Brothers and sisters in Christ,
What a blessing this past few weeks have been in Maine. We made it safely home yet again from a weekend away from home, thanks to the Lord's provision. It seems like we just got home the other day, but also that so much has transpired in such a little period of time.
The first 2 weeks were filled with visits and meals with folks from nearly a dozen local churches. It seems that we know Christians in about every church in the area, and it has been great to get to know them better, and also to hear how the Lord is working in their lives individually and in the churches of Mid Coast Maine. It is encouraging to see the body of Christ laboring together in service to the Lord.
This past week, we attended a service at FBC Waldoboro, the memorial service for Wayne Brown. Wayne was a special sort of brother, a dedicated servant of the Lord, a proclaimer of the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ. Wayne worked with the Gideons, the jail ministry, and so many other venues as a testimony to a heart radically changed by the love of Jesus. It was a privilege to know Wayne, and I was drawn to think of my own life. Surely, this life is short, and every moment should be lived for the Lord. I pray that when it comes time for my death that I am remembered, not as a matter of pride, but for the glory brought to God in my life. What a challenge for us all to walk in the light of God's Word, a living testimony of God's grace. Wayne will be missed greatly.
The Maine weather has not made it easy to travel or to get out with the Gospel, but we have found cashiers, waitresses, and many other people along the way that we can speak with or share a Gospel tract or CD with. Winter in Maine seems to be a hard time to get out for Gospel work, but also for fellowship among Christians. Still, God has kept us safe as we have been on the road.
We were so pleased yesterday to find out that Sara and the baby are both doing fine as we approach the last month of pregnancy. We were also well pleased to finally find out the gender of our baby. I am happy to announce that we are expecting Samuel David Cowperthwaite to join us soon. Sara is comfortable, but as many already know, we don't expect to see her wait until the "due date" to meet Samuel.
This coming week, there are more meetings, meals, and ministry. I will be speaking at the church service held at Knox County Jail this coming Saturday, then sharing at both services at First Baptist Church in Waldoboro Sunday, Jan. 24. There are many friends that we have not yet seen at FBC, and we look forward to being able to share with them the praise reports of God's work around the country.
Just this past Sunday we got to attend meetings at Family Bible Church, Bible Baptist Church of Hancock, and Maine Coast Baptist Church, all in Hancock County. These are all churches that I have ties to. Family Bible was the first church I ever attended, while Maine Coast was the church I spent most of my early years in. Bible Baptist is the current home to many friends, and the church my mother attends. We were blessed to be able to share a testimony of God's grace, and also talk about the work God has called us to.
It was such a blessing to see many of these faces, and see that the years that have passed since I lived up there have been full of God's Word being spread in that area. Some of the beloved saints that had me for a student in school and Sunday School were there. I am glad we got this opportunity, and especially that we were able to re-establish contact with so many of God's people.
I just wanted to send off an update for you all, and hope that this letter is an encouragement. Our time here, both at our home church in Union, and meeting believers in so many other places, has been great for our family. We pray that we will be used to encourage, build up, and challenge others as we strive together to seek the Lord, to glorify Him in all we do, and to worship together.
Mark for the Cowperthwaites
