Show And Tell

A Week of Spiritual Blessings

2012-02-01T01:00:00.000-08:00

January blessings included a wonderful Winter Revival! We were blessed to have Evangelist Jim VanGeleren (on the right) with us for this spiritually enriching week!

The Lord met with us and we are challenged more than ever, to live the faith-life. We are so blessed by the many men of God that the Lord brings our way.

New Blessing!

2012-01-03T09:49:00.000-08:00

Our church family is happy to announce a new addition and a new little blessing! Ben & Aubrie Williams welcomed Kaylee Faith into their hearts and home on October 13th 2011. She is a well loved little girl with parents and grandparents who have committed themselves to praying for her and training her to walk in the ways of the Lord.

Kaylee’s family dedicated themselves to nurturing her in the wisdom and admonition of the Lord. What a responsibility and blessing!

Congratulations Ben and Aubrie! We love you all!

Baby Girl # 6 Arrives!

2011-10-24T18:20:00.000-07:00

Dan & Alyssa welcomed adorable, Lara Christine on September 19. This sweet bundle of joy came into our world weighing 7 lbs 13 oz and 23 ¾ “ long.

Mom and Dad dedicated sweet Lara to the Lord, promising to raise her in the wisdom and admonition of the Lord.

Lara’s and her big sisters complete this happy family who is such a blessing to our church. We love you all so much!

Showering Lauren and Baby Landon!

2011-10-02T17:22:00.000-07:00

Baby Landon’s Mommy, Grandmas, Aunts and Great Aunts

Creative minds at work!

Auntie Hannah blessed everyone with her awesome culinary skills!

Two very happy Grandmas!

What a fun evening! It was fun to be a blessing!

A Birthday Party for Our Christian School Principal!

2011-09-13T06:04:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Bro. Poling! We love you and your family and are so thankful that you are here to help us in the education and training of our children.

After church parties are GREAT!

Even little ones love a party!

...And the not so little ones!

What a great time of fellowship and fun!

I love the thrill that I feel when I get together with God’s wonderful people!

Last piece of cake before baby #6 is born???

Thank the Lord for Christian friends!

Happy Birthday to our favorite Principal!

Congratulations James & Kristen!

2011-09-01T12:19:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful, Spirit-filled ceremony it was!

Friends!

A Kiss to Remember!! What a great moment!

To God Be The Glory!

Two New Sets of Happy Grandparents!

2011-08-15T19:10:00.000-07:00

Pastor & Mrs. Shaffer and Art & Karen Banner welcomed their very first grandchild into their families this past August 9 when they welcomed Landon Justus Shaffer into their arms. New parents, Sean and Lauren, are enjoying their 8lb- 8oz, 22 inches long, bundle of joy immensely!

Congratulations Sean and Lauren on the birth of this beautiful baby boy!

You have made two sets of parents VERY happy!

“Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!”

Bemidji Outreach Update

2011-08-15T19:03:00.000-07:00

Bible studies continue every week in this city and the Coe family did their part recently for the cause of getting the gospel out at a county fair.

Here is their update:

The literature that was handed out along with the flyer for the study, which was stuffed inside the How To Find God Tract.

The free water given away on this warm summer day, really caused people to stop and take what was being offered. We had several who were shaking their heads no, as if to say, “I don’t want what you have”, but then stopped and said, "What did you say?” Some were wary of anything “free” and wanted to know what the catch was. There were many who thanked us for being so kind when we didn't have to.

Our little helper. Gracie was just as busy as we were, handing out water and flyers. She was quick to wish everyone a "great time at the Fair."

These ladies walked away really reading and studying the literature. The older lady was eagerly reading the pamphlet to her husband. They stopped a little ways away from our booth to finish reading it. What a blessing it was to see people truly reading the truth of God's Word in a tract.

Please pray for these two men. Both of them talked to Dylan for a long time and were extremely interested in learning more. They both seemed to be seeking.

Celebrating Another Bride’s Blessing!

2011-08-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

The Cobb and Gove families are preparing for the marriage of their children, James and Kristen! We were blessed to celebrate this upcoming wedding by showering them with many blessings.

It is always such a blessing to see God put two people together…for His glory!

A sister moment!

Beautiful food!!

Useful gifts!

We even had the paparazzi there!

It was a wonderful night of fun and fellowship! We are so happy for James and Kristen. Looking forward to your beautiful wedding!

Jay & Heather Tie the Knot!

2011-07-04T18:34:00.000-07:00

A day of shared blessings…

Solemn moments...

Adorable moments...

Family moment...

Fun moments...

Surprising moment!

Congratulations Jay & Heather! May your lives honor and glorify the Lord Who brought you together!

Honoring a Bride-to-Be!

2011-06-01T18:30:00.000-07:00

Heather Poling, bride to be of Jay Turner, was showered with blessings recently by friends and family. Heather is shown here with her mother, future mother-in-law and her bridal attendants.

Family

Modeling a very useful gift!

Congratulations Heather! We love you!

Spring Fling 2011

2011-05-18T18:43:00.000-07:00

What a lovely evening we enjoyed at this year’s Spring Fling!

