Answered Prayer...

Almost two years ago, we left our home in Aylmer, Ontario. From there we headed up to South Indian Lake, Manitoba where we spent the summer serving in the church while missionaries Tom and Cathy Talley went on a furlough. While we were in the North, we visited the Town of Gillam. We only had a few hours, but this is were we believed God wanted us to start a church.

As we continued on deputation, the Lord put a desire in our heart to be on the field in May of 2010. This seemed a little preposterous since our support seemed very slow in coming. But we kept going in faith. As time went on and our faith wavered, we kept the idea of being on the field so soon to ourselves. You know, just in case.


At the end of 2009, we started praying more earnestly for God to make His will clear. It seemed that with the situation in Gillam, housing was virtually non-existent. We tried and tried to make contacts, to search the housing market, but God just kept closing doors. We knew that He was testing our faith and our faithfulness. Knowing that God could open doors as well as close them, Keith and I started praying without the other's knowledge. We were praying that God would send us a “man from Macedonia” to show us if He truly wanted us in Gillam, or somewhere else. A month went by and nothing. Meanwhile, we started looking at the need in other communities.


Then at just the right time, God answered our prayer. We received a call from Bro. Jeff Freisen, Pastor of Victory Baptist Church in Kenora,Ontario. It would seem that just about the time we started praying for God to give us clear direction, God started working in the Freisen's life. Bro. Freisen was needed back at his home church to fill the position of assistant pastor. The assistant pastor that was there was being called to pastor a church in Southern Ontario. Bro. Freisen was asking God who should replace him and the Lord placed Keith's name on his heart. It made no sense, since we were heading to another town and he had only met us once over a year earlier. But Keith's was the name God gave Bro. Freisen.


To shorten this story a little, we will fast forward to the last two months. Needless to say, Bro. Jeff Freisen was our “man from Macedonia”, saying come over and help us. After visiting the church and getting to know the people, the church voted to have Keith come back to candidate for the position of pastor. This was the reason Keith was in Kenora this past weekend. Last night, Victory Baptist Church of Kenora, Ontario voted to have Keith come to Kenora and be their pastor. Our first service will be May 9, Mother's Day.


When this started, we wondered how God could call us to one town and then change directions. But did He change directions? You see, if we had never started on this journey we would not have been in the right place for God to show us His complete plan. During the past two years, God has used each circumstance to prepare us for this time and place. During deputation our eyes were opened to the GREAT need for men and woman to take a clear stand on God's preserved Word, the King James Bible. Our stand has been strengthened. Facing the necessity of relying solely upon God's provision to meet our needs has strengthened our faith. Traveling together as a family has made us closer. We have met dear folks who will be friends for life. God is good.


I'm glad God didn't reveal His will all at once. The responsibility of shepherding God's people is a fearful thing, but we know that God will be with us and He gives grace and wisdom. After a week in Kenora, we felt like we found our church family. These dear people love the Lord, His Word, and Missions. When I was younger, I sang a song called, “Unmerited Favor.” That is how we feel, like God has bestowed favor on us that we do not deserve.


We look forward to seeing how God will provide for our housing, and the balance of support we will need. God has done so much for us. Please pray with us that God will use us to be a blessing to our new church family. I'm sorry this post is a little long, but God has done so much for us it has been difficult to keep it this short.

Leia Mais…

Missionary Kids a.k.a. "M.K.'s"

Permanent press kid -- a Deputation must have!

Ain't they cute?!

Rest stops are a great way to get some wiggles out.

AHHH! Quiet in the van!

Tailgate party missionary style.

Have pool? Will travel.

Today, we have two posts. The next post contains more of "The Duties Of Parents" . This is due to a request by "Uncle Cory." Is this less preachy? LOL

Again we would like to thank all of you who take the time to read our posts. We've recently installed a map at the bottom of the sidebar which shows us where our readers are from. This morning it showed visits in five countries! We would love to know who you are, just post a comment telling us a bit about you. It is our prayer that we will be an encouragement to each of you. God bless. Keep on a prayin'!

Leia Mais…

A Great Weekend

God is good. Josie seems to be back to her old self today and Keith has his driver's licence back. Yesterday, Keith had a meeting at Calvary Baptist Church in Canon (Canyon) City, CO. Unfortunately, I didn't get to go. Josie had been up half of Saturday night sick and I thought it best to keep the other two back in case it was contagious. We were blessed with an actual "home" to stay in for the weekend. Missionaries, Bro. and Mrs. Draper allow the church to use their home while they're away. The church took good care of us and Keith had some great fellowship. He was very excited about the day, saying that the spirit of the church was sweet.

