"Fort" Pioche

Nicole and Jake the dog have new forts. Nicole's is actually a spot in a nearby tree. At some time in the past, we suppose a PK (preacher's kid) put a small ladder in a young tree in front of the parsonage. The tree has since grown around the bottom of the ladder providing a secure pathway to fun. This week we trimmed lower branches and wedged some wood in the limbs for a bench. Since then Nicole has enjoyed spending time in her "fort."

Jake's fort seems to be the hole he is working on beneath the deck in the backyard. Every day he digs like there's no tomorrow and then later watches as Jane shovels and sweeps dirt from the sidewalk back into the hole. It's become a fun game for him. Does this look like a fella who would do a thing like that?

Well, a picture's worth a thousand words. . .

We have seen how the Lord has fortified us here. We are encouraged by His recent provisions for us. We have seen His faithfulness in meeting our financial needs as well as providing encouragment in little ways. Thank you for your continued prayers for us.

Potluck birthday party

Tonight church friends helped Jane celebrate her birthday with a potluck and presents. You know Baptists. . .any excuse to get together to eat is welcomed. Enjoy the pictures!

Deeper Still

This past weekend I (Jane) went with five other ladies from our church to a Christian women's event in Las Vegas. "Deeper Still" was a Friday evening/all day Saturday event which featured the Bible teaching of Beth Moore, Kay Arthur, and Priscilla Shirer, along with the music of Travis Cottrell and a praise team. The fifty-five hundred women that gathered gave the stones no reason to cry out, we danced like David danced, and we clapped and lifted holy hands to the Lord in praise. The worship in music alone would have made the weekend unforgettable but there was so much more. The Holy Spirit used the gifted teaching of Priscilla, Kay, and Beth to speak to us powerfully. And the result? My friends and I enjoyed such a sweet fellowship which spilled over into our worship this morning in church. Praise the Lord!

What did Mitch and Nicole do while Mom was away? Well. . .everything they could. They went to the first home game of the high school football team. They ate pizza with church friends. They went shopping in St. George. They went to the shooting range (yes, Nicole loves to join Dad in this activity). And, they missed me. . .well, I believe they did. I know I certainly missed them!

My birthday is this week. It's been said that age doesn't matter unless you're cheese so I'll not disclose my age in this post. (Most of you know my age anyway!) Instead I think it more fitting to borrow the words from an old hymn: "Everyday with Jesus is sweeter than the day before." At my age, that's a lot of sweetness!

Mitch surprised me last week with an early birthday present--a beautiful new twelve-string guitar. I was excited today to be able to play it in church!

I guess that's all the news from Pioche. Thanks, again, for your prayers for the ministry here. We love and miss you all.

Labor Day Weekend

We've been hearing about Pioche's big Labor Day celebration since we first came to Pioche in February. This weekend we were able to experience it! Thousands of visitors packed the park, the streets, (the bars, I'm sorry to say) and the RV parks. Many events were planned including softball, a craft show, an evening street dance, a night parade with lighted floats, fireworks, 10K run, a day parade, food, food, and more food, and games & inflatables for kids. The weekend gave us opportunity to advertise the church--we wore t-shirts showing our worship times to every event. It also gave us ideas for how the church can participate in ministry & evangelism during this event next year.

In other news, Jane has just begun a ladies' daytime Bible study in our home on Tuesdays. It's like a puzzle to arrange the living room (and folding chairs) to accommodate the nineteen participants but we praise the Lord for the interest! We are studying Beth Moore's Jesus the One and Only. Would you pray for us over the next eleven weeks that Jane and the participants grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ?



We had a fifth Sunday sing last night at church. Pastor Mitch surprised members with his talents on the guitar. (Maybe you are surprised, too!) Nicole got to sing "My Savior My God" with the CD and made her parents proud (and shed tears).



Jake the dog is growing like a weed. His latest trick is to sit at the patio table like a human. It has been cute until he took the next step this past week and actually got up on the table. Despite this, he's proven to be a wonderful dog. He got to celebrate (?) Labor Day along with the rest of us this morning when the town detonated dynamite in the mountains at 6 a.m. for a sunrise salute.

We salute those of you who are keeping in touch with us and thank you for your prayers for the ministry here. We love you all.