Sam and Kathryn…Mr. & Miss NTBCS for 2011

Character Counts!!

How many will truly give the LORD their life, to be used of Him?

We were privileged to have Dr. Al Lacy as our guest speaker. He and his sweet wife have been friends to our church and to our pastor’s family, for many years.

The fellowship was sweet all weekend long!

Friends for eternity! The best kind!

Heaven will be that much sweeter because it will one day be home to these faithful servants of the Lord!

Will you be there too?

Counting Our Many Blessings One by One!

2011-05-02T14:00:00.000-07:00

A precious, encouraging Ladies GA Meeting!

Janna and Lynette gave our devotion for the evening and blessed our hearts with what God has wrought in their lives and family.

Oh, the love between our sisters….

And the surprises!!!!

Spiritual Blessings Abound!

We all said “goodbye for now” to one we came to love!

Jawed made new family ties while he was here! You remain in our prayers, Jawed!

Our Last Gathering in Africa

2011-04-01T08:40:00.000-07:00

The last week of our time in South Africa was spent with several African pastors and their wives at a Pastor’s/Pastor’s wives Leadership Retreat.

It was a wonderful, quiet respite at an African resort with our missionaries, George and Jackie Wyatt and the African pastor’s and their wives.

Each evening before supper, we sang praises to the Lord. Pastor taught them a new song, “What A Day That Will Be”!

Mrs. Wyatt did all the cooking for this retreat. What a great job she did!

I left my heart with these dear sisters in Christ. What a day it will be when we say goodbye no more!

Not only should we pray for our missionaries but we need to uphold these dear African saints in prayer to God as they carry on the ministry that our missionaries have helped to establish. The training never ends and there are many African souls yet to be reached with the gospel.

Liberty and Sylvia

Victor and Fkeilie

Zebulon and Sarah

Welcome Back, Pastor and Mrs. Shaffer

2011-03-26T08:44:00.000-07:00

Our dear Pastor and his wife arrived back from South Africa after being gone for 25 days. Over 50 of our members went to the airport to greet them.

There were eager faces everywhere watching for their return.

Tears filled the eyes of many as they walked off their airplane.

Hugs were shared by all.

Dear Pastor and Mrs. Shaffer, we hope you enjoyed your trip because we are not letting you go anywhere for a really long time. We missed you greatly and are so glad to see our Pastor and his wife back. Your faithfulness and godly wisdom were missed by all.

We love you! Welcome back!

A Sweet Time with the Norbergs in Bloemfontein

2011-03-24T07:13:00.000-07:00

We arrived in Bloemfontein last Friday after an 8 1/2 hour drive south from the Kuzels. The drive here was very reminiscent of North Dakota's flatter farm lands. Our visit here has gone by much too fast.

Saturday afternoon Sue and I made several visits to some of her friends here.

This sweet lady just got out of the hospital and Mrs. Norberg made some soup and cookies for her.

Here is Oma (Grandma) Claudia who is 87 years old. She is what they call an Afrikaner. This dear Christian lady is almost deaf and blind but she sits on her well lit open porch each afternoon to read her Bible. Her "food" as she calls it. I would say she doesn't just read it....she studies it!

Notice it is written in Afrikaans.

What a blessing it was to join hands in prayer with this dear saint of God and listen to her call out to the Lord in her native tongue. I will look forward to Heaven so much more after meeting sweet Claudia.

I wonder if there is anyone who could say that of me?

Saturday night we took the Norbergs and their "adopted" daughter, Leah, out to dinner at Bro. Norberg's favorite place. We had such an enjoyable evening. Sue's food arrived in quite an unusual manner!

SUNDAY SERVICES

The services here in Bloemfontein were unusual because both blacks and

whites attended and the meeting place was the Norbergs living room! No

bumpy roads to travel this time!

We sang....

And Pastor preached....

We met four very nice Malawi men who are in South Africa working. They carve and sell all kinds of interesting art forms. Here is an African shepherd with a sheep on his back.

I'm bringing it home with me!!! It's so very African and I love it.

Our time here has gone by much too fast. We next head back to the Brits area where the Wyatts are located and where my husband and I will teach at a Pastors/Pastor's wives Retreat. Please pray for us that we can encourage the black African preachers and their wives. Since we know from scripture that there is no temptation or trial taken us, but such as it common to all...we do have things to share.

We are scheduled to board the plane Thursday, March 24, to make the 24 hour flight home. We covet your prayers.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR SON JUSTIN!

2011-03-21T09:06:00.000-07:00

Thirty three years ago, the Lord blessed our home with a lovable, smiling, content baby boy that we named Justin Alan. Today is our "baby" boy's birthday and while we are here in Africa, our hearts are rejoicing over the young man he has become.

Thank you Justin, for blessing our home and lives with so much laughter, memorable moments and with the knowledge that you are walking in truth before the Lord. You taught us how to really pray and we saw the Lord work a miracle in your life! Your life was used by God to increase our faith and once again remind us that our God can work miracles if we but pray. We respect the kind of young man you have become and for standing true to Biblical convictions and character. Any one who knows you, knows that you are "for real"! Your big heart, ready smile and spiritual fervor is sorely missed at NTBC.

