January started out with negative temperatures and several large snowstorms, the end of the month turned very springlike with abnormally high temperatures in the 40s, and now we are back to enjoying winter again with frequent light snow. Though we need more moisture, it was nice to enjoy the moderate temperatures and a break from clearing snow every day. In fact, the combination of constant clearing plus issues with our neighborhood's plowing caused James some injury to the tendons in his arm - so the break was very helpful for him. Thankfully, it seems to be healing well.
In Kemmerer, one of our latest projects - in addition to music, teaching, and otherwise filling in - has been to set up video recording and livestreaming of the Sunday services. The equipment we've purchased over the last several years to livestream in Cokeville is now doing double duty for both churches! We are grateful for the support that has allowed us to grow in this capacity.
Over the past month, regular attendance in Kemmerer has grown on both Sundays and Wednesdays. We are thankful for what God appears to be doing, and ask you to pray with us for the people to grow spiritually. Additionally, with more people coming regularly - including a new group of kids - we greatly need to expand our facilities to have adequate space for everyone at the same time. Please pray with us for wisdom on how to move forward with these building needs.
Cokeville started the new year with online-only services because of snowstorms and sickness. The sickness seems to have passed and the storms have died down for the moment, allowing us to go in person each week to preach the Gospel. Pray especially for R&R, for their salvation and a situation they are involved in currently. Also pray for RG, as James has ongoing biblical and theological discussions concerning what the Bible truly says vs. traditions and men. Pray for the salvation of BR, who has only resumed attending this past fall but has stated they are searching for the truth. And pray for B, J&C, and others, who also need salvation and have been hearing the Gospel.
In the coming months, James will be wrapping up his Sunday series giving an overview of the Old Testament, as well as his Tuesday night study through Gentle & Lowly. Pray as we move to a Sunday series on the Sermon of the Mount, and a Tuesday night series on discipleship, that people will respond and be saved.
On a more personal front, Elizabeth had another infusion for her Wegener's in January. The infusion went well, although it does always cause several weeks of increased fatigue and weakness. Pray for her strength and recovery, but also that this will be the last one that she needs for a while. We would also appreciate your fervent prayers for a family member who is facing some serious medical issues.
We have continued to search for a house, but the market has been slow with the winter weather. Thankfully, some of the housing prices are starting to come down. We are praying for God to bring us to the right property for us that we can use for ministry, and also that the interest rates would come down to a more affordable level.
As always, we greatly appreciate your prayers! God is working, and we look forward to seeing how He continues to do so through your support.