First Month Update
We have had a very interesting introduction to our new ministry in
Marshall. The day that we arrived, we were told that we would not be
able to close on our new home for at 3-5 days. Those 3-5 days have
turned into 5 weeks, and now 8 weeks more until we could expect an
answer. We praise the Lord that, as of April 27th, we will close on a
new place here in town.
Other than that distraction, we have had a fruitful time here in
Marshall thus far. We have been meeting each week on Sunday afternoon
for some strategy sessions, on Tuesday (EARLY) morning for Men's Bible
study and prayer, and on Wednesday nights for Bible study and prayer.
On Wednesday night in particular, we have seen a sea of new faces each
week, which is encouraging. We are studying 1John, looking for the
evidences of our faith. It has been a great time of Biblical
fellowship.
Personally, I have spent a great deal of time in public trying to meet
people and get known around town. I have joined the Ministerial
Association, as well as the Chamber of Commerce, the golf club, and
the YMCA. All have afforded great opportunities to meet people here in
town, some who are in Christ, and many who are not (yet). There are
also great opportunities at the local University, the jail, and the
hospital here in town. I have made contacts at the local Adult
Community Center, and we were invited to a great brunch there. I have
found that the local schools are very open to my visits, and we have a
core member on staff at the Middle School as well. Additionally, the
local paper has published a couple of my articles about why we are
planting the church here. All of this to say that God has provided
many open doors and many God-appointments that hopefully will bear
fruit.
Our children are settled into school, and have made some friends.
Eddie has become quite the 'Andrew'; handing out tracts and inviting
kids over to the house, where I interview them to see if they are in
Christ. John and Grace have not had friends over yet, but all three
are involved in a local youth group which is very active, and they are
making friends there. Stewart is involved in AWANA at the same church.
The pastor there has opened his doors to us, and though they are a
different denomination, they are supporting our plant by helping with
the kids, and they have expressed a desire to pray over us;
commissioning and commending us as we launch.  I am thankful for this
kind of support from a couple of local churches that I have seen thus
far.
Please continue to pray for this church plant. We are battling against
hidden forces that have aligned themselves against us.  We know that
good things are happening because of the frequent arrows that we get
from the enemy. But we know that Jesus in us is greater than Satan who
is in the world and the world system. As we walk in the armor of God,
nothing can penetrate or keep our eyes off of the prize.  We know that
as we are faithful, and as we are obedient to His direction, that God
the Holy Spirit will go before us and show us 'great and mighty
things, which we know not' (Jer 33:3)

Marshall Prayer Requests:
*That we would glorify God in all that we do.   *That the April 22nd
meeting would be productive     *That Christ would be seen in us.       *That
our present ministries would be effective.*That we would respond to
daily God appointments.   *That the evangelism class would produce
bold disciples ready to spread the Gospel *That we would be faithful
and bold in sharing our faith.    *That the launch team would be in
one accord.  *That we would raise local financial support

Marshall Praises
That we have a new home!        That we have a great team!      That we have
been able to reach people here already! That we have been able to get
involved in this community!     For support of local pastors!   That we are
under attack (it means we are rattling Satan's cages)   For great prayer
warriors (all over the country!)  For your support!