The respect and admiration that you show your Mom and Dad does not go unnoticed and your mother cherishes every phone call and hug that you bring her way. We love you so very much, Son. Please know that though we may be many miles away right now, we are holding you close in our hearts today and once again thanking the Lord for blessing us with you.

Happy 33rd Birthday!
Dad & Mom
From Africa

This is Africa????

2011-03-20T12:14:00.000-07:00

On our last night with the Kuzels in Nelspruit, we took them out to one of the nicest restaurants they could find because we wanted to be a blessing but also to celebrate Bro. Scott's birthday which is today, Saturday, March 19. They took us to Oliver's and for a brief time, we forgot we were even in Africa!

Our evening began with cold drinks on the veranda and pictures on the grounds.

This was not your usual Golden Corral or even a Red Lobster. The Chef was from Australia the food was INCREDIBLY tasty and complete works of art!

Here is where we sat...

Pastor had the best duck he has ever had in his life! We all knew Mrs. Shaffer's Daddy would have loved it! And in Africa no less!

Mrs. Shaffer had Lamb shank that you could cut with a fork! They used real spices in everything and you could taste it! EXQUISITE!

Don't forget the shared dessert (well...to be honest, Mrs. Shaffer has ONE bite and Pastor ate the rest.)

This was apple strudel and luscious!

Alayna enjoyed celebrating Daddy's birthday too!

Happy Birthday Bro. Kuzel! We all love you!

We arrived at the Norbergs late on Friday. Our next posting will be from there. It was so good to see these sweet missionaries again. We picked up right where we left off and talked four hours straight as we traveled.

It Has Never Been Done This Way Before...

2011-03-17T07:30:00.000-07:00

I Corinthians 16:9 "For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries."

Our missionary, Bro. Scott Kuzel, has a most unique ministry happening here in Africa and we were blessed to observe and be a working part of it. Several days a week you will find "Pastor Scott" (as he is affectionately known here), climbing into his jeep (bakki) at 6:45 in the morning and heading out to a school assembly, where he will preach to hundreds of students for about 30 minutes, before their class day begins!

This school is a private school with grades 1-12. For Africans who want a better education for their children, they send them here. The students are boarded here and come from all over Africa. Countries such as Mozambique, Cameroon, Botswana, Malawi, Swaziland and South Africa are all here.

For most Americans, it is hard to fathom any school opening its doors to a preacher of the gospel and welcoming him with open arms and great respect!

That is exactly what is happening here at Metropolitan International College!

Here you see the "head girl student" and "head boy student". They are similar to a student body president.

The Principal and Assistant Principal were most welcoming! They were very interested in our school in North Dakota!

Several afternoons a week, "Pastor Scott" comes back to this same school for a voluntary Bible study time in one of the classrooms. Students are not required to attend. It is a choice they make to attend during their supper hour and before they head back to class again at 6:00-9:00 pm. This school has a VERY disciplined environment!

Here is one young man who has been saved and he is quoting memorized verses to the class from Romans chapter 3.

These two young men are sharing their salvation testimonies with the other students in attendance.

Pastor Shaffer has had several opportunities of his own to teach these spiritually hungry students. There are at least five students here who have been saved and are being disciple by "Pastor Scott" in the afternoon Bible studies. Some are also attending church services in Dwaleni. Bro. Scott is raising up "preacher boys" for the African churches he will endeavor to start.

PUBLIC SCHOOL OUTREACH...

"Pastor Scott" also ministers several days a week in Khutselani public school in Kobokwenia. Things are MUCH different here....

School yard trash is seen just 25 feet outside of a classroom.

"Pastor Scott" teaching...

They are typical teenagers and love to have their picture taken!

Our hearts have been stirred as we see the daily diligence and burden of our missionaries. Their work load in traveling from place to place to preach and teach is enormous! It is more than what one man can do....but souls are waiting...and so very needy. There have been at least seven young men saved between the two schools and many more who are under deep conviction of the Holy Spirit over their personal sin.

Everywhere we go, Bro. Scott stops along the well-traveled roads, picking up young men to witness to. Since every one walks most of the time, a free ride is more than welcomed and they can hear the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ at the same time.

Bro. Kuzel has made friends with young men in every village we have visited! Everyone seems to know him. We found this very humbling. Do very many people in our town know us and our God?

Acts 10:38 "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good..."

Bro. Scott is Jesus...with skin on in Africa! He is winning people to himself first and then showing them the Friend of sinners.

We are blessed to support this diligent missionary family. Pray for their health, stamina to drive the many miles each day in reaching out to people and wisdom for the work as they serve the Lord in this dark country.

Memories from Dwaleni...

2011-03-14T10:05:00.000-07:00

As enjoyable as all these experiences are, there is a sober side to our visit here.

There are so many people in these villages who have never heard the true stories of the Bible. They know nothing of Jonah and the whale or the love story between Jacob and Rachel. They do not yet realize that Christ died for their sins! That is why we send missionaries. It's such a blessing to see these new born Christians learning scripture and Bible truths. They put American Christians to shame with their hunger for learning the Bible.

