Home Missions Today

October 5, 2005

This is Ross Graham reporting the October 5, 2005 edition of Home Missions Today. God is using your prayers to develop the ministries of Orthodox Presbyterian mission works across North America.

HUDSONVILLE, MICHIGAN—Cedar OPC in Hudsonville, Michigan, enjoyed a delightful time at the Hudsonville Community Fair last summer. Approximately 85,000 attended the fair and the congregation hosted a booth where they gave away books, brochures, tracts, and invitations to church. Pastor Steve Igo reports that God has blessed the church with excellent leadership and they have recently elected four ruling elders and called an associate pastor to serve on the session. The officers of Cedar will participate in a regional OP Officer Training Class this fall to study the topic "Counseling for Elders and Deacons," led by Rev. Ken Smith of the Biblical Counseling Center. Lord willing, Cedar will become an organized congregation of the Presbytery of Michigan and Ontario at a special service on October 28th. The congregation's youth group celebrated its one-year birthday on September 19th, and look forward to concluding a active year of ministry together with a mission trip to Keys Chapel (OPC) in Key West, Florida, during winter break.

HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA—Providence Presbyterian Church thanks the Lord for new visitors and families, and a good response to the start of their Communicant's class in September. Pastor Mark Winder reports the past few months have seen a steady increase in attendance and giving, even though a number of families were traveling this summer. The spiritual growth of the congregation has also been evident. Huntsville is expected to gain thousands of jobs over the next few years due to the Base Realignment and Closure Commission recommendations, and the construction of several new research facilities. Please pray that Providence will be able to be a vital witness to those moving into the community as well as to those who currently make their home there. Pray for their newspaper advertising campaign, as well as for the 1200 letters and brochures to be mailed soon. Pray also that elder candidates will be identified within the congregation.

HELENA, MONTANA—In May, Elkhorn Presbyterian Church became a particular church and ordained four elders, who have enthusiastically and harmoniously accepted the responsibilities of their office. Sunday School and mid-week Bible studies have now resumed after a summer break. Pastor Richard Venema reports that for a long time, despite advertising and efforts to reach out, the church has been disappointed with their lack of numerical growth, but has remained upbeat. And now the Lord has blessed them with three new families that are interested in joining. Pray that God will bless the ministry of this congregation, that their members may grow in grace; and that God will add to their number so that they may soon become a self-sustaining church.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA—Pray for the East Los Angeles Spanish-speaking mission Iglesia Evangelica Reformada and their pastor Gonzalo Salinas. On Sunday mornings Pastor Salinas leads worship for a group at the facilities of Grace OPC in Carson. On Sunday afternoons he leads worship in East Los Angeles with an attendance of six or seven people. Pray that God will bless their outreach efforts and strengthen this mission work of Westminster OPC in Westminster, California.

Look for the next edition of Home Missions Today on Wednesday, October 19 or call 215/830-9424 ext. 46.