Tomorrow we leave for Jackson Hole, WY. We've been told good things about the pastor and have been looking forward to this meeting for a while. We are also looking forward to seeing the beautiful mountains in that area.

I actually drove through mountains today and we didn't die!!! For those of you who don't know me well, I have a slight aversion to heights, high speed, and curves. Driving downhill at 50 m/hr on a road shaped like a snake is NOT my idea of fun, especially when a lake is on one side and a wall of rocks is on the other side. Keith needed a brake and I needed a lesson on prayer and faith. It was comforting to know; however, that Keith trusted God enough to let me drive.

Thank you for your prayers (the knowledge of your prayers encouraged me today while driving around and around and around and down, down, down, the mountains.) God bless you. Keep on a prayin'!

Leia Mais…

An inside look at deputation.

Today, we drove from Grand Junction to Colorado Springs. We had a very eventful day. Josie has a stomach virus and used up all the clothes we had packed in the travel bag. So, tonight, Daddy had to unload the van to get the girl's suitcase out. Because of the extra rest stops, we hit rush hour in Denver. We did get to the hotel only to find out that the operater gave us the wrong address. After finally getting to the right location, Keith went to check us in. To top off the day, Keith found out that the desk clerk at last night's hotel kept his driver's license. He phoned him and it was still laying in the photo copier. Oh well, tomorrow is a new day with a clean slate. Well, except for a trip to the laundromat to wash Josie's clothes and car seat cover, and a good airing out of the van. God is good and I'm just glad that He saw fit to squeeze all of these things into one day. It could have been worse, Keith could have been pulled over by one of the myriad of police officers on the road today.

To offset the stops and smells, God blessed us with a truly awesome display of His handiwork today! Here are some pics we took of the Colorado Rockies. Enjoy! God bless. Keep on a prayin'!

Leia Mais…

First Snow 2009 - Moab, Utah

The kids enjoying the first snow of 2009.

Remember what snow tastes like when your four?

Kaylee thought it was good too!

Josie's having fun catching snowflakes on her tongue.

Jerry just couldn't get enough snow!

Leia Mais…

"Choose you this day.."

The theme of the 2009 mission conference at Anchor Baptist Church was Joshua 24:15, "...Choose you this day..." Although we didn't realize it on the first day, Keith wore his tie that completes the verse with, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." We had a wonderful time. Keith and the other missionaries wore army fatigue jackets and the pastor, staff, and others wore different military garb. The church was decorated in military style. We had four missionaries in total representing the fields of the Brazil; Kenya; the city of Vancouver, British Columbia; and, of course, Northern Manitoba.

It was especially encouraging for us to meet another missionary to Canada. Oh, that God would call more men to the often over-looked field of Canada! Excuse me. What I should say is, that the men whom God is calling would surrender and go, for God is calling. He would not command us to "go into all the world" if He didn't have a way to do it. Fellow Canadians, do your research! Less than 240 Independent Baptist Churches to spread the Gospel in the second largest nation geographically?!! And not all of these are true Bible-believers. Can it be done? Can our Judea be reached in time? YES! If everyone who has been blessed with salvation consecrates themselves to join the cause of Christ. May God forgive us for our neglect and may He keep the door of opportunity open before it is too late.

The ladies of Anchor Baptist spoiled me rotten! I was given a gift every night, and was given the chance to go shopping just for me! I did feel a "little" guilty and so I spent a few dollars on new knee socks for the girls. I was truly encouraged. God is good!

We have three more meetings in the Wonderful West. This truly is God's country! The West has everything from evergreen forests, to desert, to mountains, to coniferous forests. The sun is ever shining and the sky is blue, sooo blue! Yet, the spiritual darkness is great! The need in the Western United States is very similar to the need in Canada. Truly, the need is great everwhere in the world. Join Up! Go, give, and pray!

Have a great day! God bless. Keep on a prayin!

Leia Mais…

Trip to Arches National Park, Moab, Utah

Deja 'vu! (Don't shoot me if I spelt that wrong.) While in Moab, Utah we found out why we felt like we've seen it before -- many old westerns have been filmed in the area. We've stepped on the same soil as John Wayne!

While staying in Moab, we had a chance to see Arches National Park. Here are some of the pictures:

This is the veiw heading into the park.

