We are excited to share that we have continued to see fruit from VBS in Cokeville this year! Not only have LC and her children continued to attend Sunday services every other week, but she has also invited her friend BC, who has been attending with her children on the same weeks. Again, we are grateful for the Hartmans coming when they can and helping us by teaching the children. This leads us to several requests that we ask you to pray about with us. First, for a couple or family that will live in Cokeville and take on ministering to children every week. Second, for the children who are coming to know Jesus as their Savior and grow in grace and the knowledge of Him. Third, for a better meeting space for us.
Up to this point, we have been blessed to use the fellowship hall of the Episcopal church for free. However, as their numbers dwindle and costs for utilities increase, they have asked for financial contributions for the building. Thus, in effect, they are asking for rent, which is understandable. Beyond the request for monetary help, we are running into the issue that the building's sanctuary is occupied by bats, which has proven hard to keep clean and usable for the adults on the weeks we have the kids' class (which meets in the fellowship hall), and has also caused Elizabeth to have an allergic reaction that prevents her from being in the service. If going forward, we are going to pay rent for a meeting space, it makes sense for us to find a better meeting space that will not have the health hazards we are battling or the space difficulties. Please pray that the people in Cokeville will accept the challenge to give to support the ministry there, and that we can find a suitable space to use for free or low cost.
Speaking of church buildings, we hope you will continue to pray with us for the expansion of the building in Kemmerer. We are in need of more space for classrooms, among other things.
On the housing front, we are still basically priced out of the market by the current interest rates and we are praying that God would intervene to lower them this fall. Many properties for sale here have lowered thier asking prices over the last few months, in response to a slowing market and saturation of inventory. We are grateful for that, and would like to purchase while the prices are lower.
Health-wise, we are both doing fairly well for the challenges we face, and are hopefully starting to recuperate from all the extra ministry opportunities we had this summer.
At the end of August, James went to Legacy Trade College in Marysvale, UT, for their opening and orientation sessions to help get all their new students on the digital systems. We rejoice with LTC on the growth this year, going from 3 students last year to 9 this year. Pray for the Smiths and LTC, as they have been going through some serious issues with their daughter's health and have at the same time lost the help of their school business manager.
Coming up, we are looking forward to the yearly fellowship for our Mission Board at the end of this month. We are still making plans and finding out where we can be of help, but pray for the fellowship of our missionaries, for our encouragement, and for challenges from the Word of God as the speakers preach.
After the fall fellowship meeting, we are looking forward to a short getaway just to rest and be together. Hopefully, the fall colors will be painting the leaves by that time, and we will enjoy rest in the beauty of fall and cooler temperatures.
We are excited at what God is doing visibly and behind the scenes, and thank you for all the faithful prayers on our behalf!