For the last several months, I have been traveling and ministering to many pastors and leaders of ministries. In June I was invited to Ecuador to consult with the leaders of Arco Churches about problems unique to their 2000-member congregation in Cuenca, and the network of churches they lead in Ecuador. I also preached at the Verbo Church in Quito which has over 1000 members.
In July I met with the leaders of the Church of the Open Door in American Canyon and preached in their church. It is always a blessing to be with Alan Brazel, Greg Straw and Ken Sanders, who have served the Lord faithfully since we started their church in January 1984.
In August I was invited to Hana, Maui by Jonathan Stockton to consult with him about the challenges of leading the congregational church he pastors which was founded in 1838. I preached for their Sunday services and met with their elders and deacons. Kristina and I laid hands on Jonathan during their service as a part of his ordination process.
In September I traveled to San Rafael, California at the request of Jon Riley, who has recently been installed as their senior pastor. I preached at their Sunday morning service and had a good time of ministry. It is always special to return to the church that sent us out in 1976.
I preached one Sunday in September in Tempe at Hope Christian Church where they have over 400 ASU students in their congregation. Brian and Wendy Smith and their team have built a great church. Hope does a lot of fruitful evangelism and discipleship with ASU students.
On the last Sunday of September, I was asked to preach at LifePoint Church in the San Tan Valley. We sent Nathan and Christy Bentley to LifePoint from Living Streams in 2015. The church has grown from around 200 to 1000 people under their leadership. Nathan and Christy adopted two little girls last year. Their hearts for the Lord and his people are wonderful.
I have been meeting one on one with pastors across the Valley from Gilbert to El Mirage. Some of my sessions with pastors are simple times of fellowship, but most of them are consultations about the challenges they face in their congregations and personal lives. Many pastors struggle to balance the limitations on their time and health with the demands of their ministries. They have one of the most difficult and rewarding jobs on earth.
I find these opportunities for ministry both challenging and fulfilling. Many of the trials and challenges I have experienced over the past forty-five years of ministry can serve as a comfort, or a caution, to these men and women on the front lines of local church ministry.
Kristina has been active serving the Lord at Living Streams. She also counsels with the wives of many pastors and leaders. She recently had to be hospitalized for heart problems for four days. She is doing well now, but her heart is still weak. We appreciate your prayers and support for our ministry very much. We want to keep serving God with all our strength and finish the race of faith strong. We are partners with you and thank God for your love in Christ.