Saints,

I got a chance to visit one of my favorite places, Bangor Baptist Church. They have a terrific children’s ministry there, and Pastor Steve asked me to come preach at two services. 🙂

It snowed quite a bit that morning, but there were still over 100 children between the two services. A handful went to talk with Pastor Steve’s wife afterwards about receiving Jesus as their Savior. With children, it’s hard to know if a salvation truly took place, but we rejoice that lives were touched!

In particular, a boy named Kayden appeared to be genuinely repentant and have true faith in Christ! Please keep him in your prayers. Two other boys, Parker, and Jonathan, each asked to keep my paintings, so I gave them to them. (There’s a photo of Jonathan below.)

Please keep all the children in your prayers, expecting great things when the gospel is presented. After all, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is “the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16)!

Here are some photos:

https://picasaweb.google.com/102024819319825275847/201212ChildrensChurch

---

On the 3.5 hour drive back home, our car broke down and we had to knock on a stranger’s door to ask for shelter. It was too cold to wait in our dead car. A friend drove 3 hours to come get us!

In the meantime, we got to know this new family that was nice enough to let us in. God provided even in that situation! I was able to share my testimony with Chip and Tisha, and we’re already friends on Facebook and staying in touch! How cool is that? Please keep Chip and Tisha in your prayers that they’ll come to know the Lord as Savior. Perhaps our car broke down for just such a reason!!!

I thank God for you, for your notes of encouragement, your financial support, and friendship. My family and I can’t be on the field without you.

with love in Christ,

Mark (and Shelby, and Vivienne, Juliana, Caleb, and Gabriella)