March 4th - 8th, our whole family was in Rogue River, in southern Oregon.  I preached a revival at Grace Baptist Church, Sunday morning through Wednesday evening, with Sunday services focused on challenging believers in the church and Monday - Wednesday, centered on evangelism.

 

There were six who professed Christ over the week, with about 5-6 more who indicated a desire for salvation at an outreach service in the community center on Monday evening.  Our family was able to enjoy some quality time and new activities, but the most fun was simply watching God at work and celebrating with each person who submitted his/her life to Christ.  We are so very thankful to be a family on mission for the King!

On the weekend of February 9-10, Debbie and I traveled to Wenatchee, WA to lead a marriage retreat for 23 couples.  I taught four sessions from Friday evening through Saturday afternoon, with Debbie adding thoughts from a wife's perspective in most of those sessions.  In addition, there were "Cultivating Oneness" exercises for the couples to get face to face and process the things they were learning.

 

Several couples, during the weekend and since that time have, expressed that God worked in their relationships to bring them more in line with His design for marriage.  Debbie and I had a wonderful weekend of ministry together, welcomed and cared for, as always, by Don and Pam Azevedo and the members of Eastmont Baptist.

On February 2-3, I traveled to FBC Monroe, WA to lead a two day men's event.  (My son, Zach, got to accompany me.)  Rob Beaudoin, men's leadership team member and event coordinator, wrote to me, "Praise God that there were over 40 men that attended on Friday night and over 40 on Saturday morning -- the most men that we have had gather to listen to a men's speaker in 20 years!  Pastor Dale Sorgen and I have received comments from men on how much they were challenged by your message regarding the power of God's grace and living as free men in Christ.  I believe that God used this time to speak to many hearts as a reminder that we can live in victory....  I want to sincerely thank you and those that support your ministry for the commitment to make true disciples of the men of God's church."

Ruth Danner, Mission Team member at NABC sent this report:  "In late January, North Addison Baptist Church (NABC), Spokane held its first annual Missions Fair.  Tables throughout the fellowship hall displayed posters, handouts, games, and photos, highlighting over a dozen groups and individuals who minister within the church and reach out to neighbors.  Included among the displays was Simplicity Ministries ® .  After a fellowship meal, Mike Thibodeaux offered practical, biblical advice to the 70+ attendees on how to minister and witness to unsaved friends.  His presentation, ... with humor and sound teaching, inspired the crowd and turned a good event into a truly memorable one."

That same weekend, on Jan. 22nd, I connected with the NABC Men of Simplicity group in person, while I normally see them via the internet.  In September of 2017, Simplicity Ministries ® partnered with North Addison Baptist to launch MOS Connect !  An average of 15 men have been involved in this group in Spokane.  Robert Sherwood, a Shepherd at NABC and Simplicity board member, reported, "Through internet technology our church has connected with Mike's teaching!  We have been an 'interactive satellite' group with [the] MOS group Mike teaches in Gresham on Monday nights.  Our men have been richly blessed! Men from ages 17 to 77 have gathered together in Bible instruction, dedicated prayer, and accountability.  All men have grown in their walk, been encouraged in their commitment, and developed cross-generational relationships.  We look forward to what God will do in the future!"

Each year in January, a group of the Men of Simplicity guys head to Sykart in Tigard, OR for a morning of go-cart racing followed by lunch at Buster's Barbeque. Competition, laughter, and food provide a perfect environment for men to further connect with each other. Lunch is accompanied by a time of sharing what God has done in and through each man's life as he has participated in MOS. 

In the Fall of 2017, we added two new board members.

 

Jim Thwing is Legal Counsel, Business Administrator and Mission Director at Lake Bible Church in Lake Oswego, OR. Jim's passion is serving as Mission Director for Lake. He has served on the Missions Committee for twenty-six years. Among other things, he has led more than 20 short-term missions to Uganda and Mexico. 

 

Ray Hornback is retired from the Fred Meyer Clackamas Distribution Center and is a member of Open Door Baptist Church, Troutdale, OR. Ray has served as a missionary for Campus Crusade for Christ and is actively involved in missions with Open Door in the Philippines. We are grateful to be adding these men to our board! 

As you prayerfully consider your 2018 charitable giving, would you become a monthly financial partner and invest in the Kingdom of Christ though Simplicity Ministries ® ?  Read more to discover what your investment will enable us accomplish.