Dear Friends of BDTLB,

Things are very busy here in the office as we make final preparations for our itinerants ministries this summer. Both the McGarveys and the Homokis will have busy schedules. The Homokis will be involved in the  four kids Cowboy Camps, as well as the family Bible Conference/Cowboy Camp in June. A lot of time and preparation has gone into the camps, especially the family camp and we are seeking the Lord’s hand of blessing upon them.

Susan and I will depart May 31 from Grand Rapids and head for southern Kentucky where will conduct the first of seven Vacation Bible Schools. Our theme for this summer is Space Exploration, Exploring God’s Word. We live in troubling times and the Word of God is being de-emphasized and often looked upon as just another book. We will examine its authority, its trust-worthiness and seek to establish in the minds of the kids its importance in their daily lives.

In addition to the VBSs we will be involved in the Cowboy Family Camp and will be the speaker at a two week old fashioned Camp Meeting in Hyndman, PA. This was a real experience two years ago and they have asked us to come back again this summer. This camp meeting has been going on for over 80 years and is held in an old fashioned “tabernacle”.

Pray for Susan and I as we travel for safety, rest, health and strength. But pray especially that we will see souls come to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.

I’d also ask that you remember the ministry of Bible Doctrines To Live By in your prayers. I hate to keep harping on the special financial needs that we have but I must. The economy is struggling along and ministires such as BDTLB are hurting. I hear reports from other ministries of financial shortfalls and out situation is certainly not unique. I recently heard an interesting statistic related to giving. When times get tough people continue to give to their local churches (as they should). Secondly they will give, although at a reduced rate, to missions and missionaries. Lastly, they give to 3^rd teir ministries such as BDTLB. These are called 3^rd teir because they are not churches, and they are not deemed as missions. These ministries are in the US where it is assumed money is no problem.

Radio ministries can appeal to large audiences and raise large amounts of cash through on-air appeals. But BDTLB doesn’t have a radio audience to make appeals to, we only have you, our faithful partners. Many of you generously support this ministry throughout the year and we deeply appreciate it and praise the Lord for your faithfuness. But there are many out there who never give and would be able to help us with a generous one-time gift, or even a regular monthly gift to our General Fund. And so I would ask that you prayerfully consider what part you might have in helping us through this difficult time.

Yes, times are tough, But God is far greater than any hindrances Satan may throw into our paths and I know that the Lord will use you to help us though this time. He has done it before, and I believe He will do it again.

Please join with us in praying for the overall ministry of BDTLB. Pray for your faithful staff, Jan Bultema, Carolyn Mencer, and Bev Price. Pray for Lee and Darlene, Joel and Susan McGarvey. And pray for the Board of the ministry as together we seek to follow the Lord’s leading for the ministry of BDTLB.

Watch for more of these regular updates in the future. Right now we are finishing the next issue of Truth Aflame and it will be in the mail very soon. For those who requested it by email you should receive it very soon.

Keep praying, and keep looking up.

In Christ,

Joel R. McGarvey

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