Hello!

It’s hard to believe that 15 of our 19 days serving here in Escalante, Utah are behind us!  Tonight will actually be our last official time of Tim teaching as we meet here in the home of our Hosts to complete our study on “What is the Gospel.”  There will have been 4 sessions in all.  Many were excited to receive their own personal copies of the book this study was based on, written by Greg Gilbert.   We had purchased these ahead of time and had them shipped to this location. Tim’s messages on the I Am’s, “I am the Good Shepherd” and “I Am God” seemed to be such an encouragement and reminder of God’s Presence, Love, Faithfulness and Authority.   Although we have had little interaction with the youth of Turn-About Ranch (due to their strict schedule), their attentiveness during the service and words at the end of the service encouraged us that God’s Word will “will not return void.”

We can’t say enough about the loving spirits of the small congregation of First Baptist Church Escalante!  They have shown us hospitality multiple times, extended offers of assistance with “the Boys” and provided yummy food on a number of occasions!  Most endearing to us has been their desire to discuss God’s Word and how it applies to our personal lives for both guidance and healing.   From the two artists to the retired BLM Forest Manager and later local police officer, his retired banker wife and many others, we have heard stories of both struggle and God’s provision.  Some have lived here for decades and some for only a few years. 

“The Boys” have certainly kept our days (and nights) interesting!  We feel that they have done well for 8 month old 50 pound teething puppies!  In keeping with their normal routine, we’ve taken them out (using our Host’s truck) multiple times to “run” on a somewhat deserted BLM road.  It really has been fun to watch them take off together, racing one another, jumping on each other and generally playful!  Because they are good about not running off too far, we were even able to take them to a local (30 min. away) tourist area showing beautiful rock formations (hoodoos). Prayers are still appreciated! 😊

Our plans at this point are to leave Sunday (Jan 26^th) after church (Pastor Dale will preach.) and drive to the DeMorell’s, about 4 hours north of here, where we will spend the night once again.  Our flight is out of Salt Lake City on Monday at 1:55, with a short layover at Midway Airport in Chicago.   

We’re thankful for the ministry we’ve had and ask that you pray for our remaining time here in Escalante, as well as for our trip home.  We also look forward to other opportunities God will provide for us to minister to Small Church Pastors and their Congregations!