We are so blessed to have God called, dedicated missionaries to support in this country.

We wish you all could see the love relationship Bro. Scott has with the young men he is teaching and training. His years as a Youth Director in his home church, is reaping dividends in Africa!

We enjoyed Sunday dinner at the Kuzel's with some of the folks from the Dwaleni mission. These hungry hearts love learning at the feet of God's preachers!

Precious moments with new Christians is enriching for us too! It's always a blessing to share our testimony of salvation and things the Lord has taught us in serving Him.

Sunday Services in the Dwaleni Mission

The day started with Sunday School!

Mrs. Kuzel singing with them, "Neglect your Bible, forget to pray and you'll shrink, shrink, shrink."

It was a warm day in the little wood and tin church building.

A view from a window opening....

Bro. Kuzel and Augustine introducing Pastor Shaffer.

Pastor preaching and Pastor Augustine interpreting for him.

It was hard to say good-bye to these precious people who had opened their heart to the message brought to them.

They like to fellowship under the mango tree after the morning service!

"Thank you, Lord, for our missionaries, who have been sent to minister in our place to these dear people in Africa!"

A Missionary Get-Together!

2011-03-12T12:55:00.000-08:00

Last Thursday we enjoyed an afternoon with the Wyatts, Hammetts, Kuzels and Sam and Rachel Hammett. We were able to deliver all the gifts from our NTBC ladies.

It was so good to see each other again!

Mrs. Shaffer was greeted with a bouquet of roses from Kristen Hammett in appreciation for all that our NTBC ladies do for them. She was especially grateful for Alyssa Mathis and Amber Blewer! She mentioned what a blessing the two of you are to her. Thank you ladies, for being such a blessing to this sweet missionary wife.

Our missionary Doug Hammett and his wife, Beverly, were unable to join us as he was just diagnosed with malaria! We missed seeing them and are asking all of you to pray for Bro. Doug as he is being treated for this disease. This is yet another reason why it is so important to pray for our missionaries.

Kristen Hammett and her daughter Anna.

Saturday:

Today we were privileged to speak at Dwaleni, the mission work of Scott and Donna Kuzel.

Their church building.

The young men Bro. Scott is teaching and discipling. Pastor was able to teach a two hour session to these eager young men.

After the men left the little church, the ladies arrived for their time of Bible study.

Mrs. Kuzel introducing Mrs. Shaffer to the ladies.

Teaching time!

It was a precious time with hungry hearts and one that Mrs. Shaffer could get used to! What a blessing to teach to women who have never heard what we so often take for granted.

It was also a VERY hot day in South Africa! You were experiencing a blizzard at home and we were sweating in Africa! What extremes in this big world!

There were many interesting sights on the way to and from our Bible study afternoon.

The fields are so white....unto harvest!

At Home With the Kuzels...

We are practicing our "grand parenting" skills on Miss Alayna!

"Thank you for the monkey, Mrs. Anderson! I named him "Kiwi".

Three Days in Kruger National Park!

2011-03-11T11:00:00.000-08:00

Entering the Park, which is the size of the state of New Jersey! This open range is reserved for African wildlife to live in their natural habitat.

A dangerous and thrilling place to experience!

We left camp each morning by 5:30-6:00 in order to see the animals in the cool of the day.

We were blessed to see them starting their day in the wild!

We stopped each day at a wayside rest area within Kruger Park, to fix our breakfast and make a necessary "pit stop".

Bro. Wyatt fixed our eggs, fried potatoes and sausage on the braai (bry).

This man kept the baboons away with his sling shot, so we could eat in peace!

Back to camp for the night! The gate is locked behind us and the only way you are allowed out at night is if you go on a night ride in a large, open truck high off the ground and with guides to protect you.

The monkeys were a nuisance and wanted to steal from our table. We literally had to be on guard!

We enjoyed wonderful fellowship in the evening!

And evening night ride!

The beautiful African sky!

Look what spent the night with us in the ceiling of our sleeping room! Sure glad I didn't notice him until we were getting ready to leave! There would have been no sleep for this girl!

Another day viewing God's magnificent creation! This is Mrs. Shaffer's favorite African animal. Did you know that the giraffe has no vocal cords? Interesting huh?

We miss you all, but are enjoying our time with our precious missionaries. Next update will be sent from our time with the Kuzels!

Sunday in Africa

2011-03-07T17:57:00.000-08:00

Sunday services found us in three different villages for church. Pastor Shaffer preached the first service in Domdoryn at 7:00 a.m. The second service was in Letlhabile and started approximately 9:30 (African time...no one is ever on time for church! You start when they get there.)

This is Harry who is the husband of Boitumelo. She died of cancer one year ago. Harry is the pastor of the church in Letlhabile. He was also the interpreter for Pastor Shaffer as he preached.

We traveled on for the next service....

The highlight of our Sunday was in Letlhakaneng.

This out of the way little church was such a blessing to us!

Sheryl made a few new friends that she wanted to bring home with her.

This is Stephen and Emily. Stephen is the pastor of this little church and is being trained by Bro. Wyatt. Here they are singing a song in the service.

