AFLC Home Missions Knee-Mail

AFLC Home Missions Knee-Mail

December 21, 2007

Dear Praying Friends,

"But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you
good news of great joy which will be for all the people.'" (Luke 2:10,
NASB)


Have you ever thought about how the message of Christ is for ALL people - red, yellow, black, and white. It is for everybody - everybody needs the message of Jesus Christ. Friends, do you realize that the most evangelistic season is Christmas? However, this is also one of the loneliest times for people who are all alone or away from family. This is a wonderful time to extend Christian hospitality, love, grace, and peace on earth by encouraging, helping, listening, and caring for those that seem alone.

AFLC family, please bring Jesus into the lives of people this Christmas. We're so thankful for all of you who live as shining lights in our dark world. We thank you for your prayers and support. This Christmas, may we all share the greatest message ever - Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong, they are weak, but He is strong. Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me, the Bible tells me so.

Calvary Free Lutheran - Mesa, AZ
They continue to see new people at church because of the Spanish language classes that are being offered. They had a wonderful Christmas program and God is doing a special work. Please pray for Pastor Al & Connie, and for Georg & Barbi Marsteller as they minister to these folks in a powerful way. Particularly, pray for more snowbirds to come down and help them in their ministry.

Good Shepherd Lutheran - Camarillo, CA
I just got a call from Grace Hauptman, the church secretary, saying that they've had such a wonderful response to their Christmas Eve service at the barn that they have to add another service time. Isn't that great news? At first, they had no place to meet so they decided to go to the barn, and now they have to add more services - God is so good! We pray that our AFLC churches will extend themselves to make a difference and share the Word in such a way that many would come to Christ. Please pray for Pastor Jim & Linda Johnson, Chad Friestad, and Jared Langness as they faithfully serve there. We recently met with a young lady that is being considered as a Parish Builder - please pray for her as we work out the details.

Cornerstone Christian Church - Brandon, FL
Pastor Brian & Margaret Pearson were just up here to spend time with his mother and father. Please pray for his parents as they struggle with health concerns. Also, uphold the congregation in prayer as they hold Christmas services in the park. We pray that God will open doors and bless their efforts.

Hope Lutheran - Detroit Lakes, MN
Pastor John & Ruby Abel continue to serve there and we are thankful for that. Soon, they will be going down to Brazil, so the pulpit will be empty, but we pray that God's work will continue to go forward.

Immanuel Lutheran - Springfield, MO
They were spared from all the ice and we're so thankful for that. We pray that God will lead them as they consider calling a pastor, and that the congregation will flourish and be united so God can work.

Faith Lutheran Church - Bertrand, NE
Continue to pray for Pastor Glenn Frecks' health and eyes. We pray that God will lead them as they pray about their future plans.

Ebenezer Free Lutheran - Humboldt, TN
Pray that God will bless their Christmas services and outreach.

Living Word Free Lutheran - Sioux Falls, SD
Please be in prayer for Pastor Wade & Michele Mobley as their building project starts. They have many new opportunities to share and we pray that God will be truly honored and glorified in this new project.

Good Shepherd Free Lutheran - Madison, SD
I flew over there with one of our seminarians this past week as they looked at a possible building to meet in. They are asking the Lord for direction as to whether or not they should use this as a temporary building or 'jump out of the boat' and take on a full building project. Please be in prayer for the congregation, Pastor Steve Mundfrom, Pastor Bill & Linda Buck, and Brent Raan as they faithfully serve in so many different ways. We pray that God will give unity and harmony to the congregation as they continue serving the Lord.

Living Word Lutheran - Menasha, WI
Continue to pray for Pastor Duane & Joan Matz. We pray that God will give them extra grace and strength this Christmas season.

Faith Lutheran Church - Mineral Point, WI
We're thankful for Pastor Tom Olson's progress with his cancer treatment. Please be in prayer for the Home Missions Committee as we deal with some issues in that congregation - our prayer is that the Lord will lead us,guide us, and give us direction.

Christ the King Lutheran - Wilson, WI
Please pray for Pastor Les Johnson and his family. We pray that God will give their congregation incredible unity and harmony as they seek to move ahead.

Lutheran Church of Hope - Loveland, CO
Pastor Larry Haagenson has his 2 daughters, Hanna and Bethany, working with the youth group and we pray that God would use them in a powerful way.

Christ Community Church - Hagerstown, MD
Their Christmas gift came a little early this year - Pastor Rich Carr accepted the call to serve as their pastor. He will be moving out there with his family the first part of January. We're so excited about this and pray that the Lord will be with the Carr's as they move their family. Pastor Mark will continue to serve there, and we pray that the Lord will continue to do powerful things through him.

Faith Lutheran Church - Durant, OK
Please pray for Pastor Craig & Sherri Scavo. She's going to have surgery the first part of the year and we pray that the Lord will be with her and give her a quick recovery. Also, pray for protection for their son Tony as he serves in the Middle East in the Armed Services.

New Hope Free Lutheran - Snohomish, WA
Please pray for Pastor Roy Warwick, his ministry, and that there would be growth in their congregation.

Our Redeemer Free Lutheran - Superior, WI
Please pray for Pastor Jerome Elness as he serves, and that God would bless their outreach..

Inquiry Groups
We have different groups in Brainerd, MN; Felch, MI; Western South Dakota; and recently Hasting, MN. We're praying that God will lead and guide us for these new works.

Naknek, Alaska
Please pray for Jeff & Jane Swanson as they continue to adjust to their new ministry. Their family will be joining them for Christmas and we're thankful for that. This will be a different Christmas for them and we pray that God would bless their ministry as so many things are taking place in the Alaska regions.

FYI - We have different Builders Fellowship work projects coming up.
If you are interesting in volunteering for any of those, please contact
Lavon Bohling in our office - Phone: (763) 412-2052 or email: flaps@aflc.org.

Please pray for Pastor Ollie Olson. He's had some health concerns and we pray that God would bless him and Pat and protect them.

Please pray for more Parish Builders to come alongside Home Missions and serve our churches.

We also ask that you pray for all of our Home Missions Committee members:

? Pastor Rick Long

? Willis Kettelhut

? Kenn Graham

? Loren Tungseth

? Eldwyn Van Bruggen

? Dale Finstrom

? Tony Stockman

Lavon and Fern Bohling are traveling to meet family in Nebraska and Kansas for Christmas. Please pray for their safety.

Laurie and I will be with my father this Sunday as he celebrates his 80th birthday. Then we'll be with the Dietsche family. The following weekend we'll be flying out to Washington to be part of the wedding party for Cal Willard & Lori Crowell. Please pray for them during this exciting time. Lori will be joining Cal as he serves at the parish in Roseau, MN.

Please pray for our finances as we come to the end of the year. We're looking to the Lord to meet our needs and ask that you would pray for them as well.

We are so grateful for all of your prayers and support. It's such an honor and privilege to serve within our AFLC family. May God richly bless you this Christmas season.

I love the phrase, "Wise men still seek Him." Oh, may we put our focus on Jesus alone.

Sincerely in Him,

Paul M. Nash, Director

AFLC Home Missions