A Steadfast Faith

April 2019

It has been over a month since our last update, but as some of you may have noticed via our Facebook updates, we have been on the road for a while doing deputation meetings. We had good meetings in Mentor, Ohio; Spartanburg, South Carolina; and Brevard, North Carolina. Additionally, we were able to participate in the missions conference at our home church, Faith Baptist Church in Reidville, South Carolina.

An added blessing was being able to see both of our families while we were back east, with James’ family meeting up at the Wilds and Elizabeth’s parents meeting us... (Read more)

January 2019

This has already been a full year, and things are just getting started! Right after Christmas. James went to Kalispell, Montana, and had the opportunity to preach for the winter teen retreat at Lake Blaine Baptist Camp. Attendance was great, the fellowship was refreshing, and he made quite a few contacts with other pastors in the northwestern region of the country. Two weeks later, he was off to the Salt Lake area for Chaplain duty, then flying from there to Florida for the Arch Ministries fellowship meeting. We were blessed that the flights and lodging were covered by the... (Read more)

December 2018

As we write this update, we hope all of you are having a blessed Christmas season. Reflecting upon this time, let us remember that Christ came to save sinners, to repair the gulf that separates man from God, to be Emmanuel.

In this vein, we spent a week in Cache County, Utah, meeting with people and gathering specifics on starting outreach ministries in the local communities. Thank you to all who prayed and gave financially towards that time! It was very profitable on many fronts. If you missed our video update on Facebook, find it

November 2018

Over the last two weeks we had the opportunity to share our hearts for Cache County with 5 separate churches. The Lord opened the way for us to be part of a round-robin missions conference in south-central Utah, visiting 4 churches in as many days, as well as be with our friends the Sondergaards in Nyssa, OR, and meet up with a few other pastors regarding future meetings at their churches.

It was exhausting and joyful at the same time. We enjoyed many hours of fellowship and worship with each church family, and appreciated the generosity and hospitality offered in... (Read more)

October 2018

We just returned from a wonderful few days in Marysvale, Utah, at the Northwest Baptist Missions Annual Conference. It was encouraging and refreshing to hear God's Word proclaimed by several different speakers, and spend time fellowshipping with other missionary pastors and Christian laborers from around the Western US.

During one of the sessions, the speaker mentioned Matthew 16:18, directing attention to the Lord who builds the church: "I will build my church.” This verse in particular... (Read more)

August 2018

First things first: we know you all are wondering about our vehicle saga, and we have good news on that front! Our local body shop has graciously agreed to fix the critical damage for the same amount that our insurance company sent us, so we will be able to keep the van for a bit longer. We'll still need to do some further maintenance (brakes and tires - both exacerbated by the accident), but we are very grateful for your prayers and the way God provided in this instance!

However, we will be starting to look for a new-to-us vehicle, preferably one that can tow a... (Read more)

June 2018

June has been a very full month for us! James completed his 2 weeks of annual training with the National Guard in the heat and humidity of central Iowa. While he was gone, Elizabeth worked diligently to help get things created and set up for VBS.

Once James got home from his training, we dove right in to helping with our week of Vacation Bible School! James led the opening, helped with the puppets, and herded the younger kids (ages 4-8) around. Elizabeth did the music and led the older kids (ages 9-12). We had about 20 kids attend this year, most of whom came from... (Read more)

May 2018

May has been a relatively quiet month for once, but we're making up for it on either side! Last month, we were able to attend a joint conference in Thayne, WY, with some of our regional mission pastors. We had a good time of worship and fellowship together, and some helpful breakout sessions on doing outreach in our small Western communities. We took copious notes, and look forward to implementing some of the ideas once we get to the field.

James also had a fruitful drill with the National Guard in both April and May. He was finally pinned as a Captain in April, and... (Read more)

April 2018

Dorothy had it right: there's no place quite like home! Our latest trip was short, but we are thankful to be back in the West.

We had great meetings in Alabama and at our sending church in South Carolina with times of sweet fellowship in both locations. It was very encouraging to have a lot of people interested in learning more about ministering in Mormon country! (Side note: we love when people ask questions!)

We also enjoyed our brief time recruiting at Bob Jones University, and would like to thank those of you who took the time to stop by and say hello or... (Read more)

March 2018

We are about to head off on our next deputation trip! This is a short one, with only a few meetings in AL and SC. We are flying into Atlanta on Thursday and, Lord willing, should be headed home 2 weeks later.

We've both stayed very busy the last few months with work, ministry, seminary classes, and multiple Army trips for James. It has brought to light just how much we need team members to help lead Bible studies or services once we're in Logan. It will not do much... (Read more)