The purpose of the Brethren Missionary Herald Co. (and of this blog) is to “nurture Great Commission teamwork among the people and churches of the FGBC by building bridges of communication.” It delights our hearts to get positive ministry reports from Grace Brethren churches, both large and small.
The November/December FGBC World announced that Howard and June Immel had moved to Garwin, Iowa, for Howard to assume the pastorate of the Carlton Brethren Church there. Here, used by permission, is an update on what God is doing in and through the Garwin church.
Our first Sunday here–Oct. 2, 2005–there were 35 in attendance. We have been steadily growing–this Sunday, April 16, 2006, there were 111. Yes, one hundred and eleven people attended the worship service!
I (June) directed my first adult choir this previous Sunday–quite a scary thing for me! We serve an awesome God. At our communion service last Wednesday evening, several gave testimony as to the spiritual growth they saw happening in the church body and in their own lives. Again–due to the faithfulness of our God.
When we arrived, we did not meet on a weekly basis for prayer meeting. However, the first of the year we began SPRYNT–Special Prayer Reunion with Your Neighborhood Team. We encouraged people in their neighborhood getting together to pray–anytime, anyday, anywhere.
At present we have three such meetings during the week–one in Marshalltown (usually on a Tues. PM), one here at the parsonage (6 PM on Wednesdays.) and one in Garwin (2 PM on Thursdays) God is answering prayer.
Ladies Bible Study (Tuesday mornings) has grown from 4-5 to 14 in regular attendance. At present we are studying the Book of I John. Please continue to pray for us and the church. A small country church on a very dirt(y) road but we are seeing God answer. Praise Him!
Greetings from sunny Arizona!