News Letter

ICARE Ministries, Inc.

As you may recall from a previous prayer letter, ICARE (Institute for Christian Awareness and Responsible Evangelism) Ministries is an Internal Revenue Service designated not-for-profit organization. Therefore, we provide tax-deductible receipts for your donations and encourage you to send your support to ICARE Ministries P.O. 1403 Nampa, Idaho 83653-1403.

Some local churches may honor your request to donate to ICARE through their mission program – ask to be sure. If you wish to give anonymously, simply send a money order with the sender’s name left blank. We recently purchased a computer program for not-for-profit organizations that is greatly helping with our administration and printing of receipts. We will issue receipts once a quarter and at year’s end. If you wish to have one monthly, please let us know. We can also send you a supply of self-addressed envelopes for your support, if this would make giving easier.

The work of this ministry actually began in August and September 2004 at our home church in Caldwell, Idaho. Bruce presented six lessons on understanding Mormonism from a biblical perspective. At that time, we announced our desire to serve the Lord on a full-time basis. After much council from pastors, seasoned missionaries, mission boards, and a lot of prayer, we started the necessary paperwork to become an independent ministry. Bruce filled out much paper work, wrote a mission statement, developed articles of incorporation, and asked capable advisers to serve on a board of directors. The IRS granted 501(c)(3) not-for-profit status retroactive to June 2, 2005,

the day incorporation papers were originally filed with the State of Idaho. Here is ICARE’s Board of Directors and its Advisory Board.

Board of Directors

Colonel William Augsburger (U.S. Air Force – retired) is a member of a Sovereign Grace Fellowship in Nampa, Idaho and has a great interest in reaching Mormons and our ministry.

Pastor Cleve Clucas of First Baptist Church of Notus, Idaho, is native to Idaho’s Treasure Valley and began Christian service at a young age. He is a graduate of Western Baptist Bible College.

Mr. Tom Himka is a supervisor with SkyWest Airlines and resides with his family in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Tom and his family have known the Levi’s since 1995 in Utah and have witnessed extensively to Mormons and others using the principles taught by ICARE.

Pastor Harley Johnson of Jordan Valley Baptist Church in West Jordan, Utah has been a pastor in the land of Mormonism for over 30 years. He is on the board of Northwest Baptist Missions where he teaches classes on Mormonism and is a graduate of Bob Jones University.

Matthew Levi has helped ICARE from its inception with content and presentations. In Honduras he helped produce and act in a short film on witnessing to Mormons and spoke to various churches on this subject. He recently helped start a weekly young men’s Bible study.

Pastor Bob Obenchain Pastor Obenchain pastored churches in the Treasure Valley for many years. He is now retired and lives in Meridian, Idaho.

Sandi Levi is ICARE’s Secretary.

Bruce Levi is ICARE’s President.

Advisory Board

Pastor Mark Worden of First Baptist Church in Dillon, Montana. Mark and his wife Tammie are former missionaries to Brazil and lived in Utah for several years.

Pastor Verl Koons of Greenleaf Bible Church in Nampa, Idaho. Pastor Koons and his wife Lois are retired from New Tribes Missions, where they ran a regional missionary training for the field.

Jacob Levi is ICARE’s computer geek! He has been of great service to ICARE, other missionaries, and other people in solving computer problems.

Mission of ICARE

The mission of ICARE is to help the Church meet Jesus’ mandate for evangelism – “go ye therefore and teach all nations…” (Matthew 28:19, 20). We do this by teaching Christians a biblical perspective on false religions, worldviews, cults, etc. We then teach Christians how, and encourage them, to express the gospel to followers of false belief systems in ways that are both truthful and loving, and which are comprehensible to those people. We also do personal evangelism and discipleship. ICARE’s people group of primary interest is Mormons. But, we are not limited to this group.

Fruits of our Labor

The Bible instructs us to not grow weary in well-doing (Galatians 6:9). But, often as Christians plant and water (1 Cor. 3:6) the seeds of the gospel, we tend to become weary when we do not see immediate fruits of our labor. We all want to see those we have witnessed to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. This is what Christians often consider the ultimate fruit of their labor. However, our aim should be to glorify God, whether or not the people we have witnessed to become saved.