This formation is called "The Three Gossips."

The girls "hanging out" while the boys hike to the "Balanced Rock."

Jerry resting on his two-hour hike with Daddy to view the "Delicate Arch."

This is part of the trail they hiked!

If I had known what the trail was like, I would NEVER have let Jerry go.

Victory! The guys at the "Delicate Arch."

I can't remember what these formations were called, but I thought they were interesting.

This is from the "Windows" section of the park.

Doesn't this one look like an elephant?

More pictures....

...and more pictures.

Isn't Moab beautiful!

Leia Mais…

Sincere Compliments

You've just gotta love the honesty and tact of children!

We've just had the pleasure of staying with Bro. and Sister Myers from Berean Baptist Church in Ogden, UT. Last night we were served the best chili I've ever had! As part of the course Mrs. Myers made corn muffins, which Jerry has never been partial too. After having a bite or two Jerry excused himself to whisper in my ear. I'm thinking, "I hope he doesn't complain too loudly." Instead, too my shock, he whispers, "Mommy, these are the best corn muffins in the whole wide wheeled (world). They're so much better than yours!" I told him it was okay to tell Mrs. Myers what he said. When she explained to him that these muffins came from a mix that only required water, Jerry didn't give us the reaction we expected. Instead of renewing his faith in my cooking ability, Jerry looks at me and says, "Wow, Mommy, she only added water and you add a whole bunch of stuff when you make muffins and hers are way better!" In a four-and-a-half-year-old's mind Mrs. Myers was a miracle worker turning water into "The Wheeled's Best Corn Muffins!"

We are now in Cedar City, UT for a mission conference. The Rocky mountains are beautiful. We will try to upload some photos soon. God has been good to us and has kept us from any serious sickness. With the flu season upon us, please pray that God will spare us. Thank you for your much needed prayers. I don't think most people realize how important prayer is and how truly blessed we are because of them. Remember: God honors faith because faith honors God! God bless you. Keep on a 'prayin!

Leia Mais…

Road Trip!!! -- The Glorious Side of Deputation!?

I have always thought it would be fun to take a road trip from east to west. I just never thought it would be in a packed van with three small children and with a sinus infection. I also envisioned it taking more than five days! We've made it half-way and tomorrow we leave Missouri to make the rest of the trip.

I am reminded of the Apostle Paul when he listed the trials of affliction he went through. In 2 Corinthians 11:26 Paul lists "In journeyings often..." Yep, its right there folks! Although we've never been beaten, or shipwrecked, or left for dead; we can identify with the Apostle Paul. And he didn't have kids! Take heart travelling missionaries (and evangelists) we too can glory in our infirmities with the help of a gracious God.

Do you know what my supportive husband said to me this evening? He had the audacity to tell me that I'm not allowed to get sick. Now his reasoning for this wasn't out of concern for me. He said I'm not allowed to get sick because I have to take care of the kids (who seem to be coming down with whatever it is that I've got.) Now how does a godly, submissive wife like me (Hey now, Sis, I know what you're thinking) obey my husband in this? Really!! Just kidding. Actually, this same tyrant also ordered me to bed for three hours this afternoon. Praise the Lord for a good man.

This morning, I learned a valuable lesson in motherhood. Never, and I repeat NEVER, give a child a strawberry drink and vitamins on an empty stomach! Unless, of course, you would like to change the color of your couch to red. Yuck!

Seriously though, please pray for good health for us all as we head into a very busy time of conferences and meetings. Keith is beginning to feel run down today and he definitely can't get sick (now who's the tyrant?) Thank you for your prayers, we are truly looking forward to our time in Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming. God has blessed us in so many ways that it would take up too much time to list them all. I believe that God has something special for us in the West. God bless you. Keep on a 'prayin!

Leia Mais…

A Lesson in Prayer

This last Saturday, I had the wonderful opportunity of going to a ladies conference. It was a wonderful time. We had four speakers and all of their messages spoke to me. Getting to speak to two other missionary wives was also an encouragement. The day's theme was "Words." And you'd think that four women speaking about words could fill the day; but, no, they finished early enough to put me on the spot! I'm still not sure exactly what I said. This was the first time I've been asked to speak spontaniously. (I know what you're thinkin', Sis -- 'She always speaks spontaniously.' But its different when I have to speak to a group of ladies!) I'm glad that life has taught me to pray and talk at the same time! (For those of you who know me, know that for me to do ANY two things at the same time is a miracle in itself!) I was told things went well; I'm just glad the Lord does the enabling. Who am I to question His choice of tools?

