Praise and Prayer for February 14, 2011

Happy Valentine’s Day! One of the greatest blessings that we enjoy is the love that we share both for the Lord and for one another. And we are acutely aware that the love we know is because of the love and grace that God showed to us first in giving His Son (Jn 3:16). How we thank Him for His Gift. Yesterday in the primary Sunday School class, one of the boys prayed to receive this Gift. We pray that G’s decision was genuine and that God will help his faith to grow. It was very encouraging to hear of this decision on a day when the attendance in his class was the biggest it has been, perhaps in years. There were 12 primaries present! We are confident that God was working in hearts among the adults in the auditorium as well. Attendance was good for the baptismal service, and included unsaved friends and family members. The testimonies, special music, baptism and message combined to give a clear message of God’s love for us despite our sin, and our need to respond to Him in obedience.

The church counsel met with the counsel from the church in Chalons at 10 a.m. Saturday. The meeting/fellowship continued even when I had to leave about 3:30 p.m. to come home to help Cherith. Besides having the three kids home all day, she was also preparing a main dish and cookies for the fellowship dinner Sunday and getting Adrianna’s room ready for an overnight guest. We had our company coming for supper and a time of counsel and prayer. On Friday, the Lord gave us a good visit with one of the hurting members.

Praise for:

- the profession of faith by an eight year old boy Sunday and the good attendance in Sunday School, including the family that we spoke about last week.

- the baptism of S and S Sunday and for all who heard the Good News.

- all of the kids who are doing well with their Scripture memorization, including several who quoted verses to us on Sunday.

- the strength and health the Lord gave for a busy week, though Jonathan could tell he was fighting something.

- the help that God gives as we counsel and encourage others.

Pray for:

- G, for growth for this brand new child of God.

- God’s continued working in the lives of those present Sunday.

- Jonathan as he prepares to preach this Sunday and for Tuesday Bible study.

- our English Encounter this Thursday evening.

- opportunities to show God’s love to those around us.

- preparations for our time of home ministry this summer and fall.