Hello All!
I still don’t think I’m used to the idea of living in Las Vegas… It helps that the city
has tall, jagged red things they call mountains that border the northwest, west, and
southwest sides and sorta remind me of home. Sometimes the sunsets can compete
with those of Missoula, but not often. It’s definitely nice to have three Costcos, a
dozen Walmarts and Smiths, and multiple other grocery stores like Fresh & Easy or
Trader Joes all within 10 minutes of practically any location in the city. Not to mention
almost every restaurant you’ve ever heard of, especially In-and-Out!! And while I
don’t think this place will ever feel like “home,” I am happy to be where God has called
us and feel blessed to be here!
It also doesn’t seem real that Thanksgiving is a week away. It hardly feels
like it could be close to Thanksgiving when the you can’t see your breath outside,
there’s no frost on your windshield, there’s no crunchy, colorful leaves on the
ground (or in the trees), and there’s little need for comfy sweaters, scarves, or
boots. I was happy this last week when the temperature dropped to 40 degrees and
I had to pull out a sweatshirt! It has also been nice to finally turn off the AC and fans.
These first three months we have had our fair share of challenges but none
that could not be used by God of course. We both have felt spiritually weak and God
has been working both of us through some issues. It seems that ministry often goes
hand in hand with spiritual attack, and that is why we beg you to pray for us daily.
We need to be covered by the protection and power of God so that our weaknesses
will be made strong by Him and our ministry won’t be lessened.
Even though there have been some challenges, the blessings have
outweighed them. We are blessed by the church and church family. Las Vegas Bible
Church is very doctrinally sound and solid. It is small, about 30 people, but they
are all God fearing families and we feel so blessed to surround ourselves with such
people. The pastor, Nathan, his wife, Tara, and his kids Emmory and Caedmon,
pour so much of themselves into the church. At least three nights a week you will
find us at the pastor’s house. Sunday is one of those times, starting with youth
group at 4pm and ending with cinnamon rolls, ministry team prayer, and games.
Wednesday you will find us there again for “midweek study” led by Pastor Nathan.
He is teaching about “How to be a Spiritual Believer,” aka “How to Walk By the Spirit.”
That is a highlight of our week and definitely a topic we are eager to learn more
about! Nathan is a gifted teacher and preacher, we feel so blessed to learn from him.
Usually we find ourselves at there house on at least one other night for dinner and
games. We are so thankful for their fellowship!
Jason is filling some needed ministry positions in the church. On Sunday
mornings he leads worship with the team of high school students. And then he
teaches high school Sunday school. Right now he is teaching through Judges. I know
God has used many of those Sunday school times to minister to my heart. Once a
week Jason meets with Pastor Nathan as well. And he even gets to preach and lead
communion occasionally!
We both love our jobs, which is a blessing. Jason is in player services at Golf
Galaxy. He is one of the top salesmen in the nation for them! I work in as an aide in
the rehabilitation department at Las Vegas Veterinary Specialty Center. Basically
what we do in that department is animal physical therapy. I am praying about
possibly continuing school to become a physical therapy assistant and maybe even
taking that into canine rehabilitation. Both of us have found opportunities to build
connections with unbelievers in the workplace and are excited to see how God will
grow those seeds. Between our jobs and the generous support of people like you,
we have no financial stress right now, and feel so blessed by that.
It is also a blessing to go on this journey together. I don’t know what I’d do
without Jason to encourage me, provide for us, and challenge me to grow. Knowing
we are not alone on this journey, that we have God, each other, and you, makes the
journey easier. Thanks for joining us.
Don’t forget to check out our our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/
groups/373567389358068/) or my blog http://koemanslife.blogspot.com/ to stay in
touch on a weekly basis!
Love,
Jason & Lauren
Prayer Requests:
* Please pray that our marriage would be strong and centered on God.
* Please pray that we would hunger and thirst for God and continue to grow.
* Please pray that Las Vegas Bible Church would be able to find a permanent home. (They have been renting a building for the last 5 years and feel God calling them to purchase a building of their own.)
* Please pray for opportunities for us and others in the church to build relationships with unbelievers in order to plant seeds of the gospel in their lives.
* Please pray for growth in the church, both in numbers and spiritually.
* Please praise God that we love our jobs and the church.
* Please praise God that we have a comfortable place to live.
* Please praise God that He is faithful to provide.
* Please praise God that He is not finished with us yet.
Koemans Khronicles 