Home Missions Today

November 16, 2005

This is Richard Gerber reporting the November 16, 2005 edition of Home Missions Today. God is using your prayers to develop the ministries of Orthodox Presbyterian mission works across North America.

PORT ANGELES, WASHINGTON—The Lord's work in Redeeming Grace OPC is exciting! The families and individuals who make up the core group are faithful, unified and eager to deepen their understanding of the Reformed faith. The adult Bible study group, prior to the Sunday worship service, is studying the Westminster Confession of Faith and having lively discussions. The men's and the ladies' Bible studies held during the week are also doing well. Recently, invitations to join in these studies of Exodus went out to 45 other people. Pastor William Renkema also teaches to some home-schoolers the Westminster Shorter Catechism. In the past three months, the congregation has witnessed the wedding of one couple, the baptism of a covenant child, and the more faithful attendance of some non-members. Redeeming Grace OPC has many reasons for which to be thankful! God has been good! November 4th marked the 40th anniversary of Pastor Renkema's ordination to the Gospel ministry. He and his wife Ann are deeply humbled that the Lord has used them in his service for all these years in various denominations and congregations and that they can serve him now in Port Angeles. Pray that the Lord will continue to bless the ministry of the Word and cause his church to grow spiritually and numerically on the Olympic peninsula.

REEDSBURG, WISCONSIN—Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised for all of the wonderful works he has been performing at Grace Reformed Church (OPC)! Pastor Christian McShaffrey and his wife Kelly are filled with spiritual joy and are in good physical health, and the congregation is continuing steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship. The Lord has been most faithful in granting spiritual growth and also numerical growth. Four families have joined the church this year (essentially doubling the membership), and there are also quite a few regular and occasional visitors. The session has recently approved three men to begin elder training and two men to begin deacon training. God is working powerfully in and through his church in Reedsburg (which means that our enemy is working as well). Please pray for Grace Reformed Church as she continues to wrestle against principalities and powers while standing firm on God's promises which are yes and amen in Jesus Christ our Lord.

PRESBYTERY OF THE MIDWEST & MICHIGAN AND ONTARIO—Pray for regional home missionary Jim Bosgraf as he ministers to the mission works in these presbyteries. He continues to work with the church in Momence, Illinois, which is in the process of their joining the OPC. He is working also with a group in De Motte, Indiana, as they consider denominational affiliation. Jim asks us to pray for the new work in DeKalb, Illinois, as they have begun worship services. Pray for new pastors needed in Central Lake, Michigan; Jordon, Ontario; Brighton, Michigan; and St. Paul, Minnesota. Lastly, ask God to give Jim spiritual wisdom for his labors, good health and stamina, and safety as he travels many miles in connection with his ministry.

YARDLEY, PENNSYLVANIA—We welcome the congregation of Yardley Presbyterian Church (OPC) and her organizing pastor Harry R. McLeod, better known as Buster, to the family of OPC supported mission works. Buster began his ministry in October. He had previously been the associate pastor of Gwynedd Valley OPC in Gwynedd, Pennsylvania. Yardley Presbyterian Church has been meeting for worship since January 2002. Please pray for Pastor McLeod as he leads this work in its further development, and pray that God would draw many to the Savior in this region along the western bank of the Delaware River at its easternmost point, adding them to Yardley OPC.

Look for the next edition of Home Missions Today on Wednesday, November 30 or call 215/830-9424 ext. 46.