October 2010 Update & Prayer Letter

06/10/2010 15:41

 

October 05, 2010

 

          Our Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

           What a summer we have had! Lots of sun, many friends and family. The Lord is good indeed!  Things at the mission are progressing slowly but steadily.  The Food Co-op is beginning to really percolate, with new clients almost every week. We have our first three monthly-pay clients.  One of them who has trouble getting around commented on how she loves being able to count on good and healthy food each week.  We have also had the privilege to pray with her…which is really the whole point of this outreach ministry anyway.  Please pray that we will be able to build many new friendships and spiritual relationships through the Co-op….and that our presence and service will bring the blessing of Jesus to our clients.

          Since our last letter, we have partnered with two other local churches in offering a single mom’s ministry called Open Door.  They are now meeting Monday mornings in the MVM facility.  This also provides MVM church and the Co-op exposure to the demographic that we believe the Lord has called us to be ministering to.  Please pray for the Open Door staff and moms to find our facility a place of peace and safety, and a place where Jesus is present to them.

          What can I say about Sunday ministry except that it is slow and sometimes a little discouraging?  We decided in September to worship every Sunday and to offer Eucharistic fellowship to whoever shows up.  Starting at this time may have been a little premature, but we felt that once a month was just too hit and miss. It didn’t really allow us to build steady relationships with those who did come. It is also very difficult to attract and maintain new families when there are only a few in attendance. A critical mass is needed even to get started!  So, please pray that we will be able to attract and disciple a couple of young families in our home group, who will be excited about helping us to build a viable congregation.

          We are still needing to recruit and train a youth and children’s ministry coordinator, and to raise up a couple of teachers who will help us to present a children’s program  Please pray that we can get started with both of these things soon.    Again, here are our ministry goals for the first part of 2011.  Your prayers for them to be fulfilled would “availeth much”

 

  • Sustained Weekly Sunday Worship
  • At Least 30 Committed Members
  • At Least 3 Life Group/Home Groups
  • Developed and Present a Children’s Programme

 

          I indicated in the July update that one of the areas of our greatest need as we move ahead is financial support.  We give thanks for those who have made generous donations to our work so far.  In September we learned that one of the foundations we had applied to for a ministry grant had decided to give us enough to get us through into the New Year, probably March. God does indeed own the cattle on a thousand hills and has just sent us down some. Thank you Jesus!  Would you please pray that we will be able to raise up local people who would have a heart for the kind of mercy ministry God has called us to….and a willingness to help us raise up a viable, self-supporting congregation. 

Also, if you feel that God might be calling you to partner financially with us in this ministry, would you please consider a one-time donation or monthly amount that will be an immense help to relieve the burden and keep us moving forward.    

 

Here is a picture of the Squamish Valley taken from the trail up to Red Heather Meadows.  It will give you a visual to pray over as you remember us in your intercessions.

 

          Please tell us what you receive from the Lord as you pray for us.  We can be contacted by phone at 604-567-7400 or at barclay@mountainvalleymission.ca.   Your discernment will help us to continue to walk in God’s will and timing.  If you do have the ability & calling to support our ministry financially, please address your offerings to Mountain Valley Mission, Box 1231, Squamish BC  V8B 0A8.  We are a registered Canadian charity and able to issue income tax receipts.

 

Thank you for your friendship, sponsorship, your prayer and faithful ministry to us.

 

Your servants in Christ,

The Rev. Barclay & Mary Mayo

Back