October Beginnings...
Indeed, we are blessed beyond measure as ministry continues in FOCUS!
We started October hosting a "retreat" for two of the pastors from Hope Community Church; Tucson, AZ, and their wives. What a sweet request when the senior pastor, also requested that the associate pastor, join them on their little "get away." Not only did they leave refreshed, but Bay and I also found ourselves refreshed by their presence. In spite of family health issues that have plagued both couples throughout the summer, we truly proved that "laughter is the best medicine."
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We crammed a lot into the four days the Brainards' and Collins' were with us. Wandering Pagosa's busy streets with a stop for coffee at our "almost" famous Root House coffee shop (soon to be an HGTV special, "Building Roots"); fishing, kayaking, and paddle boarding on a gorgeous fall afternoon; early morning quiet times in our new patio next to a roaring fire in the little wood stove; horseback riding; target-shooting-therapy; and, of course, some "leaf-peeping."
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Peg left Bay in charge of meals (reheating leftovers wasn't too hard), heading to Lewiston, Idaho the day before our two couples headed back to Arizona. Over fifty years ago, Peg spent a summer in the Clarkston/Lewiston area, and found it MUCH CHANGED! She flew in on Thursday, staying Thursday night with dear friends (Bill and Janet Carr), driving up to Camp Touchet, near Dayton, WA for a women's retreat hosted by the ladies of First Naz, Lewiston.....AND, October "showed off" in full splendor! The weekend theme: Fall into the Arms of Jesus.
While just a small group (COVID, you remember & Washington is pretty strict...Peg even had to take a COVID test before leaving for camp - see picture above), Peg fell in love with the ladies and enjoyed a lot of one-on-one time with them. In fact, during the last session, as she purveyed the room, she realized that she had gotten sweet conversation over meals, during crafts, or free time with each and every gal. Over the four sessions, Peg developed a series that included "Falling into the Arms of Jesus" and finding: rest, refreshment in hearing the Saviors voice (intimacy), release from bondage as we find our identity in Christ alone, and restoring our purpose as we share our stories to the glory of God...
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MINISTRY FOR THE REST OF OCTOBER -- PLEASE PRAY WITH US ABOUT THESE UPCOMING EVENTS:
This weekend we will have two of our three kiddos home with their families for A VERY SHORT VISIT...but, we do know how to take advantage of every little minute!
Dulce ministry: Bay will be preaching the next two weekends in Dulce in two different churches. This weekend, he will be at New Life (Pastor Rudy has to be in Texas to officiate the funeral of an uncle who recently passed from COVID related illness). The following week, he will preach at Dulce Baptist Church for a "Back the Blue" service to honor the front line workers in that community (the pastor also works in the sheriffs department - both full time positions). Peg will also be doing another women's event sometime toward the end of the month, or the first part of November.
This coming Wednesday evening, October 20th, Bay will be speaking at an FCA "Fields of Faith" outreach here in Pagosa at the football stadium. We are praying for a great turnout - not for number's sake - but for many to hear the gospel message!!
Next week, Okongo and Shyla Samson (from Unite 4 Africa) will be with us for a missionary "get away"...our time with them will be serving double-duty as we plan together upcoming ministry trips back to Kenya and Ethiopia, as well as a possible leadership conference in 2023 on the island of Malta.
When the Samson's leave, we will be hosting dear friends from Kansas (we've known Judy - wife/mom - since our days serving in Kenya. We look forward to the visit with Joel, Judy and their three boys.
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We cannot close without a HUGE THANK YOU! Thank you for loving us, praying for us, supporting us, and showering us with encouragement. We are honored to have you walking alongside us....
With love and prayers for each of you....
Bay and Peg
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