July seemed to fly by, much more than any month since we arrived on the field last year. Many previously mentioned ministries continue on faithfully, with minor pauses like we had this month due to illness and school holidays. By the final week of the month though, youth group, Bible studies, and canvassing were back into action.
We want to keep the Friend Day, August 20, before you in prayer. Every member has been active with inviting friends for that day. Rarely can 100% involvement be obtained, however, the excitement has been contagious throughout the church and we are either nearing or at full involvement. We could have every individual in attendance who promised, but all is in vain unless the Holy Spirit is in the service that day, working through the gospel message. Pray specifically for Pastor Fraser as he preaches, for God to meet with us, and for many unsaved to be present and to trust Christ.
A constant and increasing theme in the ministry here has been the power of prayer. It was difficult to maintain a list of God’s answers to prayer in July. Prayers answered of visitors in church, spiritual growth in new Christians, new ministry opportunities, the list continues! We share as many of these as privacy and discretion will allow, as we are sure you will understand. This is clearly a team effort; as you pray for us, and then we bring specific prayers to God regarding spiritual battles here. God is working through our combined prayers. “Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.” (2 Corinthians 1:11)
Having preached a message on “Prayer Unlimited” several weeks ago, it was only fitting that God would place a vacant church building on the market the following day. It is a prayer request that requires an “unlimited prayer” and we ask you to join us in praying for God’s will to be done. The matter could be settled either way by the time this letter reaches you, but to those who receive this in early August, may it be a focus of prayer along with the upcoming Friend Day.
Thank you for praying,
Josh, Alyse and Bentlee Szwarga