It has been our prayer that God would allow us to see fruits from our labor. And, there is much to report about how God has been at work using this ministry to His glory. We trust you will be blessed when you learn how God has been working. To those of you who are investing in our ministry with your prayers and financial support, you will be encouraged to see how your investment is paying eternal dividends.

This winter our family had a brand new experience. We went snowshoeing! God blessed us with a beautiful day to appreciate His creation. Our leader for the day, Adam, is a Christian and we had a great time of rejoicing in the Lord with him. Our family was split into separate vans for the ride up into the mountains past Idaho City. We engaged in the lively conversation and made observations that we would draw on for future conversations, Lord willing. Our boys led the pack and forged on up the trail.

An older woman, Betty, hung out toward the back of the pack and Bruce and Sandi decided that this was our place of ministry, with the boys long out of site and the girls just ahead. We developed a relationship with Betty, out of genuine interest and concern, which led to her trusting us and opening up in conversation. She shared some of the traumas of her life. Sandi inquired as to what was it that helped her through these times. Her reply, “Oh, God did, I am sure of it.” Sandi asked her who God is to her. She answered as she gazed up into the clear blue winter sky, “A higher power – a force!” Sandi asked her if she could know this “force” personally. Because of her answer, “No, he could not be personal” Sandi then shared her testimony and asked if they could talk again later. She said she would really love to do that. When we arrived back at the van, Betty approached Sandi to remind her that they had agreed to get together again to further the conversation. Then, again, when we arrived back in town and had unloaded the vans, Betty came to Sandi, gently grabbed her arm, and with emotion said, “Sandi, I really am looking forward to meeting with you again. Thank you for taking an interest in me.” Sandi has had several conversations with Betty and she is open to future discussions.

Another opportunity the Lord provided on that same trip was with Wendy, the driver of our van. As Sandi sat in the front passenger seat, it was evident Wendy wanted to talk and was a captive audience. Sandi started in the usual manner of simply being a genuine friend and taking a personal interest in her. During the conversation, Wendy asked questions about our family and expressed how much she appreciated the way we related to one another. Wendy made the assumption that we home schooled our children and asked why we would make such an investment of our time. This was a terrific lead in to spiritual things.

As Wendy continued to pour out her thoughts on many life issues she faced, she asked if Sandi was a counselor. Sandi told her that she had a lot of experience in this area and that her views and teachings came from the Bible. Wendy saw that Sandi had something solid and stable and wanted to know more about it. Wendy continued to tell her troubles and express how much she really wanted to get together and talk. When we were unloading our gear at the conclusion of the trip, Wendy gave Sandi a hug and stated that she really wanted to get together again soon. Sandi has seen Wendy a couple of times since. Wendy later met Sandi’s grandmother and told her that she wants to get together with Sandi again. All glory to God for these wonderful opportunities - all from a simple snowshoeing tour with our family.

Dear readers, this is God’s love in action. Building relationships with unsaved people is not difficult. We just need to get out there - and you don’t have to look far. There are many, many hurting people around us who are searching for Truth. They need to see that someone genuinely cares about them. They need a friend. Then, just allow God to open the doors.

Bruce was invited to present a session on Mormonism at a men’s Bible study at Second Baptist Church in Boise. Thank you to one of our long time supporters who arranged this opportunity to minister. The men were very receptive and voted to have him back the next week. It was very encouraging to see a group of Christian men who are willing to learn how they can be used of God to speak to the lost. As many of you already know, the basics of witnessing to Mormon works well with just about any lost person. First, any lost person needs to understand the holiness and sovereignty of God. Second, he must understand clearly how he or she is a sinner who is incapable of meeting God’s perfect standard. Third, he is then ready to hear the good news of Jesus’ death on the cross for sinners. Fourth, he must be challenged to make a decision.

You, our supporters, and readers can open so many valuable doors for us to be used in our ministry. We are here to serve and need your help to get our name out to those that can benefit from our ministry.

