Hey, everyone!!!

In June, I scheduled a Gospel on Trial and Stage conference for a church in Indiana on September 11, though details still need to be worked out. Last month, I indicated that I would do a Gospel of Mark presentation at a church in Central Illinois on October 2. When that was scheduled, members of the evangelism committee did not realize that there would be a conflict on that day such that it would not be the best for me to do the Gospel of Mark presentation on October 2. I may get the opportunity to do something at the church at some other point, but it will not be October 2. In June, I did some writing for an evangelistic message that I would like to give in the fall, 'How do you walk with God when he seems silent and the pain is great?'. I am still aiming for having a talk on Paul's authorship of the pastoral epistles, but did not spend a huge amount of time on that in June. I also developed a new Credible Faith brochure that I can send to pastors and leave with someone when I share with them about Credible Faith.

On the family side, Dad's 69th birthday was June 16th, and we had a birthday celebration (whether it was on the 16th or not, I don't say). There were various visits from siblings and nephews, and I had some time with nephews. I went out on the lake with my nephew Hosea on the mostly yellow canoe-like boat. He said this or something like it, that that was his first time paddling on that boat or in the lake like that. Uncle Paul had the privilege of being there for a first in Hosea's life (or at least, a first according to what Hosea said).

PRAYER REQUESTS
1. Fundraising. Financially, one of the hardest seasons for a ministry is the beginning. Please pray that God would bring monthly supporters alongside Credible Faith. Credible Faith is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization and donations are accordingly tax-deductible in the US as permitted by law.

2. The Donation of a Used Car. My car is a 2002 Saturn with over 130,000 miles on it. In itself, that is not very bad, but it became something of a money hole. When I was at Trinity, I think that much of the transmission was replaced, and in January over $700 was paid for fixing part of the transmission system. Yet, there continues to be jolts when shifting, and I am concerned that it will deteriorate as has happened before and again be in a situation where a large expenditure is required. There has also been battery failure and the failure of the starter, both of which were replaced. One of the back windows also stopped working and at times just slid down some while I or someone else was driving. I do not have much money and don't have enough to buy a good used car (at least, not if there is not a good deal I also need some of my money for other thing(s)). Pray that someone would donate a used card before I would need to sink a lot more money into the one that I do currently have, or pray that the current car would not need significant expenditures.

3. Ministry Opportunities. Pray that doors would be opened for ministry in churches and on campuses and for relationships to be formed that would be mutually beneficial for ministry in those places.

Have a great month!!!

Sincerely,

Paul

Sunday, July 3, 2016
Groveland, Illinois, USA

Quote of the Month

A quote of John Newton's 'In Evil Long I Took Delight': In evil long I took delight, Unawed by shame or fear, Till a new object struck my sight, And stopped my wild career. I saw One hanging on a tree, In agonies and blood, Who fixed His languid eyes on me, As near His cross I stood. Sure, never till my latest breath, Can I forget that look; It seemed to charge me with His death, Though not a word He spoke. My conscience felt and owned the guilt, And plunged me in despair, I saw my sins His blood had spilt, And helped to nail Him there. Alas, I knew not what I did, But now my tears are vain; Where shall my trembling soul be hid? For I the Lord have slain. A second look He gave, which said, “I freely all forgive; This blood is for thy ransom paid; I die that thou mayst live.” Thus, while His death my sin displays In all its blackest hue, Such is the mystery of grace, It seals my pardon too. With pleasing grief and mournful joy, My spirit is now filled; That I should such a life destroy, Yet live by him I killed.