer my questions
and anytime during our study when he asked me a question he always referred me
back to the Bible (keeping me in context) “but what does the Bible say?” That’s
what made me pay more attention to the words. It made studying for me more
interesting and desirable.
Josh must have been pretty shocked about my desire to learn in
order for him to get me involved in worship; No, I think he knew what he was praying for. Knowing my fear of
stepping up he encouraged me, helping me to trust in God. I remember what I
told him, fearing God I did not want to misinterpret the word. But he told me,
that was the exact attitude God wants from each of us. Come to think of it, he
showed me how much he carried and he did it all with love and prayer.
I can still here Bob Turner (one of my instructors at Bear Valley)
tell me “we cannot teach anyone anything without first showing them we love them
and care about them.” I could go on telling you what I learned in school is all
beginning to fall in place. But I think I made my point if that’s what I can
call it.
I not only pray for the work here on the Navajo reservation,
but for all who contribute to it and for the work that you are also involved in
locally and around the world. Thank you for all you do in Christ.
With love in Christ,
Terry & Pam Laurence
Fort Defiance church
of Christ
PO BOX 556
Fort
Defiance, AZ 86504
Phone 928-729-2165 Cell
480-634-0124
Email Address: laurence_terry@yahoo.com | 
