Summer 2011 Newsletter

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”  (1 Peter 1:3-5)
 
Once again it is time to update you on what has been happening in our lives, family, and ministry.  It has been exciting to realize how God has led us as we continue to serve Him in our 26th year of traveling in missionary evangelism.
 
The word that would best describe the past 3 months is “change”.  We were originally planning to be in the Midwest this spring for meetings.  However, we received word that Phyllis’ mother had been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer.  We asked the Lord to show us what He wanted us to do.
 
After contacting several churches in West Virginia, it became clear to us that God was leading us in that direction.  God graciously gave us a full schedule of meetings from mid-March through mid-May in West Virginia and eastern Ohio. This allowed us to leave our trailer parked at Faith Bible Church in Williamstown, WV, and commute to our meetings in the area.  Also, we were able to spend time with Phyllis’ mom, Eula Jenkins, who lives in Williamstown.
 
We appreciate the churches who invited us to come for ministry in Huttonsville, Clendenin, Fairmont, Elizabeth, Parkersburg, Williamstown, Monongah, and Vienna, WV, and also in Little Hocking, OH.  These churches were all a great blessing and encouragement to us.
 
Several blessings to share concerning the meetings God opened for us.  While in Clendenin, WV, for a Sunday meeting, the pastor invited me to go on a hospital visit with him.  While visiting a man named Ralph, we talked to him about Christ, shared the Gospel and prayed with him.  Ralph said that he knew he needed to be saved, and that he was going to accept Christ “someday”.  Several weeks later the pastor called to tell me the exciting news that Ralph had been saved at his home, came to church on Wednesday night, and his wife also got saved after the service.  Praise the Lord! God is still saving souls today.
 
Our home church, Bible Baptist, in Parkersburg invited me to preach for the services on Easter Sunday.  It was a busy day with a Sunrise Service, breakfast, Sunday School, the Morning Service and Evening Service.  The church had a record attendance on that day. When the invitation was given after the message, there was no public response.  However, Pastor Dan Stevens called me on the way home to tell me that a man who attended the service was under deep conviction of sin.  Pastor Stevens had the joy of leading Charles Lipps to Christ.  We found out later that Charles was contemplating committing suicide. Since his salvation Charles has been attending church, he has a new countenance of joy, and he is now involved in a discipleship program.  We are rejoicing in Charles’ salvation! Many have been asking about our family and how our children and grandchildren are doing.  Rich, Angela, Briana, Heather, and Lanae are all doing well as they travel and serve the Lord in their 18th year of full-time evangelism.  Michael, Candace, Zachariah, Andrew, Chloe, and Evy, are in their 7th year of traveling with Rich and Angela as part of the Tozour Evangelistic Ministry team.  Matt, Lanissa, and Austin are still seeking the Lord’s leading concerning their next place of ministry.  Pray that God will lead them.
 
Sonya and Simon are living in California and Sonya is continuing her ongoing treatment for breast cancer at the Oasis of Hope in Tijuana, Mexico.  They have added some low dose chemo to her current treatments.  Phyllis was able to join her for a week in March so she could better understand what is involved, and what Sonya is going through. We trust the Lord for a miracle of healing in Sonya’s life.
 
Phyllis was able to spend about 3 months with her mother to help care for her.  Her mom went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 19th.  Phyllis and her brother were with her when she entered the presence of the Lord.  The funeral was held on Tuesday, June 28th in
Parkersburg, WV.  The time since her death has been spent taking care of her affairs, and distributing her possessions and belongings.  We left West Virginia to get back on the road again on July 6th.
 
Our schedule is included for the next several months.  Primarily, our summer ministry is involved with camps, Vacation Bible Schools, and pulpit supply.  God has opened the door for us to serve Him the next two months in Iowa.  We need God’s wisdom, direction, and power.  We apologize for the delay in getting this newsletter sent out to you.  Hopefully, you will understand with all that has been happening in our lives recently.
 
Special Requests for Prayer: 
  • Comfort following the death of Phyllis’ mom.
  • Sonya and her ongoing treatment for liver cancer.
  • Summer ministry in Iowa for camp and V.B.S.
  • Salvation of children and adults in meetings.
  • Protection and safety in travel.
  • Provision of our physical and financial needs.
  • Wisdom, direction, and power as we serve the Lord.
 
We are grateful for your prayers and concern for our family as we faithfully serve the Lord.  It is a blessing to have individuals and churches that we have had contact with through the years who have been such an encouragement to us.  May God honor your labor and service for Him until Christ returns to take us home.
 
Sincerely in Christ,
Lars & Phyllis Wessberg
Serving with COME  International Baptist Ministries