USA

REFLECTIONS ON THE DEMOLITION OF OUR SOMERS,

IOWA METHODIST CHURCH BUILDING

This is a reminder of the dedication of those before us and the beauty of the Cross in our lives. All the stained glass was removed by family and friends before demolition.

Though the physical building is gone, the cross continues to tower over the landscape, reminding us to look up in every situation.

ISAIAH 55:11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

FOR WELL OVER 100 YEARS, this church preached the Word of God, changing my life and the lives of many others. Seeds were planted, first in Sunday School by teachers who loved the Lord and told us to "Climb up Sunshine Mountain" and keep our eyes on God. Then came sixth grade Vacation Bible School, where we memorized Psalm 23 and made little cardboard sheep. Mrs. Fowler explained that God loved us and cared for us as a shepherd for His sheep. And then a few years later God miraculously called me to China during a Methodist retreat in Gowrie, IA. Larry and I were married in this church, baptized our children, and celebrated the lives of many friends and family who had departed to the next life. Bible studies, Chicken dinners, Bazaars, "365 Days of Christmas" Musical, Lay Witness Sundays, and Cursillo are just a small glimpse of the ways God Word and Love were spread in the community and around the world.

So yes, we are sad to see the building go. But the Seeds planted through that work will never die; in fact they continue to thrive through each one of us. So wherever God leads, please remember to be grateful for those who laid those first, foundational stones of faith.

CANADA

MIRACLES IN THE STORM

Our last homeless outreach happened when Greater Vancouver was hit by a heavy, three day rainstorm; highest rainfall records ever were set in many areas. Homes and cars were washed down the river. Yet the Lord graced us with a window of only light drizzle, so that the homeless community could come to receive meals & prayers. 200 meals were given out in a record time of 45 minutes only!

This is Gordon (bottom photo), a first nation senior who came for prayer, who professed a belief in Creator God. We explained that the Heavenly Father in Christianity was that same creator God, and that He loved us so much and gave His only son Jesus to die for our sins, to restore our relationship with Him. Gordon accepted the invitation to receive Jesus into his life. We were also able to give him books on bible promises & heaven.

In the midst of an impossible situation, God provided grace and worked beyond what we could ever dream & ask for! We just need to remind ourselves that we have a covenant keeping God and the rainbow only appears after the rain!

PRAY FOR CUBA

LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS

The recent 4 days of nationwide power outage & hurricane damage at the east coast of Cuba have brought great suffering to the Cuban people. Actually the power outage due to a lack of fuel & declining infrastructure, has been a prolonged situation for many years. Our partnering pastors in Holguin and Las Tunis told us that electricity supply is now down to only 4 to 12 hours a day, significantly restricting their activities. Yet Pastor George of The Light of the World Church from Holguin still risked his life with his team to travel over 100 miles to help 16 congregations in the area of Baracoa & Maisi impacted by the hurricane.

Please join us to lift the servants of God, the churches, the Cuban people up in prayer in such time of great need. May the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness, and darkness has not overcome it. John 1:5

Thank you for entrusting us with your support in prayers, finances, resources, & labor. Together, as one body of Christ, we are furthering His kingdom!

We cannot do it without you!

Blessings and love,

Kam and Lisa

Larry & Jean

www.Willgo.org FB: Will Go, Inc