Many of the local Christian churches are working together through the Ministerial Association, which is really encouraging. Throughout the year we have a variety of meetings, such as the 5th Sunday Sing, Prayer Meetings and this year we had a „Day of Unity“ for the first time. We find that times like this encourage fellowship between the churches and their members. Several times Volkhard has had the opportunity to serve in one of the other churches in the area.
In October, Marianne attended the AGLOW North American Leadership Conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin as part of her leadership responsibilities.
After that we attended the Council meeting for YWAM leaders in the Northwest in Salem, Oregon. Times like these give us opportunity to have fellowship and exchange with our extended YWAM family and usually provide encouragement for new challenges.
Volkhard had opportunity to lead a group of primarily Native men from our area to the „Unleashed“ Promise Keepers Conference in Spokane, WA.
Volkhard also did some substitute School bus driving this year. It provides him with many contact with young people of this area.
We are grateful to be able to report that we both are doing well physically, although we notice that time doesn‘t stand still for us. For Volkhard this year was birthday # 50.
When we began our work among Native people, the Lord gave us Isaiah 61 as word of direction. This chapter continues to provide encouragement to us. Verses 5 and 6 have taken on new meaning for us during this year.
In November, Volkhard completed his first full year as Commissioned Lay Pastor of First Indian Presbyterian Church. Usually he preaches about three times a month, leads services, is available for counseling, chairs elders meetings and helps with property and technical questions.
Our prayer and desire is of course to see the second part of these verses come to pass as well; that Native Americans will be called and prepared for their priestly duty and will take possession of their spiritual leadership in church and all areas of life.
Young people, like Kyle encourage us that this is happening.
