Missionary Update                February 2004 Newsletter

"He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,

He sendeth more strength when the labors increase;

To added affliction He addeth His mercy, To multiplied trials, He multiplies peace."

(song by Annie Flint & Hubert Mitchell)

Dear friends,

A lot has happened to us since we were last in touch!  In December, we attended Kim's brother's wedding in Seattle, Washington.  As soon as we arrived home we began packing boxes and started the process of moving into a larger home in Oak Creek.  Before we were even finished with the move, we had to make an emergency trip to San Angelo, Texas.  Tom's mother passed away on Jan. 17, and the whole family attended the funeral.  Even though it was emotional to do, Tom preached at her service and I played the piano.  It was a time of sadness but a time of joy knowing that Margret had become a Christian just a short time ago (Nov. 10, 2003).  We feel like God's grace has been working overtime in our lives lately!!!  We praise Him for the strength He has given to us to make it through these very busy days.

As far as the ministry goes . . . things are going well at South Routt Bible Church.  Tom has been preaching through the book of Romans and I have been trying to incorporate the history of our beloved hymns in each service.  Lately, we have seen some of the church members changing and taking some outward steps of growth:

- Two men have started meeting with Tom regularly to learn how to dig deep, study, and prepare a Bible lesson for Adult Sunday School. They have shared how this has really helped them in their personal walk with the Lord.

- One lady recently volunteered to teach a Sunday School class for three pre-teen girls that we have.  In the past, we have had only one class for all ages because we didn't have enough children to warrant splitting the classes.  Our church is growing and so is the number of kids!  This new class is a big answer to prayer.

- A new family started coming on Jan. 11. They have been faithful in attendance since they've started. They are both new Christians with a strong desire to grow. The husband is a Colorado State Trooper and his wife works in Steamboat Springs in the insurance field. They and their three young children have been a blessing to us in such a short time. '

Not only have we experienced God's grace in these past few months but we have experienced "acts of grace" from you (II Cor. 2:6).  We know that your giving to us is a response to the grace of God in your own lives.  Thank you!!

In Christ,

Tom & Kimberly Harves

Kayla, Konnor & Karissa

Current Prayer Requests of the Harves' and South Routt Bible Church:

1. For growth of our congregation both spiritually and numerically and growth of those Tom is discipling.

2. For "fruit" to come from our AWANA program and new Sunday School class.

3. For us personally as we continue to search for a piece of property to build a home on.  Currently we are renting an adequate house w/ a 1 year lease but the owner would like to sell it & the price is to high for us.

4. For Tom as he faces the impending need of finding another "plow" truck.  His is on its last leg. Tom has had to plow the church parking lot about 3x per week wI the amount of snow we've received these past 2 months (If you have any questions, know of someone with a truck or desire to make a donation you can give Tom or the mission a call.)