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 Truth 4 Utah Mission Update | October 22nd 2021  

Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth) finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. He who follows righteousness and mercy finds life, righteousness & honor.” --Ephesians 5:9-11

“Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. --Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Dear Family & Friends, Loving & obeying Jesus isn’t about attending church services or doing good things. The substance of following Jesus is found in every area of your life whether at home or in public. Our children & grandchildren need to see, hear & experience worship of God as the primary thrust of life. This coming Sunday is what is called Halloween & it’s no exception to honoring God!

Rather than participate in the unfruitful works of fear, darkness & death promoted at this time, we should engage with our neighbors who are literally coming to our doors.  

Perhaps you can buy some Bibles or tracs to hand out. Maybe you can get the little sticky labels from the store, write a Bible verse on them and stick them to some candy. Or you might serve donuts & hot apple cider instead of candy. Whatever you do, don’t celebrate the foolishness of the world but don’t waste the Gospel opportunities you’ll have on this otherwise dark night.

Regardless of your age or the number of kids in your house, be proactive this week to think of some ways you can engage your neighborhood with the hope & truth of Jesus in a way that shines light into the darkness rather than joining it or ignoring it! Instead of trick or treat, let’s hand out Gospel truth! 

General Update

Life is busy. It just seems like the summer went on by and as the school year has begun with a new job (bus driving) and more activities resuming, the pace has picked up. AnneMarie does a great job of managing it and keeping us aware and afloat. 

Alana finished her soccer season and did awesome! It was a blessing to see her be tenacious out there even though she was the smallest on her team. She even played goalie multiple times. She is growing up and asking some deep questions. We’re thankful that her mind is engaged in life and faith but also needing lots of godly wisdom on how to navigate these new waters. She’s very sensitive to people and their needs. It’s sweet.

Brendan is actively engaged at youth group and he is growing up quickly. His first lock-in is tonight at church. He and the twins just finished up a short season of swim team. He continues to be an avid reader and it’s hard to keep up. He’s growing in the knowledge of the Lord too and maturing along the way. 

Patrick & Daniel start basketball next week so that should be fun. They’ve got so much energy and just keeping them occupied with an outlet for some of it is really helpful. They’re really competitive and have a zest for life. Emmie is her usual spunky self but is such a sweetheart.  As she grows, her little heart is becoming very sensitive to spiritual things. We’re so blessed by that. 

Micah is growing up quickly. His vocab is increasing, and he seems to have a very soft and tender heart. Which is good since he also has a hot temper. God’s grace is sufficient & it is obvious that we and all our wonderful kiddos need Him!     :) 

AnneMarie is doing well with the pregnancy overall. She and baby girl are healthy. Under two months now so we’re hitting the home stretch. She is enjoying homeschooling and being a mommy. We’re so blessed to have her home.

There are many challenges along the way for sure. We work through things in our marriage, with our kids and just life in general as we learn to navigate our crumbling culture and the struggles and challenges with other brothers and sisters in church. God is faithful! . 

Gospel Seeds & Opportunities

AnneMarie has been able to still maintain a relationship with our Mormon neighbor even though we haven’t been able to spend much time with them recently. The first night we returned from NM, she and her husband came over to visit and we got to pray for them. Small things, but they’re big. 

On Monday I met a couple at Trader Joe’s in their 60’s that just moved here a month ago to share the biblical Gospel with the Mormons. He’s pastored for many years and he and his wife are doing college ministry here at Utah Valley University (there are 80,000 college kids here between UVU & BYU). The husband offered to pray for me and asked for my phone number to keep in touch. It was a powerful & encouraging moment for me. 

On Tuesday night, two Mormon girls knocked on our door to invite us to their church’s Halloween event. I started to ask them a few questions about life and truth and the Bible. Then 3 more girls joined in. Then 2 adults also arrived. WE HAD 7 MORMONS ON OUR FRONT PORCH ENGAGING IN CONVERSATION ABOUT TRUTH & THE BIBLE!!!! It was awesome! The lone guy, who was an adult, even downloaded our church’s app. Not sure if we’ll get any more opportunities to engage with them but it was powerful. God the Holy Spirit was at work for sure!

There have been multiple Gospel conversations at work as well and others at different places around our city. Praise God for His desire for the lost and His willingness to use broken but courageous people. 

God is at work brothers & sisters! Please seek opportunities to engage the world around you! His purpose for you is more fully realized & enriched when you do! It will be hard & often awkward, but it will indeed be worth it! 

Wrap-up

We continue to be thankful for you all! Thanks to those who reached out by e-mail as well. Feel free to any time and if you're ever planning to be in Utah, let us know! Please pray for us to hear God’s voice clearly and for His provision & direction to be manifold! This is not the time for God’s people to walk in fear but to march forward by faith! We are not ashamed of the Gospel for it is the power of God unto salvation!! 

Love & blessings in Christ to all! 

In Light of Eternity,  Corry, AnneMarie, Brendan, Alana, Patrick, Daniel, Emmie, Micah & baby girl.