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RENDEZVOUS

Ministries of "presence" take on unique flavors here in the Rocky Mountain West, depending upon talents, interests, and whatever is at hand. Jim and Diane Moore, pastoring the Condon Community Church, have two donkeys; Bill Wohlers, pastoring in Deer Lodge, spends time behind high fences.

Donkey trails to concertina tales

Diane Moore, Condon

We participated in the annual Mule Days parade in Drummond. Also, our church had a booth handing out flyers of outreach events, water, and cookies; and we participated in the parade at Condon’s Fourth of July celebration.

That weekend the church offered a Gospel Hoedown and a community barbeque. At VBS, I covered crafts, donkey rides, and helped with the music. The next week both Jim and I taught at Camp Utmost, and Jim added riflery to his Bible teaching.

Last fall ended a six-year ministry of the church—the Swan Valley Youth Academy closed! During our steady involvement, many young men heard the gospel and many responded. The last few weeks all the remaining boys came to the chapel service and gave their lives to Christ. Jim always came home encouraged and amazed at the lives that were changed. One of the last young men was baptized at the church just before he left, and he still keeps in touch with Jim.

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Bill Wohlers, Deer Lodge

We who live in Montana know that summer is a very special time to enjoy God’s beautiful creation. My wife Marilyn and I like to spend our leisure hours in the great outdoors.

In addition to serving as pastor of Christ Fellowship Church here in Deer Lodge, I serve as chaplain for two correctional facilities in our valley. My duties include leading weekly Bible studies, conducting chapel services, and counseling. I am in my 26th year as an institutional chaplain. It’s during the summer months that I have my biggest challenge. The people to whom I minister do not have the freedom to go out camping and do the many outdoor activities that we enjoy. I remind these folks of the importance of spiritual freedom versus physical freedom. When a person repents of their sins and invites Jesus into their life, they become free on the inside. Please pray for me and those to whom I minister.

The rest of the story: Bill’s church, Christ Fellowship Church, regularly hosts a community-sponsored "Breakfast of Champions" for Powell County High School athletes. These well-attended events start off these young athletes on their big game days. Volunteers have been providing this hot meal and inspirational messages for four years! Cheers to you folks!