Hello to Everyone!

Am planning to begin updating this Blog regularly. Would also like to use it as a way to communicate those needing prayer at the congregation.

Please Pray for the Following:

Please pray for Karen, who is soon headed out for surgery. Rich is recovering from a cold. Keep them in prayer, as they will be traveling to SLC for the surgery.

Marie Molzahn's dad is ill - in Florida. Please pray that all is well.

Gerald is supposed to be back Friday from his building project in SLC. We all look forward to having him back here in Worland!

Elijah, Joyce and Kevin's grandson was admitted to the hospital last night, diagnosed with pneumonia. He may have to stay another night - on Oxygen. Our son - Israel - is staying at the hospital with them.

Holly is recovering from Lasik Surgery yesterday (09/27/07).

Hillary is recovering from a C-Section.

Ruby needs prayer for her ongoing illness and is scheduled to go to Billings for a procedure.

Joyce's hand is progressing well, but there is still pain. The plan is to have the pin removed in two weeks. I'll plan to take some good pics - if you are non-squeamish and want to see them, let me know.

Stacey Sikes car has been repaired. Special thanks to Rich and Roxine for providing transportation and care for Stacey while he was here. Stacey provided a lot of information on the Hands of Compassion ministry - we Praise God for the ministry, his passion and sharing last Sunday.

This Sunday is the 5th Sunday, so there are plans for a pot-luck and early devotional.

The church has launched "Wednesday Night for the Master" where members gather at 6:00pm for a meal and then break up into service and ministry groups. Please find the sign up sheet in the foyer, and prayerfully sign up for the area that You can provide ministry and service to God.

Please remember our teenage athletes as they participate in sports - that they would be protected from injury.

Special thanks for prayers for Baba Oshinowo, a member of the church, in his 2nd year as a pro-football player, who was playing for the Browns but has now been picked up by the Chicago Bears. He is number 70, and is currently on the practice team. Pray that he remains free from injury and is able to work his way onto the active roster. You can read about brother Baba Oshinowo at http://www.nfl.com/ as you can search for his last name - he is the only one until his little brother graduates :).

Especially pray for the couples involved in the Eight (8) week Dynamic Marriages interactive seminar. You can find out more info at: http://www.familydynamics.org/ or contact me, Kevin Bentch at kbentch@gmail.com - or phone me.

There are several counseling and Bible study efforts going on - please remember to pray for them all.

Please take advantage of these Ministry Opportunities:

Birthright (alternatives to Abortion) - contact Peggy.

Men's Friday 7:30am Fellowship at Ranchito's - contact Jim Blake.

Women's Friday 6:30am Bible Study at Judie's - contact Judie.

Women's Tuesday 10:30am Bible Study - at the Building - Contact Roxine.

Women's Prayer Group Meetings Monthly 1st Sunday 4:00pm - contact Judie.

Are there other ministry opportunities that exist in the congregation? Please let me know, and I will plan to include them in this Blog.

There are a lot of hunting efforts here in beautiful Wyoming. Let's remember to pray for safety and success for all!! Here is a picture of me and Ken in the Absorka's. Special thanks for Ken traveling slowly with a green-horn like me!

As you may know, Ken set up a tent in the Absorkas with plans to set up a secondary tent in over the another ridge. However, during his next visit or so - he discovered that the Elk were not to be found. So he has moved his camp to another area.

Please let me know what you think of having this Blog media available for our use as a body. I am so encouraged by all the hard work efforts ongoing and the mind to work in the Kingdom of God! Let us all pray that God takes charge of this effort - and draws many souls! I am looking forward to incredible growth and increases in maturity.

A scripture that I read today impacted me:

Rom 12:16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

Rom 12:17 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.

Rom 12:18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.

Rom 12:19 Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY," says the Lord.

Rom 12:20 Therefore "IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM; IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP COALS OF FIRE ON HIS HEAD."

Rom 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

There are people in my past that I have to forgive often, sometimes every day. Most of these have moved on, and I need to move on as well. There was a time when I was unable to pray for them. However, God tells us that we must forgive from the heart. From the core of our being we must forgive others. I am comforted that God is in charge of settling and balancing the scales - hence His holy word that He is in charge of revenge.

Why do we want to take revenge? I think it is because we want to settle the scales - we want to make it right - and since we have been hurt, we want to hurt someone else. Every time I give in to temptation to take revenge such as through harsh words, angry outbursts, disrespectful judgements or the like - I have never accomplished anything good. Oh, I may have a momentary feeling of satisfaction - but this is immediately followed by remorse for having violated God's perfect will. James tells us that our wrath never accomplishes God's will. Hebrews tells us that when we have a root of bitterness growing that it can cause a lot of trouble and defile many.

Let us all take a moment and forgive someone that we need to forgive - freeing us of fretting and temptation to do something that we may regret. That each and every one of us can do God's will, instead of our own.

Have a suggestion or a comment? Please let me know!

Yours in Christ Jesus,

Kevin (and Joyce)

kbentch@gmail.com (Kevin)

bentch@juno.com (Joyce)