On November 4th we packed the Excursion and headed south to touch base with several of our friends, family, and supporters—on the way to Corpus Christi, Texas for the North American Mission Board’s Mission Service Corps Training and Commissioning Service (Nov 14-16). Stan & Diana Bricker were so kind to allow us to stay at the Montana Southern Baptist Convention’s mission apartment on our way through Billings. This was a huge help as we began our journey.
Our first stop was Wichita, Kansas where we were able to see very dear and long time friends: Pastor Dan & Kathy Anderson and Tom & Vicki Edwards who serve as Director of Missions in that area. Alan was privileged to preach at the Prairie Hills Baptist Church where Dan & Kathy serve. Two individuals indicated a profession of faith by the raising of their hand. One came forward to share with Pastor Dan--we are praying for the other person. God is at work and we praise Him for it.
As we left Kansas, we took a “pit stop” in Ponca City, Oklahoma with Alan’s sister, Gail. Then we drove on to Sapulpa, Oklahoma for an over-night visit with his other sister, LaDonne and her family. Thanks, Henry & LaDonne for that delicious meal at Carino’s!
Our next stop was in Springdale, Arkansas where we were honored to meet with the Pastor of our “sending” church (Dr. Cliff Jenkins, Pastor of New Hope Fellowship), his wife, Carol and several of his flock. This church has supported us from the beginning of our “total faith trek” and we are so grateful for their desire to help us accomplish God’s kingdom work. Thanks, Bro. Cliff and New Hope, for understanding that “Radical” is more than just a book! We also enjoyed fellowship with several couples from our previous church in the area and enjoyed the fellowship and encouragement tremendously! Thanks to one and all! (Sorry I forgot to get my camera out for you!)
We were so-o-o-o-o excited to see our BFFs--even from long distance--Jim & Sandra McCoy. We love you guys… now it’s your turn to come north! We even checked on our storage unit—yes, all our earthly possessions are stacked and cramped, but still there! And before we left town we caught up with good friends Rocky & Lori Bell and their son, Kyle (KB!) Rocky is the pastor at Crossroads Community Church in Hindsville, Arkansas who graciously support us monthly. Thank you all for your prayers and support!
Then we continued further south to Central Texas where we had a brief, but wonderful time with Sarah’s father, sisters and their families. We can never get enough Barton-Jordan-Scarborough time and hugs! Some of our favorite fellow-ministers, Nathan and Shannon Emert and their boys Levi & Ben, met us for some Pizza in Austin! It was so good to see them and catch up on what God is doing in their lives.
Finally, it was on to Corpus Christi and the main reason for the trip. We spent two days in training for Mission Service Corps personnel and we even got a NAMB royal blue shirt! It was an encouraging time and a joy to meet other missionaries from the northern USA and Canada. The view from our 16th floor hotel room was spectacular indeed. There were three couples representing Montana for this Commissioning Service. Of course, you probably recognize us on the left, then Dennis & Gail Iley from Manhattan, MT and Kelly & Erika Mitchell for Thompson Lake Baptist Encampment. Kelly & Erika are in our Glacier Southern Baptist Association, so it was fun to spend some time with them. But, it was our first time to meet Dennis & Gail, who are not that far from us (in Montana miles!) We had a great time getting to know them. Please pray for all the MSC personnel who were trained this week and their ministries. Finally, we were overjoyed to have time with Gene & Pam Young who were members of one of our previous churches in Conroe, Texas. They attended the convention in Corpus and took time to visit with us about the work in Montana. They have recently surrendered to the Lord’s call to full time service and we are praying with them for God’s direction and peace in that pursuit.
The morning after the Commissioning Service we packed up and headed straight north. It took a day and a half just to get out of Texas, of course no surprise there (wind turbines in West Texas and Panhandle)! We tried to get back to Montana before the winter weather hit, but we didn’t quite beat it! It took us 13 hours to get from Billings to Haugan which is usually about a 6-7 hour drive. It was quite a ride!!!
But, we did make it back safely late on the 20th and just in time for Thanksgiving week! It was so great to be back with our New Day family on Sunday. Then on Monday Sarah braved the snowy canyon and drove to St Regis to get the remaining supplies for the Thanksgiving Baskets. Tuesday we had lots of help to assemble and deliver Thanksgiving Baskets for TEN needy families! It was a great day, without a doubt.
On Thanksgiving Day New Day Fellowship provided a second annual Community Thanksgiving Meal at the Lincoln Hotel. Melba DeGoines (newly arrived from West Virginia) and Sally Wright (in from Washington) took charge of the set up; and John Carpenter did the professional turkey carving. We served 22 meals, including the hotel staff and the C-Store staff and enjoyed a wonderful time of fellowship. The lady who came in to work the hotel desk for the 3 pm shift said as she came through the door, “I’ve been looking forward to coming to work all day, so I can eat this meal!” We all got a good chuckle, but it was encouraging, too! Holidays are here -- our time and our hearts are filled to the fullest!
You may notice that the majority of the pictures in this update are of PEOPLE. Just a reminder that it takes PEOPLE partnering together to help PEOPLE understand and receive the message of Jesus Christ and His love.
Praise Notes…
• Praise the Lord for our current financial support team! We could not be here without you.
• Praise the Lord for our trip south and safe return home.
• Praise the Lord for a blessed and wonderful Thanksgiving Day.
Prayer Needs…
• For genuine salvation for: Pete, Pam, Roger, Chuck, Deb, Ty, Chantz, Debbie, Ray, Spring, Duane, LeRoy, Randy
• For the Light of Christ to dispel the spiritual darkness in this 33 mile valley
• Support and provision for the New Day Resource Center (Food Pantry/Clothes Closet)
• Relationships continue to be built throughout our community for the glory of Christ
• Teachers & Students in St Regis
• A more permanent facility in which to meet in St Regis
• You might pray for our heater to keep working, we have had some issues over the last few days… so far, it continues to cough out the heat!!!
• Alana as she serves the Lord and continues to search for a full time job
• Alisha as she serves the Lord, plans for her wedding next summer, and teaches children in Kampala
• Please begin to pray with us now--as the “state-side” Damrons will need to get to the wedding in Uganda next summer!
• Asking the Lord for additional monthly financial partners for ministry expenses in both locations, plus personal needs
Finally, brethren, pray for us,
that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified,
just as it is with you,
and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men;
for not all have faith.
(2 Thessalonians 3:1-2)
ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX-DEDUCTIBLE.
PLEASE SEND TO: NEW DAY NETWORK MINISTRY, PO BOX 420013, HAUGAN MT 59842
It’s a New Day,
Alan & Sarah Damron
NEW DAY NETWORK MINISTRY
www.newdaynet.net
406.546.7790
newdaynet@yahoo.com
No comments:
Post a Comment