Merry Christmas and Happy New year to you & yours! I’m looking out over a beautiful winter wonderland as I write on this last day of fall. I can’t help but be reminded of how Jesus, our Lord & King, whose birth we celebrate during this season, covered our sin as pure, white snow. We’ve received about 8-10 inches of snow over the last three days but only about 6 inches stuck as temperatures were above freezing until last night. The children have to “enjoy” from the confines of the house since all are battling colds at the moment, but we are hopeful that we will be well enough to travel to Summerville/Charleston, SC and Phenix City/Webb, AL for the holidays.
Here are some of the highlights of our fall:
The biggest highlight of the fall was the birth of our son, Elijah John Dingle on Sept. 16! We are so blessed to be entrusted to train up our three daughters & two sons in the fear & admonition of the Lord. It is our greatest ministry.
We hosted six groups at the retreat center this fall. Two were first timers, St Andrews the Apostle Catholic (Jr/Sr High) from Apex, NC & Eastside Community Church (Men) from Charlotte, NC. We also had the singles (age 35+) from Seacoast Church in Mt Pleasant, SC come up for their 15th or so annual retreat, as well as Campus Rock Ministry from Western Carolina University. The other two groups were Mtn. Road Baptist (Jr/Sr High) from Statesville, NC and Auburn Hts. Baptist Mission team from Phenix City, AL. Each week the Lord met people where they were and ministered to them as only HE can. Many folks were changed & encouraged by their time away with Him!
Auburn Hts. Baptist has been a great partner to us over the last nineteen years. Almost every year they put together a work crew to come up and help with projects and this fall was no exception. We were able to build a 28’ X 60’ X 16’ high maintenance shed in a weekend! Two dear brothers came up early and did the ground work so when the rest of the crew arrived on the weekend we were ready to set trusses, deck, sheeting, tin, AND sides! They also worked on a walk in cooler, trimmed shrubs, and cleaned for us. Since we like to pack as much as possible in a week, we also had Elijah in the midst of all the going ons!
Not only did we host groups at the retreat center, we also hosted 23 ministers & family members at our ministry house (the Redemption House) over a 45 day period; Two camp out groups and a wedding at the Haven; And our 10th annual Praise Festival on Halloween night. But wait! That’s not all!!! We’ve purchased a 2000 sq. foot, four bedroom, two bath, doublewide home that we’re in the process of setting up at the Haven. The Lord gave Edith & I a word 8-10 years ago that He would establish our family there. He opened a door for us to purchase this new home at cost, fully furnished, right off the lot. We hope to be in by the end of January 2010! Most of the excavation is done, sewer & water are run, electricity should be in soon.
As I reflect over the past year it is amazing to see all that the Lord has done at Icthus this year:
- Major renovation/repair on the retreat center (due to burst pipes/flooding)
- Outstanding staff (Ed, Eva, John, & Bethany)
- Many lives changed by Jesus through healing, salvation, deliverance
- The birth of our son (Elijah John)
- Construction of the maintenance shed (dried in, not finished yet)
- Received a small dump truck, lumber for the shed, & carpentry tools
- Finances to advance the Kingdom
I am constantly reminded in this unstable economy based on the dollar, that His economy is based on the truth. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life! Where He is, there is no lack! I hope you are encouraged greatly in these un certain times by the great gift of God’s only Son… Emanuel, God with us! Many, many thanks to those of you that stand with us and support us through prayers, provision, and presence. Blessings!!!!!!
Trusting JESUS,
Bill
Prov.3:5-6