Fall 2013 update

Well friends, I love autumn!   The leaves are changing, chances of snow in the forecast (northern states only), and apple cider is flowing fresh.  There are a lot of blessings that showcase God's handiwork.  I suppose, however, nothing showcases His love more than the work He does in the hearts of those that see Him in all things.
We have had a great several months of seeing God work in the hearts and lives of people who are looking for Him.  The venues are pretty varied, but the result is pretty much the same.
    After preaching for an Elementary School retreat at the Bill Rice Ranch, where several children prayed with teachers and staff to receive Christ, we headed to La Salle, IL, to be back with Pastor Wesley Waddle.  We have been to First Baptist Church several times, and it was good to see some familiar faces.  The week went well both in the Church and Christian school.  We are grateful for what God is doing through that ministry.
  After a quick trip back to the Ranch for a second Elementary School retreat, we saw a number of people saved at Prairie Baptist Church in Scotts, MI.  Pastor Harrison and friends were a blessing to us, and we enjoyed being in their company.  Seth was able to enjoy several days in "real school" which he loved.  Pastor has some good help in the ministries of PBC both with staff and lay-people who are very dedicated.
  From Michigan where I was able to go to the Big House to watch the Wolverines play [Go Blue][thanks Dr. Luce]), we made a quick trip to the Bill Rice Ranch for a Jr High retreat.  I enjoyed leading music and just helping out for the retreat.  Jr. Highers are great! Unusual, but great!  A special treat came at the end of the retreat when we had some dear missionary friends stop by to visit.  The Dave McCrum family are wonderful people, and it was good to just catch up, hear how things on the field are going, and solve the world's problems.  We were glad to see them before they head back to Africa.
   Pastor Wayne Hardy in Stillwater, OK, invited us to come preach and sing at Bible Baptist Church for a Sunday.  The fellowship of the Hardy's (all three generations) and of the folks at Bible Baptist was such a blessing to our family.  We were thrilled to see what God is doing in Stillwater through this ministry.  We also got to see some "old" Bill Rice Ranch friends while in Stillwater.
  Back to Michigan we went to preach a 40 year anniversary Sunday at Blissfield Baptist Church, where, by the way, we preached our first revival meeting after going "full-time."  It was good to see a packed house, and it was especially good to see Pastor and Mrs. Frantz as well as all our very special friends at the church.  God has worked through that church, and it was evident in the testimonies given that day.
   After leading music for a great group of ladies at the BRR ladies retreat, we headed to Lagrange, IN, to be with Pastor Jeff Farnham.  Lagrange Baptist Church is not far from a large Amish community.  While Brittany did enjoy doing some shopping, we were especially glad to spend time with Pastor and his family.  The meetings were well attended by the folks, and people responded in the services.  We thank God for those people and their pastor.  Though you may not know him, as The Lord brings it to your mind, please pray for Dr. Farnham as he is writing some books that, I believe, will be important to the church.
  This week, we are finishing a meeting in Kings Mills, OH, at Kings Mills Baptist Church.  In spite of several battling sickness (including Pastor), we have been excited to see people responding to God's Word.  Next week, we will be, Lord willing, with Pastor Bill Duttry in Milford, OH; then we head back to the Ranch for our annual Men's Retreat.  We will then be in West Virginia for a couple meetings before Thanksgiving.
   Which reminds me, don't we have so much for which we can be thankful?  We have traveled more than 5,000 miles this fall thus far and have been blessed with safety and provision all along the way.  We were able to celebrate my dad's 70th birthday with him this year.  The ministry officially hired a secretary to do all the stuff I can't stand doing (thank you, Sharon).  We have a busy schedule and full hearts.  Yep! We have a lot for which to be thankful.  Please thank God with us for His grace and care, and know, of a surety, that we thank our Lord for you.

Partners in Christ's Service,
Tim Thompson, Evangelist - Ps. 18:1