Longings, Granted in What He Ordains

A couple of years back, I had an “epiphany,” an “aha” moment. I realized God had overruled my plans but given me what I really wanted, needed, and more! The words to an old hymn came into my mind, “Hast thou not seen. How all your longings have been, granted in what He ordaineth?” In other words, when God overrules our plans, He has something better in mind. “Dis-appointments” turn out to be “His-appointments.” Just one letter changed, but a world of difference!

I think of when the Forest Service made my job on the fire engine permanent, year-round with benefits, yet said I was over the age limit to apply. I was very disappointed. But He made it possible for me to still work on fires without being tied down to a schedule that would hinder our ministry.

It may take a few years to realize how He works things out, but looking back, “Hast thou not seen...”

Ski Area: Melva and I just attended a banquet where I was recognized for 50 years of teaching skiing at Crested Butte. I asked for a moment to share how grateful I was to the Lord and closed with God’s blessing in Numbers 6:24-26. Thank you for praying as I share on the mountain.

Trip to San Diego: Our trip to honor Milt Hughes went very well. I spoke on how Milt shared the gospel with me and how that in turn impacted others who are now in ministry around the world. His widow Ruth is committed to continuing their ministry to International Students and we ask you to pray for her.

Family: Everyone is well. Son-in-law Stephen, pastoring in London, has been asked to participate in several outreach events, and son Steve in Glendale CA has been asked to be the worship leader in his church. Lord-willing, we will visit Steve and Annie (Samuel and Abigail) as well as Tim and Sara (Elizabeth and Sydney) in late April as we head out to preach in Palm Desert, CA. Then we hope to visit Rebekah and Nick (Kailani) in mid-May. Thank You for praying for our family!

Finances: The Lord Jesus, working through you, is allowing us to continue to send out thousands of firefighter and police New Testaments, as well as continue to serve locally and on the road. Because of your faithful support, we are able to donate 100% of our Saturday Night Worship offerings to missionaries, missionary widows, and pastors of small churches. Each gift is an investment in God’s kingdom! “For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God.” (2 Cor. 9:12) Thank You!

Winding down and winding up!
As we wind down our winter ministries, we start our ministry trips. Lord willing, we will be in the following places this summer: Please pray over each of these!

1. April 5: Edmond OK: “Thank You/ Ministry Update” Lunch: Johnnies Hamburgers 33, 33rd St. 12 noon.
2. April 6-9: Guthrie OK: Revival services at Abell Community Church.
3. May 4: Palm Desert CA: Desert Springs Church
4. May 18: Livermore CO: Community Church
5. May 19: Loveland CO: “Thank You/Ministry Update” Lunch: Golden Corral 12 noon.
6. May 25: Pitkin CO Community Church
7. June 1: Tin Cup CO Community Church
8. June: Other knee replacement?
9. July 10-13: Gunnison CO: Chaplain at Cattlemen’s Days Rodeo and Rodeo Church Service
10. July 15: Dallas TX: “Thank You” Dinner: La Madeline - 6 pm. 11930 Preston Rd (Preston and Forest)
11. July 20-23: Bentonia MS: Hebron Baptist Church Revival Services
12. July 27: Celeste TX: Shepherd’s Hill Lane Baptist Church
13. September 7: Tin Cup CO Community Church
14. September 28: Pitkin CO Community Church

Prayer Requests:
Please pray for the anointing of the Holy Spirit as we share locally and on the road! Please pray as well for safety and good health. Please pray for those in our ski area Bible study as they move into their summer jobs around the country. Please pray for the Lord to show us those He has chosen to work with us and that we will use their gifts to His glory. Thank You!
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By His grace and to His glory,
Rick and Melva