It has been a very full summer so far! The last two months have been filled with ministry activity, community involvement, and fellowship with other ministry couples, along with all the regular responsibilities of life. Some of the highlights have included:
We are enjoying being immersed in ministry and life here in the west and, as you can see, we have jumped in with both feet! Yet, while there have been many high points to our time here so far, our eyes have been opened more and more to the deep darkness of this area. As we've talked with unbelievers, and especially as we've heard from Mormon leaders in the community speak of "answered prayers" and praise God, we can't help but grieve that they know so little of the God they claim to serve. It recalls to mind the warning Christ gave in Matthew 7: "Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." While we are each accountable for our own decision to accept or reject God's truth (that we are sinners in need of redemption), it is easy to see that the Mormon church has willfully deceived its people and holds them in deep bondage to Satan's lies. It is a very dark area spiritually. Please pray with us for God to shine the light of HIS Gospel into this region of the country!
Please pray also for unity among true Christians in this area, opportunities to witness to the lost, and courage to stand boldly for God's truth. We'd also appreciate your prayers for us personally as we continue to seek God's direction for our future.
Some specifics would be:
We appreciate all of your prayers, and look forward to the day when you can visit us out West!
For the sake of His name,
James & Elizabeth Johnson