Mary's account of Rattlesnake ordeal!

I am simply overwhelmed with emotion as I look back over the last week of my life. I am sitting in my hospital bed at this moment feeling like I am actually going to make it for the first time 7 days. Many have asked what happened last week and so I will try to give you a glimpse of my very interesting week!

Last Saturday our son Jonathan had brought our 5th wheel back to us as we were heading out to do a church camp the next week and needed it for our time there. The camp had issued a paper stating no sandles would be allowed do to snakes- I had ordered a pair of sneakers and thought -well no time like th present to start breaking these puppies in. When Iwent to put them on they ended up being too small and since we were just making a quick trip to the land to unload the trailer I put a pair of sandles on. Many of you know I became a beekeeper and while we were out there decided to check the bees water. Without warning I felt a prick and told bill Something had just biten me when I then saw the rattle snake there by the water hole. Bill immediately drove me to the Walsenburg hospital where they administered a pain killer Fentenye- immediately I started with an allergic reaction and felt my face and body begin to swell. I went into Antifilatic Shock. The team induced a coma and put me on life support and then Life flighted me to Saint Mary Corwins hospital in Pueblo where I basically fought for my life for several days as anti venom and meds kept bringing allergic reactions. Finally on Tuesday they told Bill they would start the process of bringing me off the ventilater- I guess I didn't like the thing as before they could begin the process I somehow got that thing out of my throat. I can not begin to tell of the ordeal of all that went on and yet in the midst of it all Jesus was there in each Doctor, nurse, tech, cleaning lady etc. that ministered to me in my time of need. There is some difficuty with my platelet levels, antibiotic reactions etc but I feel blessed to have been given another day to live for Him. My foot is oh so sore and they feel with all the reactions the antivenon may not have worked. My Fibromylgia is in full flare mode after being bed ridden for 8 days now. I can not put any pressure on my foot for now and hopefully by tomorrow the team of Drs will have some conclusions as to where to go from here. Maybe home? Even so it will be a long recovery time. I am not the most patient person and ask for prayer that I will let God be God during this time and rest in Him and His timing./ My DH has been absolutely a Godsend,our boys were here, my Mom and sisters, tons of precious prayers going up on my behalf- Thank you.

Turkeys, Bees, and VBS!

OK where do I start? Let me just tell you that the last 4 weeks have been an amazing time of watching God work.

* "Training of the Twelve". By the time we got camp set up it had turned into the "Training of the Four", and everyone that was supposed to be there was there. What a great time of getting into the Word, dealing with life issues, fellowshipping together, and hunting with and learning from some avid turkey hunters. Promise not to laugh? The turkey whisperer called one in for me and....... I missed.

* Got home from hunting and quickly shifted gears to promoting for the 2 VBSs that were held May 25-29. One week to let 2 towns know about the VBSs. Being new and not too many people being familiar to AMF, I believed it was important for people to see us face to face. I now have quite a few more miles on my boots, and I got to meet more people.

* VBS Week. Curtis Rhoadarmer brought Ray, Matt, & Alex to lead the VBSs. We recruited Rebecca Rice from the Fairs to add a feminine touch. Good thing she came too, as the VBS in Gardner was attended only by girls. A great big applause for Mary who did all the cooking for this crew and making sure everyone was comfortable. Me - well I got to play and talk to some of the parents and play and burn hotdogs.

**If you will click on any of the pictures below they will enlarge
Gardner- we had 13 girls attend and made some great friends. On Friday at the end of our time we invited families and friends to a weiner roast. We talked briefly about the possibility of a weekly kid's Bible club, since there is nothing going on for the kids in this little town.

Walsenburg- we had 15 boys and girls attend here. It was great to see our backyard full of activity in the afternoons. We met new families here in town through this VBS. We look forward to getting to know them better and find God's directing to minister to them in the future. Between the 2 VBSs there were 15 kids who asked Jesus to be their Savior!!!!!!!!!

Thank you for your faithful praying on behalf of this ministry! God is working!!

We took the team to Bishop's Castle and to Westcliff for some food and bowling as a thank you for all their help-

We kinda sorta thought we would just have a light week this week to prepare for the LaVeta Rodeo Bible Camp starting tomorrow. God thought it would be cool to mess up our plans- it was :>)

Real quick- the condensed version. 14 guys showed up at the new Bible study at the prison. Shared Jesus with Manuel who helped us build fence around Mary's new beehives. 2 new guys at tonights Bible study (one being Manuel). Several opportunities to help/ minister to people in the community. Talked to a couple of neighbor boys who missed VBS but keep asking when we are going to have "church" again.

We also have unexpected guest here this weekend while we help at the Rodeo BIble camp then Mary's sister Maureen, and family will be here Monday and staying the week- Look forward to spending some time with family!

You guys, our faithful support team, are amazing!! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Seeking Him,

Bill and Mary

The new beekeeper in town!!

Happy Mothers day! May 10 update

Blessings to you and Happy Mother’s Day to all you wonderful mommas.

