December Update

Merry Christmas! 

While the northern states are in a deep freeze, we get daytime highs in the 40s and 50s, complaining when it gets down to freezing overnight.  I saw 10 actual snowflakes last week on a cloudy afternoon, and frost on my car in the morning (photo to prove it)!

As I near the 6-month mark here in Kingman, I’ve been reflecting on all I’ve seen and learned.  I know from reading the Bible that when God works on us to make us more fit vessels for His service, the process can be uncomfortable or even painful.  I thought I was fine the way I was, but that’s because I was comparing myself to others, or to how far I’d come.  Being self-satisfied is not a Kingdom attitude.  It had to go.

God took someone who is an organized, logical planner and plunked her down in the middle of a dynamic, spontaneous bunch of people.  I had moments of panic.  They had moments of doubt.  Over time God helped us understand and appreciate each other, but it was a bumpy ride for a bit.  I learned better what it means to "lean on Jesus."  Lean hard.

I would describe our church culture as lively, caring, thirsty for God and His Word, rough around the edges and authentic.  Some have been healed of addiction to drugs or alcohol.  Some are being healed from broken relationships or specific areas of sin.  All are learning how to live in a way that pleases God 24x7.  Pastor Bob regularly challenges us to love one another not only in words, but in deed and truth (1 John 3:18).

Here’s an example.  One couple is celebrating daily the wife’s deliverance from alcohol three months ago.  Their friend had started coming to our church and had given up alcohol as he began pursuing God.  One day he hit a rough patch and posted something on Facebook which made this couple concerned.  That night they drove to every bar in town until they found him.  After a couple hours he was encouraged and ready to try again.  He later posted on Facebook a prayer of repentance and faith in Jesus, the Savior.

Another lady heard about overseas missions and knew that was unlikely for her, so she asked Pastor Bob, “Can’t I do something closer to home?”  She began looking and God put it on her heart to visit residents of a local nursing home weekly.  Several join her in these weekly rounds.  As a Christmas project, church members took home wrapped shoeboxes and filled them with practical gifts for the elderly residents.  We will deliver the shoeboxes this week and sing carols in the hallways.

I taught evangelism training at church this fall and several of those people join us when we go to Las Vegas once or twice a month.  We set up an Intelligence Test sign on a tripod in the pedestrian mall on Freemont Street.  Some people who stop to take the test stay to have a spiritual conversation.  We also pass out gospel tracts.  One woman who took the training believes God wants her to serve in this way, despite her natural shyness, and is looking for the next area of ministry God has for her, possibly in missions.  Another woman has been delivered from drug addiction and comes to share her testimony with others.  She’s not skilled yet, but is being obedient to the command of Jesus to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel.”

Please mention our church people in your prayers.  Some are never far from depression after a lifetime of listening to Satan’s lies.  Some are struggling to pay their bills and put food on the table.  We’re thankful the church is able to help several families with Christmas food baskets and gifts for their children .  

I’ve been helping with the children’s ministry, teaching them traditional songs (This Little Light of Mine, Arky Arky, Father Abraham) and keeping a lid on the ever-present desire of the kids to wrestle each other.  Their teacher, Bridgette, has directed them in a short program telling the story of Christmas and singing carols.  Remember the part in Luke chapter two about the angel announcing the good news to the shepherds? “And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God.”  I asked the kids if they knew what the “heavenly host” was.  One boy suggested it was the master of ceremonies in heaven.  :)

The kids’ Christmas program will be presented in the newly expanded sanctuary, now with seating for 99 people.  We’re praising the Lord for the donated labor and materials that made the remodel possible.  We were able to add a new sound system also.

Regarding a new church plant in Phoenix, Pastor Bob and I will begin contacting people in the area in early January to get an organizational meeting set up.  If the interest is there, I might move to Phoenix in the spring to help start that church.  We are seeking God’s will and hopeful of starting another strong congregation.  It would not be a result of any cleverness on our part, but we would boast in the Lord as the Apostle Paul says (1 Cor. 1:31).

I am raising additional support for the year 2014, to reach a fully-funded level.  I’m also continuing to sell XANGO nutritional supplements and my customers are helping to support me financially that way.  If you have any ongoing health challenges, please get in touch.  The website is www.MyMangosteen.com/Luke638.

We, the Church, are God’s hands and feet and voice.  Remember how many are lost without Him and offer them the Good News along with a bite to eat.  I wish you all a merry Christmas filled with the joy of our Savior Jesus.

Patty Petersen, ppetersen57@hotmail.com