Their son is helping to take the offering.

The morning Sunday School class singing for the congregation. It was precious!

Our Sunday potluck dinner!

Once again...we left part of our hearts in this little village.

A Day in Africa!

2011-03-05T15:38:00.000-08:00

Friday was a day we set aside to spend time with our missionaries, George and Jackie Wyatt. They took us to Ukutula, a wild animal farm that studies lions, tigers and cheetahs in Africa. They also breed these animals which are later released on to wild game reserves.

We were able to physically interact with all the "babies" on the compound, which was great fun! (Made us miss our Sebastian!)

The larger animals were able to be observed up close but not handled...unless we wanted to lose a limb!

That evening we took the Wyatts out for dinner in Johannesburg in celebration of both of their recent birthdays.

We went to an Authentic African restaurant in Nelson Mandela Square, complete with face painting at the end of the meal!

For a brief moment...we felt like kids again!

Hello from Africa!

2011-03-04T06:12:00.000-08:00

After our 24 hour flight we arrived and were greeted by our missionaries and friends, George and Jackie Wyatt.

Breakfast at the Wyatt's on our first morning!

After arriving, we all found out that the city had shut off the water to everyone. That meant that after two days on an airplane....no shower! So when in Africa we decided to do what most Africans in the villages do. Bathe from a bucket!

We were officially welcomed to Africa!

Our first day here, Pastor was able to teach his first sessions at the Bible Institute at Bible Baptist Church in Kempton Park in Johannesburg. It was such a good evening.

Meet Liberty and Sylvia. Liberty is the pastor of Bible Baptist Church in Kempton Park, South Africa. What a sweet couple with a heart for the Lord.

We have hit the ground running and enjoying every moment with our missionaries. Our suitcases arrived in pretty good shape, although one of the coffee packages exploded in flight along with one of Mrs. Shaffer's vitamin bottles. Wow, did we have one good smelling suitcase to open!!!!

We're off to another busy day! Pray for us!

We made it to Africa!!

2011-03-03T15:27:00.000-08:00

It's been well over 24 hours since we left home and we just arrived in South Africa! Very interesting trip to say the least and we were so happy to see the Wyatts at the airport.

We have lost a complete day and are starting to feel it. Thank you for your prayers. We love you all! We'll be in touch.....after we sleep! We were greeted by a little lizard in our bedroom when we got here. Harmless but
definitely out of the norm for us. We have jumped from winter to summer in 24 hours.

Pray for us that the Lord will use us while we are here!

Congratulations!

2011-03-01T04:00:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Doug & Jennifer! May your years together be blessed by the Lord as you labor for Him!

The Happy Parents!

Surrounded by the love of family….

…and friends!

Congratulations to the new Mr. & Mrs.!

2011 Friendship Banquet…

2011-02-14T20:51:00.000-08:00

A night spent in the presence of the LORD and His wonderful people!

Jesus Christ…He’s My Dearest Friend and so beautifully sung!

The fellowship was the most precious ever!

The food was FANTASTIC! Thanks Kevin and Rachel!

There was laughter…

There was wonderful preaching by our guest preacher, Bro. Larry Ingalls.

Sweet Fellowship…

Honoring Our Next Bride to Be!

2011-02-01T14:00:00.000-08:00

We are so thrilled for Jennifer Nemoseck, bride to be of Doug MacArthur, and their upcoming wedding this month! What a pleasure it was to shower them with "blessings" at her recent bridal shower.

Jennifer and her bridal attendants! These life-long friends and loved ones will share in their special day.

Jen, her mother and future mother-in-law. Precious Godly women.

Special bridal shower moments...

Congratulations Jen and Doug! We love you both!

The Best Christmas Surprise Ever!

2011-01-07T18:00:00.000-08:00

Pastor & Mrs. Shaffer got the gift they have looked forward to for a very long time!

After the shock wore off…the excitement set in!

They are going to be grandparents in July!

What a blessing! They are ready for this new adventure!

Psalm 127:3 “Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.”

Erich & Nicole Say “I Do”!

2010-12-04T11:43:00.000-08:00

Dad & the Bride

What a beautiful, sweet wedding it was!

And then there were three left in the nest…

Congratulations Erich and Nicole! Thank you for your good testimonies of walking before the Lord with a pure heart and for honoring your parents as you waited on the Lord. May you live and serve the Lord happily ever after!

Ladies Day Out!

2010-11-17T19:52:00.000-08:00

A few of the Lydia Ladies enjoyed a day out together this week when they headed to Grafton, ND to meet up with pastor’s wife, Nadine Berg.

They enjoyed lunch at a lovely tea room in Grafton while enjoying one another’s company. It was a memorable time of fellowship and fun!

Wedding Bells are Ringing!

2010-11-01T18:00:00.000-07:00

Our own Erich & Nicole are set to tie the knot in a Christmas wedding in early December.

These two young people have kept themselves pure from the world and other relationships and are now ready to enter into a marriage covenant blessed by God and with their parent’s full support.

