Keeping Busy
It is amazing to see winter pass and the warmth of spring blossom to show us the goodness of our Sovereign Creator and Lord.
In February/March we were privileged to take part in the Treasure Valley GARB mission conference. We look forward to this time each year when can renew acquainttances and learn from other missionaries. Our thanks to the pastors and lay people working behind the scenes to makes this such an excellent time.
A youth pastor from Iowa has contacted Bruce on several occasions requesting prayer and guidance for his ongoing dialogue with a Mormon missionary. It is a blessing to see Christians burdened for and reaching out to the lost. Pray for Ryan’s witness.
We received a call from a man who had been visited by Mormon missionaries. Anticipating hearing of his witnessing experience, we were a bit dismayed to hear that he was not prepared and wanted us to call the Mormons and do the witnessing. But, Mormon missionaries are assigned to specific areas and would just refer us to those we are already working with.
The Bible says that we are to be ready to give an answer to “every man.” It does not tell us to pass our responsibility on to others. This is why one of the aims of our ministry is to teach evangelism. Sadly, many Christian are content to ignore the lost and remain unpre- pared for outreach. The Bible is clear that all Christians are to reach out (Matt. 28:19; John 17:18; Acts 8:1, 4; 1Pet. 2:9; Eph. 4:15). Last week a young man came to our door selling burglar alarms. It is quite common that such sales- men are returned Mormon missionaries, because they have two year’s training in knocking on doors. Such visits are a wonderful opportunity for Christians to share their faith. And you don’t even have to leave home - they come to you! If your Sunday school or other group would like training to help you get past the fear and learn how to easily transition to a gospel discussion, contact us .
Sandi has kept in contact with Alta, whom we mentioned in our previous letter, and who has had interruptions in her life recently. Pray that she will remain open to the gospel.
Sandi has learned how to make contact with Shirley, to whom she witnessed extensively last year, and moved back to a polygamous area in Utah, a dangerous situation.
In April we were again blessed with tickets to the local passion play, “No Greater Love,” and took two Mormon missionaries, Elders Peterson and Mertz. We began the evening by sharing a meal and a few table games. God really used Matthew, our oldest son, to minister to these two boys. They were curious about Matthew’s mission trip to Honduras. During the play, tears flowed from Elder Mertz’s eyes. He was very fidgety during the strong emphasis on grace and the call to salvation. It was a blessing to see cast members and attendees reach out in love to the Elders. It reminded us of Bruce’s first visit to that church in 1981 and saw how “These people really worship Jesus. They want to be there. They were so warm and friendly.” We prayed that as the Elders were in their Mormon services the next day, they would see their huge departure from the Bible’s message of the finished work of Christ on the cross. When our boys drove them home, they commented that they really enjoyed the play and looked forward to talking with us some more. Now that some sickness in our family has passed, we plan to follow up with them. Thanks again to the supporter who made this possible.
While shopping a couple of weeks ago, Sandi had a new experience when she met a young girl involved in Wicca, which is witchcraft. One would gain no clue to her religion by looking at her, other than the talisman on her necklace, a five point inverted star in a circle. (Some Mormon temples display this same occult symbol.)
Rachael was very open and ready to talk about her religion. She said that she was depressed and yet felt a sense of peace in her depression and recent attempt at suicide. How many “Rachaels” do each of us come in contact with every week? Are we ready to help them realize their spiritual status and tell them about the Savior?
Two weeks ago after church, Bruce was able to talk at length with a college student who was raised in Utah, in Mormonism. Jared’s father recently told him that Mormonism was wrong and to find a Baptist Church. This past Sunday, another man shared the gospel with Jared. Please pray for Jared as he considers his sinful condition and need for salvation, which he has now heard at least twice.
Sandi has made friends with Patty, who has a Mormon background and now attends a traditional Protestant church. While explaining our ministry and why Bruce left Mormonism, it became clear that Patty was not saved. Sandi explained that she is a sinner in need of a savior. Please remember Patty in prayer.
Sandi is looking forward to speaking at a Christian ladies meeting on May 13 and sharing what is on her heart in terms of trusting in God.
We still aspire to write books and manuals. Sandi wants to compile short stories from our travels that would be enjoyable while encouraging readers in Christian service.
Ministry Update ICARE is a nonprofit organization under the laws of Idaho. A week ago, after nearly ten months, the IRS wrote us about our tax exempt status. They have asked for a bit of additional information and for us to expand our Board of Directors. By God’s grace, four men with many years of Christian experience have joined the Board, and two men have agreed to be advisors. We are excited about this positive development. Please pray that the IRS will now quickly complete the approval process.
Another positive development is establishment of our website, http://www.icareministry.org/. Thanks to Conrad Parvin for his help in this technical area. There is not much on the site, but we have plans to make this a useful resource for Christians who want to reach out to the lost.
Plans for a weekly Bible Study, with a focus on Mormonism, are still on. We have a location. If you are interested, contact us.
Our support is increasing. We thank all who have made an eternal investment in this ministry. We look forward to the blessed day when we can do this full time. With more partners, this can happen even this year.
We are revising and updating our presentation. This is a major undertaking that requires us to sacrifice time in other areas. Please pray for us as we devote our attention to this necessary area of our ministry.
Praise and Thank You - A great auto mechanic, Larry. - Increased financial support. - Food (the egg lady). - Replacement vehicle for Bruce. - Bobby Young, who fixed our van in Burley, Idaho.
Prayer Requests
- Alta, Jared, John, Rachael, Mike, Shirley, Rosalena, Roger, Patty, Elders Peterson & Mertz, etc.,
- Spiritual strength and protection
- Upcoming meetings
- Finalization of non-profit status
- Financial support
- Those we have worked with, who are now witnessing to the lost.
Update on Matthew: I returned from Honduras March 4. Thanks to all who prayed for and supported me. I learned a lot. Luke Mckeeth and I were told that what we taught the Pastors, Lay Leaders, Youth Groups, and congregations will continue to be taught for many years. I taught a basic class on witnessing to Mormons. We even made a short movie of this, which will be quite useful to the Honduran Christians, as there is a noticeable and growing Mormon presence there. We saw three teams of Mormon missionaries in one town at Wendy’s. We got their phone number and gave it to a Christian leader in a church who has witnessed to and already led three Mormons to the Lord. Please continue to pray for guidance in my life as I will graduate in a week and am seeking God’s will for my life at this time.