During the day I kept thinking, "Lord, I just don't get why we aren't getting our support faster." When the Lord immediately said, "When was the last time you asked Me properly?" Well now, what a humbling thought. It's not that I wasn't asking. I do ask now and then and take for granted that it will happen in God's timing. But, I was missing something.

First of all, I got to thinking about how I feel when my kids ask for something while simply taking for granted that the answer is, "Yes." Those of you who are parents know what I mean. The "please may I" is simply a formality that the child knows you require, but there is no sincere question in what they are saying. It is more of a polite expectation. There is no humble plea. You see, I want my children to ask me or their father out of grateful respect, not out of an attitude that we must grant their request.

Secondly, I lacked the faith that God deserves in my prayers. You see, my faith had simmered down from an "I beleive God can and will get us to the field in a timely fashion inspite of the recession" to "Well, we're in a recession right now and have to expect that it will take longer to get our support, but God will give it to us in time." You see, deputation is many things -- a time of growing and learning, a time of blessing others and being blessed, a time of trying and testing -- but it is also a buffer zone for the missionary's wife. I have left the comfort of my home and family and survived, but the fear of being a church-planter's wife looms in the distance. If deputation takes a few years, well... maybe I'll me more ready for what lies ahead. That is not the faith that God deserves! God CAN and I believe WILL get us to the field in a miraculous way, and the same God WILL equip me for what lies ahead. God doesn't deserve our expressions of patronizing faith, He deserves our humble and sincere faith. Notice I didn't say great faith? No amount of faith on our part can be considered great; I'm just glad that God takes ANY amount of faith and uses it.

Well now, what was I to do? I sought forgiveness and asked God to have one church take us on this week. (my initial prayer was that it would be the next day, but we had no meetings booked for Sunday, so my faith was too small and I changed it to this next week.) Isn't God is good! The next day, which was Sunday, we finally got a connection to the internet. And wouldn't you know it? The answer was already sent before I asked! First Baptist Church of Steinbach, Manitoba has joined our supporting churches! Now, I now we're Baptists and all, but doesn't that make you want to shout!? (I said, 'want to', I know we wouldn't actually do it:)

We've had a wonderful time visiting our New Life "family" in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine. It is always a blessing to be here. Tomorrow we leave for Windham, Maine for a mission conference. Please keep the meetings in prayer. Monday, we leave for a five-day trip to Utah. Again, please pray for us. Five days of travel listening to, "Mommie, I need to go to the restroom. How many miles is it? How close are we? Are we really close, sort of really close, or is still far away? Are we ever going to get there? I want a book. I want to watch a movie. I need a drink. I need to go again. Now, I need to go really bad. I just can't wait to go. You'd better wait, we're almost at a rest stop. Mommie, I'm wet....." God give us grace!

Have a good week everyone and don't forget... God bless you. Keep on a prayin'!

Leia Mais…

Back in the USA

Hello, everyone. We are now back on the road. Tonight, we have a meeting at Faith Baptist Church in Morgantown, WV. Thank you everyone who has been praying for my Dad, Bro. Gord Le Grow. He had his C.A.T. scan yesterday and as far as the Doctors can tell the blood clot in his heart has been dissolved. Praise the Lord! That solves one problem. Sometime within the next week he will be getting an appointment to have shock therapy in an attempt to regulate his heart rate. I believe this is a pretty common treatment, but of course, it still has possible complications. Please, continue to pray for him and my Mom.

We just sent out our new prayer letter. If you would like to receive a copy by email, you can sign up on our web site under the "Prayer Letter" page. Thank you for your continued prayers. God bless you. Keep on a prayin'!

Leia Mais…

Only three more sleeps!

It's so peaceful... for now. Jerry is still asleep! Except for my morning sneezes, its pretty quiet. Today, I need to get all the luggage packed and ready. It's back to living out of suitcases. Having a "home-base" has been nice. I'd much rather pack an over-night bag than luggage for five. Packing would be easier if it wasn't for week-long mission conferences. Now, don't think I'm complaining. Conferences are great! It's just that for a normal week, we only need two church outfits -- one to wear and one for back-up. We're usually only in a church for one or two services, but a conference has us in church for four to seven nights. Praise the Lord for mixing and matching! Two skirts, three blouses, and a jacket can turn into several outfits. One day I would like to try out an idea I found on the net. A lady suggested making a reversible tank-top in four colours for wearing under a blazer! Now, if I could figure out a reversible skirt, I could have eight outfits in two garments! Could you imagine the room I could have in my suitcase!? Although, Keith would probably be thinking, "Great! more choices. It already takes the woman half-an-hour to choose between two outfits!" Oh, to dream! Of course, if anyone out there is an accomplished seamstress and wishes to design such a pattern, there would be a lot of grateful missionary wives.

