October of this year was filled with ministry. The month began with my friends at the Hispanic Congress of NWBC Churches annual meeting on Oct. 7 where I taught the Influence series to 24 teens during 2 breakout sessions. Students were led to understand God’s instruction to “Stop regarding man, whose breath of life is in his nostrils; For why should he be esteemed?” Isa. 2:22.

One of my great joys is taking my family with me when I am traveling to preach. On Friday, Oct. 13th, my 14 year old son, Zach, and I headed off for Terrebonne, OR (an unincorporated community 6 miles north of Redmond, OR that sits surrounded by the high desert landscape near Smith Rock State Park) for a four day ministry trip with two churches. A Men of Simplicity (MOS) brother and his family hosted us during these days of ministry. Zach’s inner cowboy came out as he tried his hand at roping for the first time. We had such good fellowship with the Cook family!  

Saturday morning, I shared about MOS and encouraged the men of Twin Rivers Community Church in Crooked River Ranch (another nearby unincorporated community) at their men’s breakfast about the significance of their lives as divinely appointed leaders. The following day, I preached from Psalm 78:1-9 at their two morning worship services. The church there is growing. 

On Monday evening, we met with the Smith Rock Community MOS discipleship group, broadcasting MOS from their location to all 9 of our other MOS groups. What a joy to finally meet these MOS guys in person. They are growing and spurring one another on in their walk with Christ.  

On Oct. 28-30, I was with Glendale Baptist Church. On Sunday morning, I preached from Mt. 9:35-38 to equip and encourage the church in evangelism. The following evening I met with the MOS discipleship group from Glendale, broadcasting MOS from their location to our other MOS groups. This was the first time to meet them in person versus on screen. Great time.



I finished out the year with Open Door Christian Academy, preaching to teens in chapel on Nov. 3, 17, Dec.1 & 8. These messages focused on the influence the world has had on sexuality. Please pray for our teens. They are facing many temptations and lies and need the Lord’s direction and protection. 

Thank you for giving and praying for our ministry through the 2023 year. I am so grateful for the privilege to serve my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the people of His church, and those who are lost and in need of a Savior. Since 2001, we have served the Lord Jesus Christ in the northwest from Portland, OR. 

“The Pacific Northwest has the lowest rate of church attendance in the US and consistently reports the highest percentage of atheism. A recent study indicates that one-quarter of those in WA and OR have no religion” and only “29% of the population are evangelical protestant.” (uscanadainfo.com) 

God called us to serve Him in a place where there are many who need to know about Jesus Christ. We could not serve here in the NW without the generous support of God’s people from all over the country. Simplicity Ministries^® is a 501c3. All tax-deductible gifts to the ministry for 2023 must be given on-line or postmarked on or before the end of the day on Dec. 31st. To all who give and pray - Thank you!!

Our weekly church plant core team meetings will begin Jan. 21st, but there has been much done over the last three months. On Oct. 8th, Mark Ford, the lead church planter, hosted our 2nd Go Church Interest Meeting where he and his wife, Kristy, introduced themselves and shared some of the vision for the church plant.

Then on Nov. 5th, we had our 3rd Go Church Interest Meeting. This was a special night of worship and prayer with those whom the Lord has led to commit to be on the core team. Zach, Debbie, and I led the time of worship and prayer, and Pastor Mark shared briefly at the close of the meeting. This was a powerful time in the presence of the Lord. There is already as sweet fellowship among this core team. God was at work in the hearts of those who were there. Our core team has 24 adults, 1 teen, and 8 kids who are committed at this time.



On Nov. 26th, our core team joined in the commissioning service for Pastor Mark and Kristy Ford by the last church they planted in Ridgefield, WA. Mark’s message explained 6 lessons he learned over the 6 years of planting his last church. It was challenging and encouraging for all who attended. This day marked the beginning of the new church plant.

2024

• Jan 8 - Resume Weekly Monday MOS Discipleship - 10 groups returning.
• Jan 12-14 - Lake Bible Youth Retreat - Preaching & Worship
• Jan 21 - Begin weekly core team meetings each Sunday night for Go Church East County church plant.

Are you looking for a speaker for your

next youth, college, or men's event?

Are you interested in doing evangelism training

in 2024 for your church?

Dates available. Let's talk soon.

Booking for 2024

Mike Thibodeaux, Speaker, Evangelist, Disciple Maker

Calling generations of all nations to the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ!

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