Thursday, October 1, 2009

Letter

I had this letter started a year ago—how is that? Have you ever wanted something and almost had the goal in reach, only to have it move out of your grasp? I was right there at my ideal weight, ready to come to America all slim and trim when....yes, we are expecting #12. I am always happy to give up the figure for such a great cause. We are happy for this extra blessing God has passed our way. Pray that all goes well and that we have a healthy baby—around February 11.

As for our meetings, we have been enjoying them immensely and feel God working. Just on Sunday, a man said he finally understood and had it clear what salvation really is. The pastor has been talking to him and is ready to do follow-up there. The kids seemed so open as well –I wanted to give an invitation. I am praying for them to approach their leaders and make sure of their salvation. We are here in North Carolina until mid-October and then head to Michigan until January, and then to Florida for my nephew’s wedding, then back to North Carolina to have the baby and back to Florida the middle of February. Pray much for safety in traveling and that God will use us in all of our meetings. I just got back from a ladies’ retreat at a beautiful resort in Boone. God does put us in green pastures. I pray that somehow I was able to encourage someone in the Lord and be used of Him.

The next huge news is that our kids have been involved in the National Bible Bee. (You can look it up on the internet if you would like to know more.) There were 17,000 contestants, and two of ours—Hannah and Seth—made the first cut. That means they are in the top 100 of the senior group and headed to the finals. We are so excited for them and proud of them. They have already memorized more than 1,000 verses, with many more to go, not counting the Bible knowledge questions and books they have read. Anyway, pray much for them that they will study hard and that God will help their memories and recall on the test which will be held in Washington, D.C. on November 4-6. It was at the first Bible Bee meeting that this other church got to know us and asked SETH to come and preach! He did a super job handling God’s Word—Joshua 24 ----Choose who you will serve ---God in sincerity and truth? Or the idols of the land----materialism, music, fashion, cars, etc. It was his first time preaching to white people, and I felt like God really used him and his testimony there.

There are so many stories of God taking care of and providing for us: avoiding accidents, timing, tire blow-out, buying a van, buying a trailer. Each of those words is a story of God’s provision. We are plugging along with school. Some days I want to yell, “I can’t do this!” Then Esther’s verse comes to mind – Phil. 4:13 - “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” So, we will do what we can and go on and not lose our sanity in the meantime.

Thanks for all of your prayers: safety, healthy baby, safe delivery, Hannah and Seth in the Bible Bee, God to bless in the meetings, Ruth as she does chalk art.

In His service, for His glory, and because of your sacrifice,


Dan and Joan Cuthbertson