“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25)

Our church’s theme for this year is “So Much the More,” and we are making progress as we redouble our efforts to reach our community for Christ.

We have been making some physical improvements that add to the effectiveness of our ministries. We were able to repair an air conditioner that made a meeting room much more comfortable. An overhauled engine has added another small van to our “fleet.” A church member felt led to pay for a very nice pulpit, built locally (picture included). A big blessing was the replacement of our old electrical generator with a new one that should serve us well far into the future. It already has supplied the need during recent power outages. Thank you to the caring people at First Baptist Church of Hammond, Indiana!

We continue to see many of our people out soul winning every week. As a result, we have seen 2,136 saved and 104 baptized so far this year. As part of our theme, our members and staff have formed two-man (and lady) teams under four “leagues.” The friendly competition has increased private prayer and Bible reading, soul winning, and follow-up on converts. Each week the winning league gets a snack treat after the Sunday afternoon service, and we are enjoying laboring together for the Lord.

Of course, whenever you are trying to further the Gospel, the Devil is going to fight. My teammate had a motorcycle accident that badly broke his forearm. He had to have surgery to implant steel plates, and it has been a painful recovery. I battled a three-month- long case of bronchitis but have finally recovered. One of our college students has shown strength as his father, an M.D., was put on dialysis and suffered a heart attack. Our people have rallied around each other and are determined not to quit, even if they must slow down a bit!

We are rejoicing that Mrs. Kim Lawrenson is making slow but steady progress healing from her very severe leg infection. She was finally able to come back to church in a wheelchair and is now in church under her own power. Please pray that God would soon allow her to be back in her musical ministry at IBC.

Also, on March 28, Randy and Kelly DeMoville welcomed their 10th child into their family. Jordyn Grace is doing well and is adjusting to being the center of attention in the church nursery. Mrs. DeMoville is amazing as she tends to her family and busy Christian schooling ministry.

I am busy preparing for a two-month furlough from April 23 to June 22. I am looking forward to seeing many of my family members for the first time in three years. I am looking forward to seeing many of you as I visit supporting churches while home in Indiana and Michigan. Please pray that I would be a blessing as I report on what God is doing in our ministry.

Your co-laborer in the Gospel,

Scott Christiansen