It started out with Tropical Storm Irene flooding us in at the Church, and we had to stay overnight at the Church with no electricity after the Sunday evening preaching. All of the highways were closed, and four bridges were washed out. But, we had oil lamps, plenty of clean water to drink, plenty of food, and a great spirit among everyone. It was one of those nights we will probably never forget.
Monday evening, things started to warm up with some good preaching by Bro. Hafelin and Bro. Patterson. Tuesday was what I called “Youth Day” — we had 39 youth show up! We started at noon with a spaghetti feed for the youth, then had some outdoor activities, then Bro. Hafelin preached at them, then we had some more outdoor activities, and then supper. For the preaching that evening, we had 51 people there (the most we’ve had in that little building in the 10 years I have been here) and had to set up chairs in front of the pews and behind the pews to get everyone in. God is so good. there were 3 saved that night, including the toughest teenager there, who had been brought by one of his friends. This 17-year-old came right up to me afterward asking how soon he could be baptized, and he went home and told all of his friends that he was saved.
On Thursday afternoon, Bro. Carl Morrison (planted a church 18 months ago in Bridgton, Maine), Bro. Paul McLaughlin (Hope Haven Gospel Mission), and Bro. Chuck Barnes (Maine church planter) preached, and Hafelin & Patterson wrapped it up by preaching in the evening. In all, 7 were saved during the week and we had the best attendance ever. There was a wonderful spirit all week long. I have never seen teenagers respond like this to the preaching of God’s Word. What a sight to see the young men and women.
God has so blessed. There is a new spirit in the Church. God is so good. I don’t know if my Dad was able to see what was going on this week at the Church he poured 25 years of his life into, but if he did see it, he’s probably still shouting “AMEN!”
It has been some time since our last update on-line. We are wrapping up a busy summer and beginning an equally busy Fall/Winter season.
This summer and fall, we had tables at the Farmington Fair (largest local fair), the Wilton Blueberry Festival, Kingfield Days, and Phillips Old Home Days. It was a tremendous investment of time but has paid off with eternal fruit.
Our Fall Conference in September was a wonderful success. The theme this year was “Seeking the Old Paths,” and it was a great time of preaching, fellowship, and spiritual refreshment. I have put the audio from this conference on-line (see the post below).
Thank you once again for your continued and faithful support of us by holding us up in prayer and assisting financially. We are entering the challenging Winter season, so your support is that much more vital and welcome. Thank you.
Please pray for God’s guidance and wisdom for us, as well as for more open doors.
I have come across so many people who think that choosing a Bible version is just a matter of preference, that I have put together a 21-minute “video tract” on DVD to explain why we choose the KJV. The video is now complete, and will be shipping in a week or so. Pre-order a copy and save. Show it to your Sunday School class, your family, your bus kids — anyone who can benefit from knowing the historical evidence for the KJV and against the modern Bible versions.
This project was born out of what I can only describe as grief at the departure from the church by somebody who got mixed up in some bizarre, modernist doctrines. This person is loved and missed very much. I hope that by exposing a number of false modernist doctrines — not just what this person was involved in — and debunking them using the Bible, I can help another pastor and another church avoid what our family has been through.
God told Jeremiah to tell the men and women of Judah to seek the Old Paths. They replied that they would not walk in them — they had a “better” way. What seems “better” to man is not always what is better to God.
In the end, people will do what they “feel” is right, despite the clear teaching of the Bible. But, perhaps there is that one person out there who sincerely loves and wants to please God, and will heed what the Bible says. I pray God will use this new site mightily and will provide the time resources to develop it into what it ought to be.
My wife was headed to her mother’s house (about 90 miles away) when, about halfway there, the engine lost oil pressure and began to rap. She pulled off at a service station and looked under the car to see the engine leaking oil and oil sprayed all over the bottom of the card.
I have to admit that when she called me, I assumed the worst. I questioned God as to why he would take away our only vehicle when we had no means for another. I settled on Romans 8:28 and put it all in His hands.
Thankfully, she has a brother who lives 7 miles from where she broke down, and the roadside service allowed a tow of up to 15 miles, so we had it towed to his place. One of his sons looked at it a couple days later to see what the problem was. The problem was with an “oil sensor” gone bad, and parts and labor figured out to $100 even. Wow. $100 is a lot of money, but it’s a whole lot better than $1200-$1600.
I hope every one of us fully appreciates our churches tomorrow, no matter how imperfect they may be. How wonderful that we can meet together without the government’s approval. Some day it might not be so.