Mary hosted a wonderful Mother’s Day Tea Saturday afternoon. There were 7 here being treated to Mary’s lavish hospitality. Chocolated strawberries, a variety of teas, and many other treats that you only get in the world’s finest places.

playing dress up

Puppet show for the Mommies!

This update I thought I would start off with letting you know some things to pray for in the upcoming weeks.

1. Next week I will be in the Pagosa Springs area for “The Training of the Twelve”. This is a discipleship time / spring turkey hunt. I am really looking forward to this and being with AMF missionary Bill Fair. I will tell you about this time when I return. Mary will be holding down the ministry at home and hopefully planting her garden. (If it doesn’t snow) :^(

2. Upon returning we will move into promoting the 2 VBS that we will have the following week ( May 25-29). Curtis & Rachael Rhoadarmer , AMF missionaries in NE Colorado, will bring a team of summer missionaries to conduct these VBSs. There will be one in the morning in Gardner. And one in the afternoon in our backyard here in Walsenburg.

3. At this point it seems to be cleared for me to go back into the prison with a Bible study on June 3.

4. On June 6 we will again be working at the La Veta Rodeo Bible Camp.

Now I know the way I worded those prayer requests that it sounds like us “doing” things. As you pray, let me remind us that this is about people and their eternal life, and that what we are to be about is responding to Him. Pray that we will be sourced only by the Father and that what happens will be from Him flowing from us.

I’ve got to tell you about some of my new friends here in Walsenburg. They range in age from 8- 12. Nicky and Andrew are brothers. Santana and JJ are brothers. I met them helping out down at the Morning Star Youth Mission on Thursday nights. We’ve cut wood together and pulled weeds together. They come by looking for work to earn money, and I let them work so that they can have opportunities to hear more about Jesus. Pray for these boys and our times together. Also would you pray that this will open the door to their families and ministry to them.

Mary and I are so thankful for your prayers and support. We know for sure that many of the things that we have seen happen in the last 1 1/2 years here, have happened because of your dedication to pray.

Blessings to you and Happy Mother’s Day to all you wonderful mommas.

Seeking Him,
Bill and Mary

Quarterly newsletter- May 09

(This is the information we sent out in our quarterly (snail mail) newsletters- If you would like to receive a paper copy just give us a quick email and we will add you to our list!)

Love in any Language (or Culture)

One of the notable aspects of Jesus' ministry is that He spoke to people in the "language" of their culture. When He talked to farmers He used illustrations and examples common to an agrarian society. He did the same with fishermen, shepherds and others. The Ethnic Summit Conference, we attended in March, gave us the stimulus to discover the cultures of the various ethnic groups we work with in order to speak about the Gospel in the words that they relate to. Pray with us that God will take us to those doors that need opened in SE Colorado.

Enjoying fellowship together at the Ethnic Summit in Arizona

One cold winter evening, sitting by the wood stove, I discovered Facebook.com. What I discovered was a media through which I could connect with people I hadn’t seen or talked to in years, many I had lost track of. Patrick, one of the teens in our youth group-30 YEARS AGO, was one of my connections. It wasn’t long before I got a message in my inbox with this question- “Could you put me on track to some passages referring to ...finding the way to God, ...faith. How do I put aside everything that I believe is
logical and give myself to Jesus?” We communicated back & forth for a month. We had lunch with Patrick as he lived in the same city that the Ethnic Conference was held. Mary and I shared with him a number of scriptures, primarily Luke 15, about our Father who desires the return of His repentant son and the awesome picture of His extravagant love. A few days later we received an email from Patrick –“ had a
wonderful lunch with you two...thank you. I came home and thought about our discussions ...later I sat in my room and realized that the only right thing to do was ask for forgiveness and to come home....I prayed on it. The last time I actually prayed was 20 years ago …. I felt a burden off of me....I will continue to learn and do my best to listen.... I want to continue to have fellowship with you and direction....thank you for pointing me in the right direction.” Pray for Patrick in his new walk with Jesus.

We were blessed to spend 4 days in Mammoth Lakes, Ca. in March, skiing, sightseeing and enjoying time spent with our youngest son David, who works ski patrol on the mountain

PRISON MINISTRY
The prison ministry is on hold. All Colorado inmates are being transferred to other
facilities. This prison will begin accepting inmates from Arizona. There will be many changes in this move, like no Faith Pod. We have a great chaplain here and he is
working hard to assure that there will be solid Biblical teaching taking place. Continue to pray for the men that we were blessed with as we looked at “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”


Financial Support Update

During these challenging economic times we have seen a 20% /month drop in our support. Pray with us for new financial ministry partners who will join in this exciting time of reaching SE Colorado with the Gospel.

Marveling!

“But Peter arose and ran to the tomb; Stooping and looking in, he saw the linen wrappings only; and he went away to his home, MARVELING at that which had happened.” Luke 24:12.


