Bates Newsletter - July 14, 2014

Greetings, brethren!  It is a beautiful day in Denver this morning and I hope that your day is beginning with as much hope and glory!

As I mentioned in the last issue of this newsletter, the congregation here at Bear Valley has had to find other facilities to use for our worship assemblies over the last few months. A few weeks ago we were able to return to our building on Sundays for worship only both morning and evening. We are not able to have classes in our building yet because the work continues downstairs; however, progress is being made and we are hopeful that soon all will return to normal. We are still meeting in the building of a sister congregation nearby on Wednesday evening for Bible Classes.

In June, my family and I were able to travel to Oklahoma and give a report of our work to three of our supporting congregations. On Wednesday evening, June 25, we were with the good brethren in Wapanucka, Oklahoma. We are always happy to visit with this congregation who makes us feel so welcome. On Sunday morning, June 29, we gave our report to the Calera, Oklahoma congregation and I also was blessed to preach during the worship hour. This is another congregation we appreciate so much for their willingness to sacrifice in order to partner in our work. Finally, Sunday evening of that same day, we traveled to Wagoner, Oklahoma for our report. Having been notified ahead of time, we made sure to be there in time for the fish-fry that preceded services. The Wagoner congregation has come on board more recently than the other congregations, but we are so happy to be a part of their work, as well.  I cannot express how deeply we appreciate those who make sacrifices in order to help us do this work. As I always try to make known in my personal reports, the work we are doing is very much the work of those who help us do it.  I thank you from the bottom of my heart for that blessing.

I am currently working to prepare for my next trip which will be in the first half of August. I will probably wait until I return from that trip to put out the next newsletter. I will leave, Lord willing, on August 6 for Port au Prince, Haiti for the inauguration of our newest extension school. I will remain through the first week to teach the first course on Old Testament Survey. I plan to return home on August 16. I would very much appreciate your prayers for this trip.

Again, thank you so much for your continued interest in and support of this work. 

God bless!

Donnie Bates

Posted on July 15, 2014 .