Judges 2:10

Picture the excitement of a group of children waiting in line to get the autograph of someone they admire, respect, and appreciate. Then imagine them actually getting to shake that person’s hand and meeting them in person. I witnessed this first hand tonight as kids of all ages stood in line to meet my husband Michael and have him autograph their Bibles. It was the sweetest thing!

These children were at Old Paths Bible Baptist Church in Clarion, New York. Wednesday night we presented our ministry at this family oriented church. It is clear that the church has taught the children to have an appreciation for missionaries. Instead of their families idolizing Hollywood, musical or sports stars - they look up to people who are interested in reaching the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. These kids genuinely admire a person who is willing to move and invest their lives into starting churches in areas where there are none.

We had a great meeting at OPBBC. It was great to see some of our good friends who attend there. As Michael gave the invitation, it was wonderful to see how many young children went forward to the altar. Very sweet. Lord, please never allow Satan to steal that softness from them.

Matthew 13:1-8

Saturday I had the chance to preach the gospel for the FBBC Flag Football ministry. The ministry had three separate gospel presentations throughout the day that I did. The weather was very hot and three gospel presentations can be spiritually and physically exhausting.

It seems like every year I have had an opportunity to preach for this ministry. Although I always enjoy it, today was the most encouraging day I have ever had there. Let’s face it, football players are generally not the most receptive of people - especially at a halftime of their game!

After my first presentation of the gospel, I was standing near some bleachers praying God would use what was said. A lady came up to me and introduced herself as Clara. She stated that a few years ago she was not a Christian and had attended a Flag Football game where I gave the gospel. She also stated that after my message she started seeing her need to be forgiven. She became a Christian shortly after! Now she is married and growing in her relationship with the Lord Jesus!

That day she thanked me over and over for taking the time to share the gospel with her two years ago. I left that conversation thanking God over and over.

Matthew 19:24

Princeton Bible Church is in the heart of a highly affluent area. As you can imagine, it is a different culture and lifestyle even to Pastor Nelson and his family. It is similar to that which we will minister to in Italy. Lives full of busy schedules, abundant material objects, social respect all entrenched in post-modern belief systems. Proof of this may be that the church is in the ideal location with Princeton University and the Choir College close by; yet none of the students attend church there.

We ended up in Princeton after Pastor Brad Nelson contacted our pastor inquiring about missionaries. His church wanted to do more for missions. Pastor Grace recommended our family, and Pastor Nelson got in touch with Michael. Before even meeting us, he and his church began to support us on a monthly basis. Of course that made it even more exciting for us to meet them all in person! It is a blessing to have a pastor like Pastor Grace, who has already done so much for us on deputation.

Princeton Bible Church is an amazing result of a vision to plant a Bible church in the heart of a beautiful, historical city. It meets on the campus of Westminster Choir College, to which I was thrilled-now I can attest that “Yes, I have sung there.” We had a wonderful day getting to know the members there and made some great friendships...and of course Natalia made "a few" too!