Our church ladies just had the privilege of honoring Nicole with a wedding shower. What fun it was to be a blessing to one who has been a blessing to us!

Nicole’s family…

Nicole’s attendants

What a fun evening it was! Congratulations Erich & Nicole! We love you both!

Road Trip to Germany and Austria!

2010-10-10T19:27:00.000-07:00

We loaded the vans Thursday morning and headed out on a three day road trip together. Our first stop....

Dauchau Concentration Camp – outside of Munich, Germany.

The pictures say it all....

A very sobering experience for all of us!

After four hours of walking through some very ugly world history of the past, we headed out to find some authentic German food!

The meals were HUGE and we ate it all!

Next stop on our 3 day journey.....

Neuschwanstein Castle in Schwangau, Germany.

We walked and walked and walked all day, as we drank in the magnificence of this beautiful place!

Our last stop on this exciting road trip with two vans filled with friends and fellow believers was in Austria, where we took in the breathtaking sights high atop the Kehlstien Mountain in the Bavarian Alps. This place, better known as,

"The Eagle’s Nest", was the get away place for Adolf Hitler and his dignitary friends.

This beautiful spot was difficult to access but worth the effort to get there.

Shown here is our pastor and our missionary in front of Hitler’s relaxation spot. His fireplace.

Please see Czech Up for updates on our final day of services in Prague. It has been an incredible and blessed experience for all of us! How thankful we are to be a part of what God is doing in this spiritually dark country.

We ended our last night in Prague with a cookout and testimonies of what God has done in all our hearts while we have been here.

A Night Spent in the Czech Republic

2010-10-08T19:33:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed one more trip on the trams and subways, into the heart of Prague. This time we enjoyed the sights at night!

This city is beautiful in the daylight but at night it is spectacular!

Our senior class (minus Alex) by the Vltava River.

Our group in Wencelas Square. This is the very place where the historic "Velvet Revolution“ took place in 1989.

This is when communism came to an end in the Czech Republic. It opened the door for what we are trying to do right now in reseeding the gospel in this country.

Please pray for us as our group and the Rettigs head to Germany for a couple of days. Pray for our safety.

Fun Times With Our Missionary Family in Prague

2010-10-06T20:09:00.000-07:00

After a day of literature distribution in the Panalaks (huge apartment buildings), the Rettigs took our group out to eat at a most unusual restaurant. It was like going back in time to medivial times. Never in our lifetime, have we enjoyed such a delicious meal in such a unique atmosphere. The pictures tell the story....

We had such fun investigating all the crooks and cranies of this unusal place.

This strange guy was cemented into the wall of the stairway going in to the "dungeon“.

Playing hide and seek with Pastor & Mrs. Shaffer.

Alex enjoyed "The Executioners Feast“

Duck, Czech saurkraut, red cabbage. It was FABULOUS!

I think this uniform would fit me!

"I can’t believe I ate the whole thing!“

What a fun, fun evening we spent with our dear missionaries!

Come enjoy our Saturday in Prague!

2010-10-02T19:12:00.000-07:00

We headed to the Trams....

Hanging on for dear life!

Loving the sights!

There were new experiences around every corner...

Becky found a man in Prague!

Shopping!

Pavel and Jana joined us in Old Town Square for the afternoon. Here we are in front of John Hus

Someone’s adorable grandchild! Little Pavlik.

Eight hours later we finally headed back to our Hotel.

Senior Class on the Subway

Our day ended with Roman & Monika preparing Czech and Thai food for

our hungry group!

It was a great day of fun and fellowship together in Prague!

Hello From Prague!

2010-10-01T14:31:00.000-07:00

This is our home away from home...our Hotel in Prague.

In the middle of our door to door outreach today, we took a break to enjoy an outdoor lunch and fellowship time together.

We finished this profitable day with a great meal of ribs and sides dishes prepared by our own „Chef“, Mike Coachman!

Please see Czech Up for updates on our outreach day.

An Eventful First Day in Prague!

2010-09-29T20:17:00.000-07:00

Our first day in Prague started with devotions in the hotel.

Then our team worked!

The girls cleaned the church, washed windows and sanitized chairs and songbooks.

The men hauled boxes of literature and Bibles out of a storage garage for our missionaires.

Then it was chow time at a local pizzeria!

Reading a menu in Czech proved to be interesting!

Please see Czech Up to see the update on our Wednesday night Bible study service. It was a great experience for our group! We met in the same building they met in last Wednesday night when over 800 people attended.

It has been a long and fruitful day! Everyone is doing well and having a wonderful time!

Our team has arrived in Prague!

2010-09-28T19:29:00.000-07:00

It started with a bus ride from our church to the airport. Shelbie enjoyed one last visit with Dad on the way.

Landed in Minneapolis!

What fun we had on the 24 hour trip across the big pond of the Atlantic Ocean! The group found interesting ways to pass the time in the airports.

We were met at the Prague airport by an excited group of members from the Baptist Assembly in Prague!

The adventure begins!

Our first night with the Rettigs we enjoyed dinner and a surprise birthday party for Heidi.

The work begins tomorrow. Please pray for our Wednesday night service that many of those who came

last week will return to begin learning about the Bible and salvation. God is at work here! Please pray.

