A time to move.... fast approaching!

We recently sent along an email that shocked some folks. I am sorry if changes have come unexpectedly, but we have been praying for some time about whether we could continue on with the work at Gospel Chapel in Key West. We have been sharing in these emails the encouragements in our work for the Lord since arriving in Key West. We have had hard times, but we are not discouraged. We are seeing more clearly now that while God clearly led us to Key West for a time, that time has ended. Our recent email spoke of getting back to the Gospel outreach that we first came to do, and we have been and continue to take every available opportunity to speak in the name of our glorious Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. I don't suppose any place we ever stay will ever stop that from being the hallmark of our family. We are in love with the Lord Jesus and have met many precious brothers and sisters in Christ in our time here. We have also had opportunity often to clarify the truth of God's Word, which is often changed into a man-centered Gospel in churches and among "religious" folks.  We will miss the saints here, and we have been told by many that they don't want us to go, but "not my will, but thine be done..." is our prayer. We want to be in God's will, not relying on our own thoughts and plans. 

We have been praying at length concerning when we might leave, and it seems at this time that our scheduled trip to Maine August 15 will be the departure date from the Keys. We are trying to find a renter to take over the 3 months left on the lease of our house on Cudjoe Key. With that in mind, it is entirely possible that someone will want the house before that. We have scheduled ministry only as far as this Lord's Day when Mark will preach the AM and PM services at First Baptist Church of Big Pine Key. Their pastor is on a mission trip to Guatemala and we have been blessed to have fellowship with these dear saints many times, with some of these folks attending our home fellowship nights. We have had a dozen or so the last few weeks of meeting together, sharing a meal, talking about what the Lord is teaching us in our personal walk, encouraging ideas of outreach, praying together, and singing songs of praise and worship to the Lord together. We hope this new tradition keep on after we leave, with local Christians getting together to bless and encourage one another not only on Sundays, but throughout the week. We know this happens in some churches, among some groups, but not very often with the majority of Christians. We hope to see folks stepping out and making themselves available for this essential work of the church. 

We are praying also about where we might be called to serve the Lord after our month long trip to Maine ends on September 15. We are scheduled to arrive in Miami that day, but if we leave the Keys sooner might catch the Amtrak in Atlanta area where we would visit our friends, the Scarbrough family. Gerald and Pamela left their full time position in youth ministry about 3 years ago, seeking more intimate and genuine fellowship with Christians. They have been meeting in their home, and we have been through there a few times to help in the Gospel outreach, to encourage and be encouraged, and we always enjoy their fellowship. On our way out, we will stay with the Fritchey family near Miami/Fort Lauderdale  for a few days and visiting Bible Truth and Boulevard Bible Chapel as the Lord allows us opportunity. The Christians of many churches in Florida have been so helpful in the work in Key West. We are sad to be leaving many dear friends in Key West, but we are also excited to see what God has in store for us in the future. 

We understand that many will have questions regarding the ending of our work in the Keys and what lies ahead. We have many opportunities available to us as we look ahead. We have things we would love to do, places we would love to go, but more than anything we want to glorify God and give our lives for His service and the glory He so richly deserves. Please pray that we will know God's will and walk in it. We desire to be obedient to His call, to stay or to go, and we ask for your prayers. Feel free to call, email, FB message, or any other means of communication.

Our mailing address for the time being will revert back to 12 Emery Avenue, Thomaston, Maine 04861.
Mark's cell phone number is 207-542-8916. Please update your information with this in mind.

We no longer have a camper, so we will be staying with local Christians as we travel. We will let everyone know if our stay in the Keys is shortened any further, as dates of visits may change with not much notice.  We hope to have a chance to minister to the saints in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, and a few other places that  have requested us to visit as time permits. Thank you for your prayers on our behalf. Let us know also how we can pray for you. 

Serving a risen Savior,

Mark and Sara Cowperthwaite
Nathaniel, Virginia, Naomi, and Samuel

"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men,
especially unto them who are of the household of faith. " Galatians 6:9-10