August 2, 2008

Summer does not want to admit it's nearly over. It was in the hundreds yesterday, and today promises to be a scorcher as well. Thank God, that among many other things, the team from Michigan was able to fix the swamp coolers in the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall. But Summer vacation at least, is nearly over...school starts in just a couple of weeks. I'm looking forward to the "new year". It has been, as I predicted, a very quick, busy summer. I could use the break - getting back to the "old routine."
I've posted some pictures of the "Big Event" the week of July 20. I'd like to say that it was very well attended and we picked up several new families as a result. But in all honesty I can't. It was, however, a Big Success! July 20 was Pastor Art's birthday and the first day that the team from Michigan was with us. We shared a feast, and birthday cake after Sunday Morning worship and then drove out to the place on the Rez where VBS was supposed to be held. But due to some family related circumstances, that site fell through, and it was decided at the last minute that VBS would be held on our grounds. Mind you, there was no time to advertise. So I guess having an average attendance of 16 - with a total of 20 registered wasn't bad. On Monday work began, and boy did those folk work hard! They fixed a roof, and two swamp coolers, and did some great landscaping. They put up a tent, hauled rocks, handed out fliers, and put up insulation, drywall, and remodeled the kitchen in the fellowship hall and sorted out a ton of donated clothes. 5 days of heavy and joyful labor in the New Mexican heat! All to the glory of God. And in the evenings the God of Glory thundered. Under the purple tent - which by the way has now been donated to our ministry to keep - our Church family, the team from Michigan, and a handful of other guests were blessed by worship and teachings on worship. May God richly bless Nason, Casey, Duane, the drum team, Kenneth, Andrew, Julia, Michelle and the girls - who took the time to participate in our tent meetings - again, all to the glory of God.
So this week, Art painted the fellowship hall and I continued to pull weeds and water the plants the team planted. We're getting ready for our back to school event on August 9. The race continues, one simple step of obedience at a time. There is more to tell, but for now I will just let you enjoy some of the pictures. I would ask a favor of you though. You can leave a message after each post without having a blogger account. It's pretty easy. It would bless me if I know who was reading this thing. And if you scroll down, to the report on our cross country trip or even further, I'd like to know these types of reports aren't a waste of time. Just leave a short response. Also, continue please, to pray for our ministry and if you feel led, contribute to our work here. We'll send you a CD if you do...and if you want to receive our monthly newsletter, email us with your snail mail address. artandme@juno.com - The Farmington Free Methodist Mission - PO Box 6132 Farmington, NM 87499 - blessings and prayers - Maryellen