WELL, WARM, WELCOMING

We are happy that Ray has felt well enough to come out to Lower Brule on Sundays, and even to preach after he gets there. The men have been happy to have him back. They are a warm and friendly group.

We have welcomed the warmer weather, though yesterday was cold again, but it has made the work out there much easier.

The children are a blessing to us, and we cherish our time with them. They are lively, but so well-behaved. One family hadn't come for the last two Sundays, and when we stopped at their house Sunday morning, a grandpa informed us that they were with their mother at her work. We stopped at her office (she is an attorney), and the kids decided to come with us for an hour or so. Esther felt that the mother was a bit relieved for them to come with us. :) We dropped them back at the office after Sunday School. I was encouraged when one little girl confided that her grandpa said that he is going to come to 'our' church some Sunday. The work is slow, but Lower Brule seems open to the church. We are anticipating the Good Friday Service this Friday evening. We spent quite awhile Sunday afternoon distributing fliers announcing this service. We hope for some new contacts. A couple of neighboring churches are planning to come and help us in this service. We are looking forward to having communion with our brothers and sisters in the Lord.

ENCOURAGEMENTS

Last Sunday felt special as the Kalovskys came out to help us. We are always happy to welcome them there. Ben had pinched a nerve in his back and was suffering, but he made the long drive out to encourage the church. Zak helped the children make sock puppets, and they loved it. God will bless them for their unselfish giving of themselves. We were also happy to have Ray back for the first Sunday. Ray felt that he could take over the preaching responsibility today, and the Lord helped him speak. He was worn out and his knee hurt when he was done, but he challenged us with a message about resisting temptation. It seemed like those who were there were interested in the message. We appreciate our men who are faithful in coming, and hope that you pray for them as they try to guide their families.

One young single mother has been coming, and she has become open and friendly with us. We are encouraged with her response.

Our children's group is growing so that we need a bigger van. Please pray with us as we search for this vehicle for the mission.

We are planning a Good Friday Evening Service with communion this year, and friends from Winner are planning to come and help us with this service. Please pray that we can reach out to others who are around the church at this time.

Thank you for your interest in Lower Brule. God bless you!

MERCY'S FIRST BIBLE

The sky was cloudy and gray as I started for Lower Brule Sunday morning. Ray is still in the hospital, and Esther had a concert to play; so I began the trip by myself.

A heavy frost was on the trees and fences; and so the scenery was spectacular as I drove. I stopped and took a couple of pictures, but some beauty cannot be captured on a camera. I saw a herd of mule deer bedded down in a field as I went past, and they watched me drive past but never moved. I arrived in time to get the church ready for Sunday before leaving to pick up the children. Mr. Lindell Howard had agreed to take care of the adult service upstairs while I did the Sunday School. I left to pick up the children, and was pleased for those who came. Mercy was among those who came, and this was her eighth Sunday to come. Esther had promised a Bible to any who came for eight Sundays. Mercy's mother and grandfather came for this special event. They told us that this is Mercy's first Bible.

We made a ceremony of giving it to her, and Rev. Howard prayed with her at the end of the ceremony. Her family was so proud of her. She is a precious little jewel in God's Kingdom. I had a good time with the kids in the basement as I gave them their lesson and helped them do a project. There were a few upstairs in the adult service, and Rev. Howard said that everyone was very attentive. Please pray for two families that are struggling with substance abuse especially right now. We have promised to pray for them, and they both have men who care for them and carry a heavy burden.
We would like to begin some home services just as soon as Ray is "back on his feet" and able to do it. We would appreciate if you would help us pray for this, also. Thank you for your interest.