Jerry's awake now and standing next to me playing with some old Cd's. Kaylee's trying to do her own hair, and Josie's colouring. Kids can be so lovable when they're good! Well, there is only three more sleeps until we leave for Grandma and Poppa's. The kids are not too happy to leave Grandpa, but can't wait to see Grandma and Poppa. We haven't been home since April. The kids have changed so much, especially Kaylee. Next week is the week she leaves her crib and booster/highchair behind! More room in the van, Yeah! Now that we have more room, we got her a potty. A potty will also come in handy on those long trips between rest stops, when the kids are crying, "I just can't wait!"

Well, I better get back to packing. God bless you. Keep on a prayin'!

Leia Mais…

Please, turn off your cell phone during service!!!!

We had a memorable meeting at Timberline Baptist Church, Wednesday. Keith was half-way through his opening prayer when .....

Somebody's cellphone ring starts playing!

Well, of course, being the sober, self-controlled missionary's wife that I am; I just had to peek to see who was fumbling in their purse or pocket to turn off their cellphone. To my horror, I looked up to find my husband taking his cell out of his pocket. Gasp! If that wasn't enough, Keith stopped praying mid-sentence to say, "Wow! it's pretty bad when its your own!"

I was no longer quietly being entertained by the embarrassment of some poor soul who had left his cell on. The whole congregation was laughing heartily and I was covering my face in shame! Meanwhile, Keith was calmly standing behind the pulpit, putting his cellphone back into his pocket and getting ready to say, "Let's pray."

We all managed to calm down and except for one snort (no, it was not mine -- this time) the prayer and preaching continued without incidence. We had a great time and learned a valuable lesson... Even preachers should double check their cellphones to see if they are turned off.

God blessed our time with Timberline Baptist. They have a great group of people who love the Lord, including their young people. Even Keith was impressed with the youth group and that's saying a lot!

We are back in De Soto, MO for the next week. Then its back on the road to Southern Ontario. The kids are very excited about seeing Grandma and Poppa again. Jerry was even willing to get back in the van this morning for two more days of travel (that says a lot!) Daddy and Mommy were NOT!

Have a great day serving the LORD today. God bless you. Keep on a prayin'!

Leia Mais…

Halfway There!!

Here we are in a hotel in Salina, KS. We made it all the way here with Jerry wearing his seatbelt(at least as far as we know!!) We had great weather -- cloudy, but not raining; and the temperature stayed below 90F. God is good! Everyone except Kaylee and I (Julie) are already sleeping. These long trips are hardest on Daddy, although if you ask the kids they might have a different opinion. Maybe tomorrow Keith will let me drive?! I think my driving scares him, but what better way to increase a man's faith than to let his wife drive? Then again we are in Kansas, I don't think even I could make a wrong turn here. After all, you can see your turn hours before you get to it.

We are looking forward to a great meeting tomorrow night. I've never been to Colorado before. God bless you. Keep on a prayin'!

Leia Mais…

That's my girl!

Kids grow up so fast! This morning, Mommy asked Josie to pick up the dirty clothes and put them in the laundry basket. After the first arm load, Josie decided it would be easier to drag the laundry hamper to the clothes. (It seemed logical to a three-year-old) When Mommy asked her whether it would be easier to just pick up the last few items and carry them to the hamper, Josie replied (with hand on hip), "But Mommy, this job's just too big. I need more arms. I'm NOT a spider, you know."

Kids are such a blessing -- well, most of the time!

Tomorrow, we head off to our next meeting with Pastor Dan Parton and Timberline Baptist Church in Manitou Springs, CO. So... today, we are trying to run the kids ragged. Lord willing, they will go to bed early tonight. They will be spending a lot of time sitting over the next four days. (Two days there, church, and then two days back) Pray for us, especially Jerry, he doesn't cotton to the idea of wearing a seat belt for four days. Oh well, this will be good practice for the week when we have to drive across country from Windham, ME to Ogden, UT.

God bless you all, keep prayin'.

Leia Mais…