Tuesday, September 2, 2014

A Season of Change - Holding onto the Plow, a Testimony of His Faithfulness



Summer is almost over here In Exeter. We had a restful and good summer, but soon the crispness can be felt and the leaves will be turning those beautiful golden colors. I always love this time of year as we get those scattered days of sun and wind mixed. This reminds me that the season of change is coming upon us in more ways than one.

This time of year is when the University students once again settle in to Exeter to continue their studies, gardeners are carefully digging out their beloved plants and tucking them away in the greenhouse as the mums are slowly blooming throughout each garden.

All the more, Bob and I are prayerfully developing plans for more Bible studies and discipleship within our two churches in Exeter and Wotter. It's the beginning of a busy season and we are waiting with excitement to see what God has planned.
There is a song I am reminded of that goes:
"Put your hand to the plow, hold on
  Put your hand to the plow, hold on
  Put your hand to the plow
  Keep your eyes on Jesus now
  Put your hand to the plow, hold on"
And truly the season of change has come upon us, and we must hold on looking to Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith.


After two years of prayer, Calvary Chapel Exeter now has a new meeting place! It's an actual existing small church that was no longer being used which we were allowed to rent. It has everything we had been praying for including a sanctuary holding 100 chairs, a large kitchen, classrooms for children ministry, parking in back (huge answer prayer) all within 1 street from the University. Psalm 63:7 says,"Because you have been my help, therefore in the shadow of your wings I will rejoice." And we are truly rejoicing!! 

We will have our first service September 21st, and I will post photos later. A team scheduled months ago from Calvary Chapel Aurora, Colorado will be here to help us get it ready to open. We are soo blessed and want to thank everyone for diligently praying each month for this need.  For in God's timing, as we waited and prayed, He has truly been glorified! Psalm 27:13-14  
 13  Yet I am confident I will see the Lord's goodness
while I am here in the land of the living. 
   14  Wait patiently for the Lord.
Be brave and courageous.
Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.  



I was able to travel to the states the beginning of August to not only surprise my sisters and nine grandchildren, but also to partake In two of their birthdays! Oh what a joy and what a blessing! Although Bob stayed behind, God allowed him to be used mightily at the annual "Creation Fest" held in Cornwall. It is a Music and Bible week free of charge. Many who who on holiday in the area came in and were ministered to by the Word and the Christian bands.





The Lord seems to be allowing me to meet new neighbors, as my apple ministry is in full swing. My apple tree once again has produced above and beyond, and I have used this opportunity to give them out to my neighbors. In their response, we have had great chats over a cuppa tea and the end result was a new friendship that has developed.  



The work is once again beginning to go full speed in Exeter and Wotter after a summer of rest. Our prayer is that we may all be found faithful, not growing weary but keeping our hands to the plow and holding on. We want to be focused with anticipation for all He is going to do in and thru our lives the next days, months and year ahead. I Thessalonians 5:24 says, " ...faithful is He who calls you who will also do it."

Again thank you for your prayers for the work here in Devon, England. May He bless you as you have blessed us with your love and diligence in prayer. Truly our hearts are greatful.
James 5:16 "the prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective."




Praise Reports:
New larger facility in Exeter
Molly Kruzel from Calvary Chapel Maricopa, Arizona will be arriving September 9th to help in the work here in Exeter

Prayer Requests:
Neighborhood evangelism
Wotter harvest festival program Sunday, September 28th
Uni students/ discipleship/ Solomon's Porch