Mary and I spent last week visiting David at Mammoth Lakes, CA. We spent 4 days in various activities such as skiing Mammoth Mtn., cross country skiing, walking around Alabama Hills at the foot of Mt. Whitney, observing tufas at Mono Lake, and of course checking out any and all thrift stores in the area. Most of what I did was MARVEL at the magnificent site of the Eastern Sierra Nevadas. It is one thing to appreciate the beauty and wonder from a distance but my heart wanted to be right in the middle of these mountains, finding and seeing more. I wanted to see what John Muir saw as he explored these same mountains, valleys, domes, and waterfalls.

MARVEL: to become filled with surprise, wonder, or amazed curiosity.

In our Bible study at the prison we have been looking at Col. 1:13- 2:19. We spent quite a bit of time looking at 2: 2-3. This is talking about exploring and MARVELING, causing more exploring and more MARVELING into the “true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself, in whom are hidden ALL the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” As these men leave and are moved to other facilities, I desire for them to constantly MARVEL at the Word of God which will cause them to seek more, to seek more of Him.

I am still not sure of what the future holds for ministry at this prison, with the changes. Pray with me that I will hear God’s direction.

Many of you are praying for and ask about the Bible study in Aguilar. The attendance varies, and we are seeking God’s direction as to stimulating the MARVEL, the amazed curiosity of God and His word. Thanks for your prayers!!!!

OK so I have to ask this question to me and you. Do you MARVEL? Do I walk around constantly surprised, in wonder and amazed curiosity? “And they said to one another, “Were not our hearts BURNING within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?” Luke 24:32.

At the EMPTY tomb MARVELING,
Bill & Mary

"For I am the Lord; I do not change...'

“For I am the Lord; I do not change…..” Malachi 3:6 I am so glad of that!! Being a new missionary, in a new location, meeting lots of new people, making new friends, & doing things I have never done before (Bible study at a prison) I was pretty sure I didn’t need anymore change in my life for awhile. Apparently that is not the way our Father sees it.

Tonight I was told that ALL the inmates at Huerfano County Correctional Center will be moved to other CDOC facilities & this prison will house inmates from Arizona. Relationships were just beginning to be built and trust that we would examine scripture to find truth and not opinion; it is too quickly being put to an end. At least that’s the way it seems to me. I don’t know all the changes this will bring about for me, but we will seek His direction in this.

Pray for these guys that they will find some good spiritual teaching at their new facilities. Praise, two of the inmates that have been a part of the study will be released in the next couple of weeks. Pray for them.

Friday night Men’s Bible study is off to a good start. The first 2 weeks I had 1 man join me. I know, it wasn’t the 6-8 that I was expecting. Last week it DOUBLED & there were 2 studying with me. Continue to pray for this time & the men of Aguilar. There is a battle going on, we are invading territory, and the battle is not against flesh & blood, but against the rulers, powers, & the spiritual forces of darkness. Hey wait, don't send this out yet. Just got back from Friday Bible study and I have to tell you I was joined by 5 men tonight & we had a great time of looking at Col. 1:13-23.

I can’t tell you enough of our deep appreciation for your support of this ministry through your prayers and generous financial gifts. You & us, as a team, with Christ at the head, we will see great victories!!!!

Blessings!
Bill & Mary

2-18-09 update- Famous Footwear, Prison Stint, New Bible Study!!!!

I'd like to give you a brief break from FOX News, CNN, MSNBC, and all the rest of the purveyors of "news".

Prison update

I have told you how the inmates at HCCC expressed an appreciation for me coming and doing a Bible study with them. The last couple of weeks that has changed to "we really appreciate what we are receiving and learning about "Christ in you" moment by moment." Last week, towards the end of our time 3 men asked for forgiveness from their "brothers" for the ways they have acted and spoke. (Sorry Randy but I just have to borrow this from you.) :>) YEEEEEEEEE HAAAW!!!!!! Don't stop praying for these men - pray that they will BEcome "agents of redemption" at the prison and on the street when they are released.

Did I mention another birthday? Didn't I just have one of those? The great thing is they say with age comes wisdom. HMMMM maybe I'm younger than I think.

Aguilar Bible Study!

This Friday evening a new Bible study will be starting in Aguilar with some men. (the women look disappointed they can't come) Looks like we might have between 6-8 there. We will tell you more about this on our next breaking news.

Famous footwear!

Last week we were very privileged to have the new Executive Director of AMF in our home. Yes that's the one - the guy wearing the red tennis shoes-Ridge Burns. Our Regional Director Stan Spiess, brought him to meet and visit with us. Ridge (don't call him Dr.) has been traveling around meeting the missionaries and learning about the workings of AMF. Apparently he was curious to get a peek at some "rookie" missionaries. We had a blast! Took him to Aguilar and by the prison so that he could not just hear about but see. The community center was open when we arrived and so Ridge got to meet a few of our Aguilar friends.Did I mention we had a blast? Wasn't that more refreshing than the news ?

Be blessed,

Bill & Mary