“This I say for your own benefit; not to put a restraint upon you, but to promote what is appropriate and to secure undistracted devotion to the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 7:35
Dear friends of the ministry,
Virginia Church We
have some exciting news! Our son-in-law, David Shirley, got a new job at
Southern Illinois University working in the administration. Praise God! He is
thrilled about this career opportunity! David, Stephanie, and the four children,
will be leaving Portsmouth and moving to Carbondale, Illinois. It is never easy
to leave friends you have loved and been close with., but the church they
started will continue their undistracted devotion to Lord and to
function as His family. Several members have already voiced their commitment to
carry on. The Shirley’s want to maintain these precious relationships and to encourage
these saints from a distance. They also want God to use them to start churches
in their new location.
Anniversary Celebration Danelle and I got married on May 10, 1975, in Clemson, South Carolina. Herschel Martindale presided over the service that was attended by members of our new church and family. God has transformed many lives in the past 48 years, including ours! He has been our constant companion, enabling us to secure undistracted devotion to Him. We certainly have had our ups and downs, doubts and fears, failure, and success. Through it all, He has been faithful to forgive, refresh, and renew us! He has given us 7 beautiful children and 21 awesome grandchildren to love and enjoy! We are excited about working with the Lord!
Danelle and I took a few days to celebrate 48
years together as husband and wife. We visited Providence Canyon near Columbus,
Georgia. We took time to look back at how God answered some of our prayers. We
also discussed what He wants to do through us in the future and then committed
our plans to Him. We want to finish well the race Christ has for us!
Prayer
& Praise
1. Virginia Church Please pray for the entire
church to continue to love people and share the gospel, disciple one another,
and to be protected from evil. Pray for the Shirley’s to receive God’s grace to
continue to shepherd their friends from a distance and to pray for them.
2. Family News Please pray for David and Stephanie to sell their
house in Virginia soon and for their big move to Illinois next month. It is a
13-hour drive with Stephanie’s bees and chickens joining the journey - of
course! David starts his new job June 1st.
Please join Danelle and I in praising God for His
unfailing love and grace in our marriage and family! With the Holy Spirit’s
power, and your love, support, and prayers, we will continue to fight the good
fight of faith!
Yours
in Christ’s love,
Steve & Danelle
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