Tapscott’s monthly
newsletter for November 2004
Hello, all! It has been a
while since I've written but it has been a whirlwind of activity for our family
lately! First, way back in September, Romie was finally sworn in as a U.S.
citizen! Then we finally were blessed with the opportunity to buy our first
home! So we have been packing, painting, fixing, and moving for the past few
weeks. In fact, I just got my computer up and running a few days ago.
Now, back to the important
stuff. Things have been up and down at Montana Vista. One week we have a room
full (over 40), the next week we have 10. It can try one's resolve, but we are
confident that, after all God did to finally get us down here, he will give the
increase in his own time. It has been good to be able to refocus a bit and try
to build up the folks that do attend regularly instead of just trying to go out
and evangelize. But we don't want to get too comfortable in that mode. We are
trying to encourage the membership here and train them on how to be positive
examples for those around them. We are not focused on numbers so much as on
souls.
Interestingly, one of the
brothers that was attending here with us who lives at the halfway house in
Horizon City (about 15 minutes away) was moved to east Texas. This was a loss
to us because of his great knowledge of the word and faith in the Lord.
However, he brought others with him, and this Sunday we are supposed to have
five inmates come worship with us. Perhaps God is opening up another door to
the men out there through us.
We are in desperate need of
your prayer support. Without it this effort would be like stumbling around in
the dark. I am ABSOLUTELY convinced that your prayers are what renew our
strength when we grow weary and provide us with the wisdom we need to share the
gospel with the lost here. Please continue praying for us. There are several
folks that specifically need your prayers, including: Mage (recently baptized)
- she has been viciously attacked by Sattan lately and is very discouraged;
Carlos - an older man who we are hoping will one day make an excellent elder;
Mayela - still needs daily strength to face the world without her husband; and
Alicia - please pray that she can remain physically healthy to continue her
vital work on our team.
We are considering taking a
trip up that way early next year, and we would like to take Mayela and her
family with us so they can go visit her husband in Amarillo. Please pray that
the Lord will make this possible. I think it would be great in so many ways: we
would be encouraged by seeing our brothers in Lubbock again, you would get to
meet a wonderful sister full of an awesome faith that doesn't quit, and her
family would be doubly blessed with meeting their extended Christian family and
with getting to see their husband/father.
Please stay in touch with
us, and I would love to hear from y'all! Thanks for the e-mails David and
Madeline, and I look forward to hearing from more of you. I'm supposed to bring
my digital camera this Sunday to services, so, If I remember to do that, we
should get some updated photos of everyone which I can place on our website.
Don't forget to check it out for updates and info at http://www.geocities.com/lonnius_maximus/
(and don't forget to sign our guestbook)! If you have questions or requests for
info, please let me know.
God bless you all,
Lonnie Tapscott and family