“Time flies” is a saying that we use often. Visiting churches on furlough, we have heard people comment on how much time has passed between when we came by the first time presenting our work, and now visiting and giving an update. People can’t get over how much the children have grown and how big they are. Time does indeed fly.
In September we were reminded of this yet again. Ian and Carline both celebrated birthdays: Ian turned 18, Caroline 14. I can’t believe my son is considered a legal adult now. I’m thankful for both Caroline and Ian and how they love and serve the Lord. Pray for them both, but especially for Ian as he enters a new and exciting stage in his life. He is a senior in high school and taking two college courses right now. Pray for wisdom as he will be making a lot of decisions in the coming months.
Another reminder that time flies is that Victory Baptist Church celebrated their five year anniversary. I still remember the joy and excitement that we felt as we were preparing to launch a new church plant. Praise God for his faithfulness these last five years.
In the month of September we had our third annual men’s retreat at the camp. Men from both our churches came, along with men from two other churches. Pastor Hernan Cortez preached this year, encouraging the men in their walk with the Lord.
Have you heard the famous song “I’ve Been Everywhere?” Well that is what furlough felt like in the month of September. I was able to participate in four missions conferences in Georgia, Alabama, Rhode Island, and Tennessee. Also for Ian and Caroline’s birthday, we took a week for a vacation and visited Washington DC. It was the first time for everyone to go and visit the capital. I’m thankful for our country and the liberties that we enjoy.
Prayer Points:
• For our family. Protection as we travel, wisdom as we help our children make decisions for their future, and that we might be a blessing to the churches we are visiting.
• For more laborers.
• For growth in our churches.
Thank you for your support!
The Bateman Family
Ian and Caroline both celebrated birthdays in September.
Men’s retreat 2024