We will keep you updated!

Twenty-Two Years of Military Service Celebrated!

2010-09-18T17:45:00.000-07:00

Our own Scott Griffith was honored at his recent retirement ceremony after completing twenty-two years of faithful service in the United States Air Force.

Scott’s wife and children sang “God Bless the U.S.A.” together!

Congratulations Bro. Griffith and thank you for your part in protecting our country!

Two Lives - One Path….

2010-08-24T05:53:00.000-07:00

We were blessed to witness the wedding ceremony uniting Joshua and Cherith this month! Their testimony of waiting on the Lord for His best, is an example for all of us. What a joy it was to be a part of what God hath joined together!

Joshua singing to his bride! What a beautiful moment!

The first kiss-ever….for this bride and groom! Saving yourself for the one God has for you never leaves one with regrets.

“You’re the only little girl in my heart. I love you Cherith.” “I love you too, Daddy.”

Let the celebration begin!

Father-in-law and son-in-law singing!

“I will praise thee forever, because thou hast done it.” Psalm 52:9a

Congratulations to the new Mr. & Mrs.!

Very Precious Gift from God

2010-08-13T19:43:00.000-07:00

Caleb Mark Turner was born on Wednesday, August 11, 2010.

He was 9 pounds 1 ounce and 21 ounces long.

Congratulations, Chad, Ashley, and big sister Kami. We will be praying that God helps you raise him to be a great man of God some day.

Teen Camp Memories!

2010-08-02T17:00:00.000-07:00

We love time spent with our Youth Director.

Friends…

There is nothing as beautiful as a trail ride in the Badlands.

Off to the showers!

Kitchen help!

A relaxing meal in the great outdoors… What a view!

We love our North Dakota Badlands!

A happy camper!

Our camp speaker—Pastor Shaffer

What a beautiful place in God’s creation to stop and listen for the still small voice of our Great God!

Baby Shower Fun & Blessings!

2010-06-11T06:03:00.000-07:00

What fun it was to spend an evening together in blessing our new young mother and her beautiful baby boy, Micah.

Three generations…

Memorable funny moments enjoyed by all!

Fun, food and fellowship with our sisters in Christ!

Congratulations To The Senior Class of 2010!

2010-06-02T20:50:00.000-07:00

Class Motto: Simply trusting every day,

Trusting through a stormy way.

Even when my faith is small,

While He leads I cannot fall.

Trusting Jesus, that is all.

Our Seven Seniors/Dwarfs!

Graduation moments to remember….

What a great evening it was with family and friends!

We’ll never forget you Class of 2010!

Memorial Day Memories!

2010-06-02T05:57:00.000-07:00

I love the thrill that I feel when I get together with God’s wonderful people!

Oh, the bounty!

What a thrill just to see all the happy faces….

God’s wonderful people make the best friends for a lifetime.

Friendships enjoyed by young and old…

A good friend to grow up with...

It was a wonderful day to remember those who sacrificed their tomorrows…so we could enjoy ours.

We are so blessed!

Our Resident Nurse Graduates As An RN

2010-05-25T05:55:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Rachel on the completion of your RN nursing degree.

Praise the Lord—You made it! We’re so proud of you!

Rachel and her happy mom.

Showering Cherith, Our bride-to-be with Blessings!

2010-05-21T07:34:00.000-07:00

Cherith’s family

Friends and bridesmaids. One was missing…we missed you Miranda!

Sharing a special moment with a dear friend and Personal Attendant.

A labor of love from Michele.

“I love you dear friend…”

Spring Fling Mr. & Miss NTBS

2010-05-12T19:53:00.000-07:00

Our 2010 Character Award Winners at this year’s Spring Fling were Alex and his sister, Carolyn. It was a special moment for these two siblings. Your testimonies spoke to our hearts. May you always love the Lord and strive to please Him as you do today.

Play day in South Africa…

2010-05-09T19:16:00.000-07:00

Here is a peek into the day of our missionary daughter, Alayna, and her two friends Leann and Karabo. They are pretending that they are going shopping. They donned mom’s shoes and rotated them a few times among themselves before they ran home barefoot! Happy times on the mission field!

Welcome Little One!

2010-05-01T18:08:00.000-07:00

Corey & Nichole are the happy parents of Micah James born Wednesday, April 14. Micah was 6 lbs 8 oz. and 19 inches long.

Welcome to our church family Micah! We love you all!

The Celebration Continues…..

2010-04-24T17:55:00.000-07:00

Friends who have come to help NTBC celebrate 30th years of ministry!

Brethren…we have met together to worship and praise our Great God!

What a wonderful week it has been!

Precious friends….

It was Trevyr and Nestles’ anniversary! Two reasons to celebrate!

Remembering Not To Take Things For Granted

2010-04-12T20:42:00.000-07:00

What a privilege it was to sing with our Pastor in church on Sunday!

Precious Moments with our Sisters in Christ!

2010-03-27T19:57:00.000-07:00

“…see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently.”
I Peter 1:22

God answered our prayer for our dear Jean! One year after her cancer diagnoses, she is happy and healthy!

