Advancing

A Montana Thanksgiving

Our first Thanksgiving in beautiful Bozeman was blessed with the arrival of special guests.  Our associate pastor, Don Murray, sledding face-first below, and family celebrated the holiday with us.  Ryan Solberg, one of our AF youth workers and Suzi Brown, a guitarist in our praise band, joined us as well.

We played games (inside and outside!).  We watched a great classic movie about the great Scotsman, Dr. Peter Marshall, who influenced many American lives through his powerful gospel preaching.  Marshall (1902-1949) also served twice as chaplain of the U.S. senate.  Great food, great friends, great God!

Fun Visit!

Our family was recently honored with a visit from our good friends, Raul and Candice Figueroa (Fig-er-o-a).  Raul serves as youth pastor of Grace Harvest Church in Moses Lake, WA.  Candice homeschools their growing family.  All 6 kids are delightful, vibrant and secure in the love of their mom and dad.  As a father of 3, I appreciate parents who discipline their children.  Great job, Raul and Candice!  When are you coming back?  :  )

1 Year

In early October, 2006, I hopped in my 1998 Acura CL 2D with a suitcase and a couple boxes in the trunk.  The adventure had begun.  A call.  An opportunity to use what God had put in me for the advancement of His Kingdom.  Driving to Bozeman I remember feeling the rush of excitement, not knowing what the future held, but knowing I was in the center of His will.  I was alone.  Deea and the kids remained in Moses Lake until the house sold, two months later.  I missed my family but felt very alive, crossing my Jordon into beautiful Montana.

One year later, I can testify that God has been golden.  Alliance Fellowship has been patient with me, a used car salesman from Moses Lake, as I've worked hard to get my legs underneath me as their worship pastor.  The musicians here are both talented and committed.  They see the purpose and value in their work.  Today we had a violin and trombone solo during communion. 

I better hit the books. (Homiletics)  Click on the sunset (Deea pic!) to enlarge.