September 2007
Monday, December 10th, 2007
Our Mission
The mission of ICARE is to help the Church meet Jesus Christ’s mandate to “go ye therefore and teach all nations” (Matthew 28:19, 20). We do this by teaching Christians a biblical perspective of false religions, worldviews, cults, etc. We teach Christians, and encourage them, to express the gospel in ways that are truthful, loving, and comprehensible to the listeners. We also do personal evangelism and discipleship. Our primary people group of interest is Mormons.
NOTE: The Mormon Church has increased its growth rate. In 2006, over 300,0000 people left Christian backgrounds to join Mormonism!
ICARE Ministries is currently receiving about one-fourth of its monthly financial goal.
Board of Directors
ICARE is an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Serving with us on the Board of Directors are: Colonel William Augsburger, U.S. Air Force (retired); Pastor Cleve Clucas, First Baptist Church, Notus, Idaho; Tom Himka, Supervisor, SkyWest Airlines, Colorado Springs, Colorado; Pastor Harley Johnson, Jordan Valley Baptist Church, Utah; Matthew Levi; Pastor (retired) Bob Obenchain. On our Advisory Board are: Pastor Verl Koons, Greenhurst Bible Church, Nampa, Idaho; Jacob Levi; Pastor Mark Worden, First Baptist Church, Dillon, Montana.
Teaching Ministry
This summer, we held a nine-week seminar for the adult Sunday School at First Baptist Church, Middleton, ID. We covered the topics of Examining Religious Claims with the Gospel, Mormonism Compared to the Bible, the Culture of Mormonism, and Witnessing to Mormons. Thanks to Pastor Penn and the Church for this opportunity.
Bruce is refining the curriculum on the culture of Mormonism for use in future seminars. This will
help Christians better understand how Mormons think as they do, and why it is important to use a gospel approach with them.
In September, Sandi was guest speaker at the Camp Pinewood Ladies’ Retreat for the Regular
Baptist Churches of Southwestern Idaho. She held three sessions: Marriage as a Ministry, How to Develop Relationships with the Unsaved, and How to Develop Relationships within the Church. Thanks to all the ladies at First Baptist in Notus, Idaho for hosting the retreat.
In October, Bruce held an impromptu session on witnessing to Mormons at a local homeschool meeting. Several of the parents have relatives and friends who are Mormon and wanted to know how to witness to them. One of the biggest challenges to teaching Christians how to talk with Mormons remains that of convincing them to not argue with Mormons on doctrinal issues. When we do this upfront, it shuts down the relationship and thus ends the possibility of further witness. There is a time to speak in depth with Mormons about doctrine, but it is not at the beginning and never in a mean-spirited or condescending manner as some have unfortunately been taught.
In November, we conducted a seminar at Second Baptist Church, Boise, ID. We told of our Conversion to Jesus, Some Differences between Mormonism and Christianity, Witnessing to Mormons with the Gospel, and held a Question & Answer Session. Thanks to Chris Kulchak, the Heimbucks, and the Davenports for your interest and organizing; and for the financial support.
Education & Training
In October, Sandi attended an intense 3-day training in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. This was an update on last year’s training on how to teach the Stranger on the Road to Emmaus Bible study. We use this to disciple new Christians, young people, and anyone who would like an overview of the whole Bible. The new book, By This Name, will address the influences on our culture by Eastern thought and religion. We highly recommend this material to all readers and offer it for sale to our readers.
Sandi also recently completed a comprehensive Quick Books training class, so we can better organize the ministry books and records.
Outreach and Evangelism
This past spring, at a Boy Scout camp, Bruce met a Mormon man with whom he began a discussion on Mormonism and salvation. Dell called Bruce several times and invited him over to continue the conversations. They have taken a break from their talks. Pray that Dell will be open to more meetings.
Matthew, our oldest son, recently had a conversation with a customer where he works. She told him of her Mormonism and then wrote him a short letter in which she stated, “all God wants of us is to love Jesus and keep the commandments.” As all Christians know, it is not possible for humans to keep such requirements. God’s standard for us matches His holy character - perfection in every way. Because Mormons concentrate on working for salvation, we teach Christians how to begin a conversation with Mormons that centers on this subject. It leads them to consider how they are doing kin their quest for self-perfection and shows them their need for the Savior. Matthew has already had a follow up conversation with her.
Jacob, our second oldest, had another opportunity to witness to a Mormon co-worker, Linda, whom we have mentioned previously. Pray that Jacob will have more opportunities with Linda.
Both Matthew and Jacob were counselors this summer at a Jr. High Boy’s Camp at Warm Lake, Idaho. Six of the boys came to faith in Jesus for salvation. Prayer for their growth in the faith.
This summer while Matthew and Sandi were in Washington, DC for Matthew’s Congressional Gold Medal Award, Sandi was able to have gospel discussions with five people. Sandi held a four-hour conversation with Melissa, who was leaving in just two weeks for her Mormon mission.
Recently two Mormon missionaries invited us to meet with them at the nearby Mormon meeting house. This seems to be a new strategy to build relationships and to help people feel comfortable about attending the LDS church. Maybe it was to try to impress us – the LDS Church does have very nice buildings. In Mormonism, feelings and appearances are very important - much more than substance and facts.
After the tour, they asked us to read a passage from the Book of Mormon, which purports to be an account of Jesus’ visit to ancient America after His resurrection. By reading this part of the Book of Mormon, one can readily see that Mormonism contradicts itself. See Teaching Corner for comments.
Looking Ahead
We are available for Bible studies, seminars, retreats, Sunday schools, one-on-one, small groups, etc. We also have much experience with family camps.
Prayer Requests
Elders Stuart, Zimmerman, Weller and Webb
Betty and Wendy
Shirley, Melissa
Jeremy, Sabrina, and Zoey
Fred and Beth
Mary Jane
Dell
Matthew –decisions for his future
Jacob - witnessing opportunities
Opportunities to train Christians to witness to Mormons, and others.
Continued growth in regular financial support, so we can become full time with this ministry.
