Your continued prayer and specific acts of support and encouragement, especially during this extended time of difficulty, is very dear to our hearts. Through them, God has given us the strength and ability to continue doing what He has called us to do.
Some minor progress has been made on the health front for James. He just started physical therapy for balance and mobility, and we are encouraged by the therapist's optimism concerning full recovery. He also has another upcoming appointment with a different neurologist, who will hopefully do more diagnostic work and continue nailing down the official diagnosis.
We have been able to continue ministering in Cokeville on Sundays and Tuesdays, and are so thankful for our partners, the Adanks, who have helped and ministered there several weekends while James was away for Guard duty and a ministry opportunity. He has enjoyed many one-on-one opportunities with his soldiers during drill weekends, as living in God's strength at this time (for both of us) has become evident to unbelievers. He also had the privilege to minister with the Clancys at First Baptist Church of Notus, Idaho, and speak for their services and Harvest Banquet. Noah Adank assisted in this venture by graciously driving James over and back. It was good to see the growth God has brought to the church in Notus, as well as their vision to see other churches planted locally and throughout the region.
We are grateful that Elizabeth's strength seems to have held up, especially as she's taken on all the driving and other responsibilities during this time. Only through the goodness and mercy of God has this been possible, and we praise Him for what He is doing. She has also found time to work and continue doing art, and has been recently doing some conceptual paintings on creation. While she is enjoying these creative pursuits greatly, she is also excited to see how God might use those interests once we get to Cache Valley, where art is a popular interest and there are many avenues for interacting with other artists in the community.
We continue to search for housing in Cache County. The market is still very competitive - the last rental house we applied for had at least 3 other couples applying for it the same day, and it was rented within the next week. Other rentals are moving even more quickly than that, and it has been difficult to keep on top of the search with our many trips to Cokeville and Salt Lake City. We are also unsure how a move would be accomplished with the current limits to James' mobility. But we are trusting in God and His timing, that He will provide the house and means to move at the right time!
We are grateful for your faithful prayers and generous support, and look forward to sharing more of God's great provision and direction as He leads us forward!
For the Sake of His Name,
James & Elizabeth Johnson