GOD'S GOODNESS

This is South Hills Baptist Fellowsip. The church sits on about 15 acres bordering I-15. We are up on a hill. For those from FBC Waldron you will be interested to know that the church sees itself as a "Lighthouse," and there is a lighthouse on the Van. So, if you ever decide to get rid of the buses, bring them up.

This is the community around South Hills Baptist Fellowship. The mountains in the background have quite a bit of snow now. Last Wednesday there were 12 deer in the church yard. Thought I would include this so you'll know a little about us.

Have you ever been just blindsided by God's goodness? I was this week. On Monday morning I got up, took Benjamin to school, and headed over to church. It was cold. I decided to have breakfast at the "Hardware Cafe," owned by a church member. As I passed the bank, I noticed the sign said "-18." It was cold. I ate breakfast, drank coffee, and enjoyed talking with some folks. I dreaded going outside because it was cold. I drove over to church, went to my office, and turned on the heater. Looking out the window I saw a guy walking up the drive and I thought "It's Monday, cold, and here comes someone needing a handout." (I was partly right.) I let him in. Rudy was a nice looking young man, 19 years old, and wanted to talk to the pastor. We went in my office and for about 10 minutes he poured out his heart. He is a hockey player in Helena, recent High School grad., trying to earn a college scholarship. Things just were not working out for him, he was miserable. I briefly shared the Gospel with him and he prayed to receive Christ. I gave him a Bible and he said "How do you use a Bible." We talked some more and he left. God is so good. Pray that he will come to services.

Last night I taught the TNT 7th graders. After class a Dad brought his 8 year old son to my office. Nolan asked Jesus to be his Savior.

I like to be suprised, especially by God's goodness!! Hope He sneaks up on you this week, too.

SETTLING IN

Well, I guess we are starting to settle in a little to life in Montana. After a few weeks of moderate temps, today it is 6 degrees and lightly snowing. On the progress front, we did park the car in the garage! We are still kind of dealing with putting 2,000+ square feet into about 900, but it is getting better.

Marla had her first job interview at the State. Keep praying. If she gets one of those jobs, it will be a great help in the area of health insurance. It will also help us move to a larger place.

Yesterday I went to my first meeting with the Treasure State Baptist Association. We were in Three Forks, which is the head waters of the Missouri River. TSBA is a very large (land wise) Association of mostly smaller churches, but with a vision for impacting the world. It was good to ride with Sam and Mike, two Helena area pastors and get to know them a little.

On Sunday there were several visitors in the service. One couple spoke with me after the service. He is originally from Booneville, AR and she is from Little Rock. What a shock to meet someone who had actually been on Sawyer-Wright Field in Waldron!

Next week I'll post a picture or two. Be checking in.

MEET ME IN MONTANA

Well, we are finally in Montana. Marla, Benjamin, and I arrived Monday afternoon. Of course Andrew is in Arkansas, preparing for his second semester at the U of A. Benjamin started school today at Radley Elementary in East Helena. Radley is designated a "Blue Ribbon School." His class is on a field trip today studying rockets and space flight. Last night was the first night in AWANA here and the TNT Boys had about 14.

We move in tomorrow and Saturday. Three weeks ago I left Montana and it had been -30. Today it is near 50 and windy. Snow is melting away. (God wants us to have a good move in.)

Pray for us as we settle. Pray for Marla as she looks for a job. She will sign up as a sub in the meantime.

Email me. syoungfbc@centurytel.net