Sandi continues to minister via email, phone calls and one-on-one with counseling with various women. Local pastors have contacted her for help in this area of ministry. Please pray for Sandi as she studies to become more knowledgeable in this area as a large portion of her time and ministry is dedicated to this.

Our son, Jacob, has had some witnessing opportunities of his own at work with Linda, a Mormon lady. This is not the first time she has crossed our paths. When Sandi was a teenager, she worked at the same retail store with Linda. Linda invited Sandi to many LDS activities, but Sandi politely declined. Jacob was able to engage Linda in a conversation that challenged her beliefs a bit. He will undoubtedly have additional opportunities in the future.

Jacob remarked how often he had heard his Dad’s presentation on how to witness to Mormons, but still did not feel completely confident in sharing his faith or knowing where to go next. I think we can all, as believers, say this same thing about not feeling confident or equipped to witness to the lost. We have since gone through questions, answers, and scenarios with him to help enable him to ask Linda questions and give her answers. As a family, we are studying the book, Share Jesus Without Fear, by William Fay, which we highly recommend.

Jacob has also had opportunity to engage in conversation about spiritual things with his boss, Walt. Please continue to pray for Jacob in this mission field where God has placed him. It is thrilling to see our children become excited about talking to others about Jesus. In addition, Jacob made a job decision based on the fact that God had placed him there because it is a mission field for him to be used in.

Recently Bruce received a phone call from a Christian in a local church where we had presented our ministry. She called with a concern for her friend whose father had left his Christian background and become Mormon. She called to ask if her friend could contact him. Within minutes of ending that phone call, the phone rang again. It was Michelle. She expressed many questions and concerns about her father, his new belief system, and why he would leave his Christian background to join Mormonism. Bruce spoke with her for almost three hours and taught her the basics of how to effectively talk with her father, ask him questions, and plant seeds of the gospel. Later that evening, he dropped off a book to help her, her husband and her sister. We hope to be meeting with them soon to teach and encourage. Once again, we are thankful for people who remember our ministry and allow us to minister to their friends and relatives.

Our younger children are also involved in the ministry. A missionary friend of ours, Nancy McKeeth, taught a group of girls and their mothers to make puppets and how to use them. Our younger children were asked to put together a puppet show for a local AWANA group. Our oldest daughter, Anna, wrote a story based on Zaccheus. The small group of Anna, her sister Rebecca, and a friend, Meghan, practiced and put on the puppet show to these anxious youngsters. The children really enjoyed the show. As a result, we plan to incorporate a puppet program into our ministry. This will equip us with another tool as we minister in churches that have Children’s Church, Sunday school, Family Camp (we have a lot of experience with family camps, as we have been directors, speakers, variety show organizers, meal planners and cooks, etc.)

The plan is to develop a program for younger children around the book Sharing Jesus without Fear. This will be a nice way to teach and encourage children to do basic witnessing to their friends. Please remember this in prayer as we develop a script, more puppets, obtain a portable theater, and outlets to reach children with another valuable tool in our ministry. We are pleased to see the Lord working in our children lives for His glory.

We had been praying about our neighbors and how God would allow us to be used in their lives. Witnessing to neighbors can be as scary as witnessing to family members, because we “live” with them and see them on a regular basis. We never know how this will affect the relationship. In March we took Jeremy, Sabrina, and their young daughter, Zoey, to the Easter production, “No Greater Love.” Each year, a supporter of our ministry purchases tickets for our family, with a couple extras, so we can take guests to this excellent witnessing tool. In the past, we have taken a Mormon couple and Mormon missionaries. God provided us with perfect seats.

Zoey sat right on the aisle where the actors would move up and down the isle. They allowed Zoey to touch the animals. This was a real attention getter for her. Zoey seemed to be captivated by every word. When Jesus was taken by the guards from the garden, Zoey exclaimed with great concern in her voice, “Where have they taken Jesus?” When Jesus was crucified, Zoey was extremely quiet and very moved. In the midst of the quietness after the great storm, while Jesus hung on the cross, she said, “Oh, no! Jesus is dead! I am soooo sad” and dropped her head into her hands and cried. The wait to see what was going to happen next was long and agonizing for her.

