SAFE Ministries Blog

The Lord has truly blessed Scott and I with the SAFE ministry. Not only have we met people we already love through the program, but going through the program as leaders as been such a blessing.

 This weekend we had a very confrontational issue with some folks (nothing to do with group) where I was under attack and accused of saying things I did not say. It was a very hurtful situation.  The Lord used this to teach me that I needed to pray more on issues of anger and bitterness. Scott, as usual, was calm and handled the confrontation with grace and wisdom.  I am so thankful I have the opportunity to watch my husband grow as He envelopes himself in the Word.

This week was Lesson 12 on dealing with bitterness and being more forgiving. I told the group this was one week I probably needed just as much, if not more, than they did!

How glad that He is in control and not me. . . I would only mess it up!

Thank you Lord for teaching me lessons through this program. Thank you for allowing me to be part of the SAFE ministry. I pray I might be a vessel for your glory alone and not mine. Please keep our members safe and help them to be strong in a world where temptation and evil runs rampant. Help us all to be great, not good, witnesses for your namesake. Amen.

God is so good. We pray for one thing and He blesses us abundatly.

 Scott and I prayed for $100 to help us provide supplies and books to those who cannot afford it. The concert raised $235! But, more importantly, it has brought us more prospects and another group member. That was also a prayer - that there be someone in the audience who needed the program and who would have the courage to come.

As usual, God does things so much better than we can ever imagine!

We have added an evening group to accommodate working people in the area.

We are praying for, and ask that you pray for, a building in either St. Helen or Roscommon as we have had phone calls from folks in those areas who desire to get into a Christ-centered program in that area.

God bless!

Marti

Pastor Fred Seidler, a great folk singer and guitarist, will be giving a benefit concert at 6 p.m. Sunday, July 25, at Lake St. Helen Baptist Church.  There will be a potluck at 4:30 p.m.

 A love offering will be taken which will go to the S.A.F.E. Ministries.

 Please pray for a great turnout and that God will bring people there who may benefit from the program.

 Blessings to all of you!

Marti

What a wonderful few weeks we have had in group! As members grow closer and open up more, we see the need for more ministries up here in Northern Michigan.

 This Sunday, we are having a benefit concert at a church in St. Helen. A love offering will be taken and all benefits will go to our SAFE Minsitry. Praise God for opening doors!

We have been approached by a few people to start a group in St. Helen, Michigan. Although it is about 25 miles from our home, we feel God's conviction to start a ministry there. Please pray we can find a building to house a group.

We are also beginning a new group in Grayling . . . one that will  take place in the evening. Please pray God will send those folks to us who need it.

 Blessings to all who read this . . .

Marti

Thankfully, the Houghton Lake Resorter put in a small story about our new SAFE program. www.houghtonlakeresorter.net is the Web site. We are also listed in its Community Calendar which is in print.

We have had one phone call so far regarding the story. Word of mouth seems to be the way to go with the program, but a story in the media also helps it along.

Hoping the Crawford County Avalanche will also put in a small story. I will write it up and get it sent out.

Had a great group last week. Talking about decision-making skills and how we should not ever make important decisions while on an emotional high or low. Rather, it's best to be on that even path of stability.

 Not sure why but someone keeps removing our posters we have set up at various locations.  Scott and I will continue to replace them.

It's a beautifully sunny day in Crawford County, Michigan!

Blessings to you all!

Marti

Praise God, we have four members in our new group!

Up here in Northern Michigan, there are a lot of very tiny towns and villages, and we want to make sure we can help reach them in Roscommon and Crawford counties.

Crawford County has the second highest unemployment rate in Michigan, so you can imagine the poverty.  Folks without the Lord feel hopeless and helpless.

We are praying about beginning a second group around the Roscommon/St. Helen area but will need a place to hold our meetings. Please pray for us to find a building!

We already love all the members of our group and pray for them every day. We pray they will rely on Jesus to help them stay stay strong.

Any tips on how to find a building is welcome!

Marti

With the help and guidance of Pastor Fred, my husband, Scott, and I have just started a new SAFE group in Grayling, Michigan. The need for the Lord is huge up here in Northern Michigan, and we humbly ask for prayer and to be in His will as we begin this journey.

Our group meets at 11 a.m. each Monday at Grayling Baptist Church, 705 Madsen.

God bless all of you, and I will keep this blog updated.

Marti