Forks Bible Church

Well, I had a wonderful trip over to Forks this past weekend. The only thing that would have made it better was to have my wife along, but she was unable to attend. Our hope is for the two of us to head back to Forks sometime the first of the year. For those who don't know, the once "log" booming town of Forks has now regained popularity due to the "Twilight" books and movie. Not necessarily a bragging point for the church folks of Forks. Some of you know that this is my "annual" trek to Forks Bible Church to touch base with the folks through Worship and Fellowship. However, many say my main reason for going is to fish for Salmon and Steelhead. I arrived on Saturday night and visited with Pastor George and Rita Williams, who are always wonderful hosts. Even though Forks & the Forks Bible Church are small, they continue to be busy as a couple with many ministries: Sunday Services in the am & pm, mid-week Bible studies, community outreach, helping in the restoration of the church building, etc. I preached on Sunday morning from James 1 which was interesting since the Adult Sunday School class was going through the same text. However, a number of folks said it was a subject that needed "double" attention. This was followed by a Soup & Bread dinner and skit by the Pastor & three Elders, with costumes and all. Sunday night Pastor George continued a series through Exodus which was a good study. Monday morning found me and George on the river bank bright and early at 7am, along with about 10 other men. We started out for a few hours catching nothing (unusual for George), while everyone else below us was catching fish. Eventually we moved down river and limited out with our 4 Coho (Silver) Salmon each. The conditions were perfect and the expectation on a great amount of fish going through. We were really the sight carrying our four fish each tied to our backpacks, averaging around 10lbs each, up the trail. We headed out again Tuesday morning and I banked the first silver but not much was happening so we went to another location and George brought in two and the guys next to us had brought in three. We've tried to convince our wives that this is work, not play; that we are "providing" for our families. They're not so easily swayed to our thinking. Oh well. All in all it was a good trip and I enjoyed it immensely as always.

Southern Washington Ministry

Katherine and I took off late Saturday afternoon to Oregon for an overnighter at our daughter and son-in-laws. Elizabeth prepared a roast beef dinner and afterwards we all did some bowling - wii bowling that is. Sunday morning, after a bright and early breakfast at 6:30am, we headed out for Carson Bible Church across the river from Cascade Locks. Dave and Glenda West, Missionaries with N.I.C.E. have served there as pastor for 16 years. Even though a smaller church, they have two serves so I had the opportunity to preach a couple times. My sermon topic was "Responding to the Test of Faith in Life" from James 1:2-8. I started with two as the foundation: 1) Trials are the means God uses in testing the character of our faith (vs2-4), and 2) Godly wisdom is from a spiritual dimension, not human cleverness or insight (vs5-8). Then I shared four responses God expects from us: The Response of Joy in Trials (v2), The Response of Endurance (vs3-4), The Response of Prayer (v5), and The Response of Confidence (vs6-8). We enjoyed Sunday School in between the services. The Adult Teacher is working through the book of Genesis and discussed part of the Fall in chapter 3. Following church we had lunch with Pastor Dave and Glenda at the house and enjoyed a time of fellowship. On our way home we met for dinner with Don & Jody Wantland, Missionaries with N.I.C.E. who live in Castle Rock. We always enjoy our visit and chats about ministry and family. Don always has some great thoughts or usually has a theological question he has been pondering that he throws out.

IFCA Regional

Monday through Wednesday this past week was our semi-annual IFCA Regional Conference. We met at Faith Community Bible Church in Bremerton, pastored by Dan Wilson. The folks of FCBC did an outstanding job of hosting us, not only as the site for the Conference but in providing us with great meals and snacks.

Four of our own men spoke from the book of Philippians in our Main Sessions. Pastor Jay Mosser of Sunset Bible Church in University Place spoke from Chapter one. Pastor Tim Walton from Alderwood Manor Church in Lynwood delivered a message from Chapter two. Pastor Mike Jones, Shepherd of Independent Bible Church in Port Angeles preached from Chapter three. Dan Wilson, Host Pastor wrapped the book up speaking from Chapter four.

The ladies had a wonderful time on Saturday with Elizabeth George, speaker and author of numerous books. Elizabeth did two main sessions with them. At the last meeting on Wednesday the board introduced their new appointee as President, Katherine Rodgers. Sadly her predecessor Birtha Richards passed away a few months ago. Judi Allen, former President, had been filling in until a new President could be appointed. The men participated in a number of workshops.

At the Tuesday night dinner time, which reflects on the ministry of Northwest Independent Church Extension, Earl Brubaker, Executive Director, announced his resignation which will be effective at the end of September next year. The Board is beginning the process of looking for a new Director during this time period and would appreciate prayer.

Our next Conference will be in February next year at Edgewood Bible Church in Edgewood. It will be followed by their annual Mission's Conference. Paul Seger, Executive Director of Biblical Ministries Worldwide will be the speaker for both Conferences.