Thank you for praying for our son’s safe delivery. Bentlee Dean was born on Monday, June 28, at 1:32am. God’s Providence was evident in several ways through the timing of his birth. There were several meetings on our schedule that had me away from home for extended time this month and God made sure to keep him from coming until two hours after my final meeting before the official July 9 due date. This also allows for the maximum amount of time for us to be home before our next scheduled meeting on July 18. God also provided one of the top-rated doctors in the region on call for Alyse’s delivery. Next, our son coming on Monday saved us from having to make several difficult decisions this week, due to a few minor complications. Lastly, we were praying to reach 50% before Bentlee would be born. Sunday night, the church I presented in voted to take us on immediately, putting us over 50%! 

As was briefly mentioned in our last letter, June was a hectic month. We presented in seven churches which is a quantity to be pleased about for a summer month. All seven were quality meetings, continuing a trend we’ve seen for nine months. Great fellowship with the families that housed us and great spiritual activity and growth in the churches. We also had the opportunity to assist with Primary/Junior Camp at Kyte River Revival Campgrounds in Rochelle, IL, teach at a VBS in Madison, AL, and help with the annual Youth Conference in Elgin, IL. Over 90 young people trusted Christ over these 3 weeks and many were called to preach.

This past Saturday, while soulwinning with our home church, there were two striking incidents again, regarding God’s Providence. On two occasions, we were able to witness because of the rain. Both people expressed how “they wouldn’t have been home if it hadn’t been raining.” It’s not unusual to see God work in those ways; it is rare to hear it expressed from the unbeliever’s mouth.

Final thoughts on some blessings this month: after one midweek service, we heard from members of four churches that their church family was praying for us that week. Our supporting church families have been much more than financial partners to us! It’s as if you are catching up with family when you see pastors and members at events throughout the year. God has been extremely gracious to provide the support and the supporters that He has.

God Bless,
Josh, Alyse, and Bentlee Szwarga

Next UpdateJanuary 2023