October 2009

Dear Friends,

Despite all good intentions, procrastination has turned our monthly e-letter into a quarterly letter already.  We know how hard it is for you to pray and support the ministry when we don’t communicate the burdens and blessings!  We’ll try to do better.

Today is our 30^th wedding anniversary! We thank the Lord for each other and for the way he has blessed our marriage and ministry. And…. Before you ask why I’m sitting here writing a newsletter instead of going out to dinner, I’ll let you know that we’re leaving for NC on Friday and plan to save our celebrating for after we’re in the land of the sand and the sun.   After our week at the beach we’ll head up to Winston-Salem to spend a few days with Zeke & Meagan….our first visit to their home since they’ve been married.  We praise the Lord that, after being laid off at Pace aviation, Zeke found another job in just a few weeks, with a raise in pay.  God is good!

If you’ve checked the ranch website lately, you know that things are ‘hoppin’ at MMR, with events every weekend, several out in churches for meetings, and a brand new apprenticeship program in full gear.

Despite the economy, our summer camp attendance was above that of last year and we had the added blessing of avoiding any complications from the threat of swine flu.  To top it off, we had more than 70 recorded decisions for salvation and many more commitments in other areas of Christian life and discipline. 

A very rainy summer proved a challenge for the two new weeks of wilderness camp, but it certainly made it memorable.  When the kids came into camp for an occasional meal, they were very thankful for dry bread!

God provided two ‘windows’ of dry weather to get an abundant first and second cutting of hay, but those were the only possible times it could have happened.  We are so thankful for blessings like these!

A huge project was underway this summer as the new ‘Rafter K’ indoor riding arena & horse barn started to take shape.  Volunteers converged on MMR to help with the project including several couples from the

Mobile Missionary Assistance Program, local men, and a professional roofer who brought his crew in to put the metal sheeting on the roof.  Much of this work was done in the rain.  The goal is to have this building useable by the first of 2010.  Many of the apprentices that are here from warmer climates are really looking forward to being able to ride under cover. The riding arena is 72’ feet wide and 224’ long, with side wings of 36’ for stalls, storage, and classroom space.

Another big event of the summer was the moving of the ‘Sermon on the Mount’ headquarters from Big Sandy, TX to French Camp, MS.Pray for this time of adjustment as the SOTM team and several second year apprentices settle in to their new environment and ministry.

32 new and 7 second year apprentices recently completed ‘boot camp’ and have moved into their resident housing for the year …. Just in time for our first snow!  We have girls as our advisees this year, involving me a little more in the mentoring, grading, and hospitality aspects of the program.  We’ve had a great time getting to know them, and look forward to a year of growing together. Ralph has been busy

with his teaching responsibilities,

recently completing a class on ‘Spiritual

Gifts and Leadership Styles’, and now teaching ‘Conflict Resolution’.  We have found these classes to provide a solid foundation for the relationships that will help them grow in the Lord and be effective leaders.

FAMILY

Tobi is just finishing her term with Mercy Ships in Benin, Africa.  She is already looking forward to ‘the next step’ in God’s plan for her.  Pray for her return trip on November 2^nd & 3^rd, her job search, and a clear picture of where she fits in missions. Visit her blog at www.tobisafricanadventure@blogspot.com to see some of the highlights and pictures of her Mercy Ship experience.

Justin is back to school at Edinboro University.  His wife, Shari, works at a local salon since graduating cosmetology school in July. It’s nice to have a stylist in the family!

Zeke and Meagan continue to be involved in many aspects of their local church in NC, and are researching different missions and seeking God’s timing and place for ministry in missions.

Nikki is enjoying her job at the insurance agency and was recently promoted to supervising agent.  She loves the challenge and competition of the industry.

Gabe stayed out of college this year to work.  He’s learning much, working for a plumbing, heating, & insulation contractor.

Josh is finishing high school this year, learning to drive, and looking forward to taking a few courses at the local high school.

We are excited to see what the Lord is doing and will do in each of our children.  He has great plans for all of us as we look to Him to lead.

We trust these months have been exciting and profitable in your walk with the Lord.  We’d love to hear how God is working in your lives.

We appreciate your participation in our lives & ministry.

In His Grace,
Linda, for the Magills

Praise!:

• Great summer attendance & much fruit    
• Progress on the Rafter K    
• God’s provision for Tobi’s missions trip     
• Provision of jobs for Zeke, Nikki, Gabe                                                          

Prayer:

• 4x4 vehicle needed
• support down by 25%
• Ralph’s health & energy
• Government leaders
• Need for strong churches