When the empty tomb opened, she watched and waited. When Jesus appeared to Thomas, little Zoey looked in astonishment and great relief and said, “”Oh, look! Jesus is alive!” Her eyes could doubtless have become any wider as she rose out of her seat to take in the scene. At the end of the program, the pastor reflects on the events of the evening and reviews mankind’s sin nature, our need for a Savior, the miracle of grace, that it is not our own righteousness that can help us, and that we need to be saved. He then leads in a prayer. As we sat next to Zoey she bowed her little three-year-old head and repeated after the pastor, “Dear Heavenly Father…..”

What exactly happened in Zoey’s heart that night, we cannot say with certainty. However, we do know that at the very least, seeds were planted and the gospel story made an impression in her mind. We ended our evening with a time of dessert at a local restaurant. We received a nice thank you card from this family in which they stated how much they enjoyed our time together and look forward to getting together again soon. In fact they were at our home for several hours the evening before this letter was completed. Thank you again to our supporter for making the tickets possible and to our supporters that made the time of dessert possible as well. Pray for this young family.

You may remember our reports about Shirley in past prayer letters. The last we knew she had moved to Utah. Recently a mutual friend of ours, that has had regular contact with Shirley, gave us a current phone number for her. The friend also stated that Shirley is not happy in Utah and would like to come back to Idaho. Shirley says that she does not believe Mormonism, but is at the same time not open to spiritual things. Please pray for her.

Just recently, Sandi had a chance to revisit our prior discussions with Fred and Beth. You may recall that we met this couple through some of our volunteer work in the community. We were privileged to take them to “No Greater Love” a couple of years ago and they were much moved. Several discussions have taken place since that time and then things kind of slowed down. A few weeks ago, they sent us one of those famous “forwards” on email. It was a story about a professor attempting to explain grace to his students. After reading it, Sandi decided to ask Beth what this meant to her and Fred. For two weeks there was no reply. Since this was unusual, we thought maybe we had offended. Sandi, contacted Beth and apologized for perhaps being too direct, but was still interested in knowing their answer. Beth and Fred are each taking the opportunity to write down what grace means and what they believe. We are very excited about this opportunity for further witness. We have associated with them for several years and are now seeing the fruits of our labors. Praise the Lord!

We have seen an increase of love gifts and regular support. One woman put it best when she said, “It is so exciting to have a part in this ministry.” Gifts of any size are appreciated, as our desire is to share God’s Word and to do this full time. God has been working in some situations that may free Bruce up to have more time in the evening, which would make it easier for us to have meetings, Bible studies, meet with the Mormon elders without rearranging our schedule during the day and for more travel, and allow more time to work on articles, website development, and writing materials.

There are two particular stories about our support and gifts we would like to share with you, as we believe they will be a source of encouragement to you. A dear woman from out of state that supports us is on a fixed income. Each month she includes a short note of encouragement and letting us know she faithfully prayers for each member of our family. She has sacrificially increased her support.

Another unexpected gift came recently from two young boys of a local family. They gave very substantial and sacrificially to our ministry. We are in awe over God’s working in this area. This reminded us how God can touch the hearts of our young people. There is an abundance of material possessions that is calling for our young people’s attention, and it is so readily available. Yet, they chose our ministry. Thank the Lord for parents who obviously taught the characteristics of sacrificial giving and love of Jesus to their children.

After we thanked the Lord repeatedly, a challenge as a parent came to mind. Are we teaching by our own example to our children to give generously and sacrificially to the Lord’s work, or have we placed more value on the things of this world that have no eternal value? Where are we placing importance and how are we spending God’s money?

Your financial gifts to ICARE Ministries are invested back into our ministry. It enables us to purchase books and other material we use in our ministry, and for printing, mailing, equipment, hospitality, travel, attending training and mission conferences. We are trusting that our support base will increase enough to cover all our costs and that we can serve full time. One of the major purchases we will be making is a video camera so we can film our presentations and seminars. We have a few cassette tapes of some of our speaking engagements as well.