Enjoying a moment on webcam, with our traveling Rachael!

Sisters in unity…

Sharing our love with young and old…

“Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:3

What a beautiful evening it was!

Science Fair

2010-03-02T11:43:00.000-08:00

The Christian School held their annual Science Fair on March 1. Miss LaVigne was once again the judge and she found the task quite daunting. There were many great looking projects.

In the 7th and 8th grade category, the 1st place winner was Silas B.

2nd place winner was Jaxom H. 3rd place went to Adam L.

In the 9th and 10th grade category, 1st place winner was Kathryn P.

2nd place winner was Xander H. 3rd place went to Aerica H.

Some of the students topped the evening off with some fun games of foose ball!

Awarding A Hard Worker

2010-02-06T16:48:00.000-08:00

Our own Rich Cox was honored on Friday night at the Grand Forks AFB Annual Awards Banquet. He received the Civilian Employee of the Year Award. Congratulations Bro. Cox! Your great work ethic and outstanding attitude was well rewarded.

Bro. Cox and Pastor Shaffer

What a blessing to share this special event with Christian friends!

We love you Rich & Virgie!

A Baby Shower for a New Baby Girl!

2010-02-01T18:58:00.000-08:00

Two doting Grandma’s, one beautiful mommy and one precious baby Kara!

Then there was the rest of us…..What craziness!!!

What a great time we had with our sisters in the Lord! It was a fun party!

We’re so glad you’re here Kara dear!

A Little Lady’s First Date with Daddy

2010-01-16T13:37:00.000-08:00

“Bye-bye Mommy!”

Ice cream at The Scoop!

“Oh Daddy---you are so much fun!”

Men and Their "Nothing Box"

2010-01-11T20:14:00.000-08:00

Psalms 133:1 - "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!"

Ringing in the New Year with Fun, Fellowship, Preaching & Prayer!

2010-01-02T18:23:00.000-08:00

A gift presentation to our dear principal from all the students.

Faces we love!

Enjoying Grandpa’s lap!

Conversations with Grandma are the best!

Just give me cake and I’ll be happy!!

Baby’s first New Years Eve Watch Night Service

(I think she slept through the whole thing!)

Two of the dearest, kindest and sweetest people on the planet!

We love you Lynn and Melissa!

The Newlywed/Oldie wed Game

Very entertaining indeed!

Getting in practice…

It was a great evening with God’s wonderful people!

Surprise Visit

2009-12-24T19:43:00.000-08:00

As the Wednesday night services began at New Testament Baptist Church, three people snuck into our dear Pastor's home.

Our whole church wanted to show just how much we appreciate the sacrifice that both Pastor and his wife give to our church on a daily basis.

Gifts and cards were left behind to just say a small "thank you".

While these tokens of our appreciation will never say thank you enough - we just want you, Pastor and Mrs. Shaffer, to know that we love you very much.

We love you and wish you a very Merry Christmas!

Who Needs Presents?

2009-12-24T19:33:00.000-08:00

Amongst all the carefully wrapped presents and the beauty that surrounds us in this Christmas season…there remains one simple reality.

Children will always have more fun WITH THE BOX!

Little people love Christmas parties too!

2009-12-19T20:00:00.000-08:00

Michele’s two year old Sunday School class had a giddy good time together!

A Precious Gift From God

2009-12-14T11:27:00.000-08:00

On December 13th, the Lord saw fit to drop a small bundle from Heaven into the hearts and hands of Ben and Aubrie.

Little Kara Hope, 7 lbs 14.7 ounces and 21” long, brought smiles to the faces of the grandparents too!

Congratulations to you all and Praise the Lord from Whom all blessings flow!

Memorable Cantata Time

2009-12-12T16:16:00.000-08:00

It’s Cantata preparation time and all the willing helpers are happily at work!

We’ve prepared, prayed and practiced. God must do the rest!

This year’s Cantata: “The Greatest Sacrifice~The Greatest Gift”

A Wedding Shower

2009-12-01T12:00:00.000-08:00

What a blessing…to be a blessing!

Sunday night we surprised the newlyweds with a wedding shower. What fun it was to overwhelm Jim and Susan with our NTBC hospitality!

May your lives and marriage bring glory to God as you grow in Him.

We love you both!

Special Thanksgiving Memories

2009-11-25T11:24:00.001-08:00

Coleman and Grandma making pilgrim hats for their Thanksgiving table.

What a blessing for a child to have a born again, God honoring Grandmother.

Precious Memories…

2009-11-12T12:07:00.000-08:00

Toddler bed...$199, Foot Pajamas...$20, Coleman and Vincent praying together at bedtime...Priceless!!!

Welcoming a new baby…

2009-11-04T13:37:00.000-08:00

Last Friday we enjoyed watching the delivery of our new grand piano for the church!

How do two men handle the delivery of such a heavy new addition?

Very carefully and with much precision!

And one piece at a time….

What a beauty she is!

Psalm 33:2 “Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings.”

Thank you Lord, for blessing us with this gift. May we use it to honor and glorify your Holy, Righteous name!