Just a few weeks ago, at Sandi’s exercise class, God allowed her to meet Mary Jane. As it turns out, Mary Jane is LDS! Imagine, a mission field at an exercise class! Their conversation started as a simple hello. Mary Jane expressed that she had experienced a very busy day. She indicated that her husband had recently passed away. Sandi asked her about the adjustments she had been making with the loss of her spouse and allowed her to talk. Mary Jane lives by herself. It is very important to allow conversations to happen and to take interest in those that are alone. Sandi reached over to give her a hug and she looked very surprised. Sandi invited Mary Jane to take part in some of our family activities in the future. She asked Mary Jane if she had any spiritual beliefs. In a very quiet voice, she replied, “I’m LDS.” What a treasure God had led to us. She then explained that she did not attend her church because of some trivial issues. The door has been opened and Sandi will be following up with Mary Jane.The instructor and several others that participate are LDS. There is a whole mission field in just this one exercise class.

Think about the places you frequent. What about your neighborhood? Simply take an interest in people. Get to know them and you will find several opportunities all around you. ICARE is here to help equip you. Contact us. We welcome the opportunity to serve you. Witnessing is enjoyable and knowing we are telling others about Jesus and what He has done for us is very satisfying.

LOOKING AHEAD

We have resumed our meetings with the Mormon elders. Jacob and Sandi were at a local restaurant and approached the elders. They gave them our phone number along with an invitation to call us to set up an appointment. Before Sandi returned home, they had called three times. We had our first meeting with them on May 11, which went well, and the next meeting is set for the 17^th. Please be in prayer for us that God’s Spirit will be at work in our lives and that He will soften their hearts. They are Elder Stuart and Elder Zimmerman. We will report on this in our next prayer letter.

Upcoming Events

In late May, Bruce will be speaking to a youth group that is preparing for a trip to southern Utah. He will cover the basics of Mormonism in contrast to the Bible, and how to start a witness with a Mormon.

Sandi has been asked to speak at a ladies retreat this fall. We have also been asked to consider ministering in a local jail.

In June, Matthew and Sandi will be leaving for Washington D.C. where Matthew will be receiving his Gold Medal Congressional Award. These awards are the only ones struck by Congress. He earned this award while in high school for over 800 hours of public service, personal development, physical fitness, and expedition & exploration. Sandi has been asked to be a chaperon for the state of Pennsylvania, but will be on had when Matthew receives his medal. They are hoping to take in some of the sites in D.C. Pray that the Lord will open opportunities for witness and allow all of this to materialize - economical plane tickets and arrangements for help here at home.

Bruce, Isaac and Benjamin have been active with a local Boy Scout Troop. Bruce is an Eagle Scout and is pleased to have this opportunity to be of service in an environment with which he is familiar and enjoys. He has already been able to have a few spiritual conversations with some of the other men in the troop. Isaac and Benjamin are doing very well in their Troop and really enjoying it. The Troop recently place second in an area skills competition. Thanks to Grammie for being available on Wednesday evenings to make the timing work.

Just yesterday, our son Isaac was given an incredible once-in-a-lifetime-opportunity. He has been asked to participate in a special Boy Scout canoe trip in Minnesota. He will be leaving June 2 and return the 16^th. Because this came to us on such a short notice, we are looking for immediate opportunities for him to raise money for this trip. Please contact us if you have any projects Isaac could do to earn money for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Or, if you wish to sponsor him, that would be fine, too. There are just two weeks left before he leaves. We believe this will be a great growth experience for Isaac.

PRAYER REQUESTS

Elders Stuart and Zimmerman

Betty and Wendy

Shirley

Jeremy, Sabrina, and Zoey

Fred and Beth

Mary Jane

Matthew –decisions for his future

Jacob - witnessing

Isaac as he prepares for his trip in June and that the needed funds will arrive.

Bruce & Sandi - speaking engagements.

We are available for Bible studies, seminars, retreats, Sunday schools, one-on-one, small groups, etc. We have much experience with family camps. We would love to be of service to group, church, or family.

Continued growth in regular financial support, so we can become full time with this ministry.

NOTE: the Mormon Church increased its growth rate for 2006 over what it was in 2005. Some 300,0000 people left backgrounds in Christianity to become entangled in this cult!