Greater Portland Baptist Church

Jesse and Tiffany Shanks: September 2006

There have been many times while on deputation that we have found it either necessary or beneficial to drive long into the wee hours of the morning in order to reach our next destination. During these times, Joshua simply falls asleep in the van, then wakes up the next morning completely unaware of where he is or how he got there. On a recent trip from Vancouver, BC to California, this was the case. We pulled into a missions apartment at a church in southern Oregon at 4:30 in the morning, then woke up around eight o'clock to get back on the road. While we were getting ready, Joshua had just woke up and was examining his new surroundings. Being a typically inquisitive three year old, he asked where we were, why we were there, how we got there, and an assortment of other typically inquisitive three year old questions. Tiffany explained the whole situation, including the fact that we were staying at a church that has a room like a bedroom where missionaries can stay. After a few minutes of checking out all the decorations, paintings, wallpaper, etc., Joshua said with a very serious face, "This place has a bench, birdeees, sheeeep...Mom, we need to get a church like this!" It is times like that when I wish he would never grow up!

Although there were many miles of travel this month, it was such a joy for us to be in each church and God blessed in so many ways. In four different churches, each of them committed to begin supporting our ministry before we even left the church. Typically we do not find out if a church will support us until several months after we are there, so this was a huge blessing!

At one church in California, I was able to preach to the 5th-12th grade classes in their morning chapel. I emphasized to them the importance of absolute surrender to God. I told them how I never thought that God could use me for anything, but when I surrendered entirely to Him, He proved that He could. At least six young people responded by raising their hands indicating that they too wanted to make that decision to surrender to God and His plan for their lives.

God has also blessed in bringing in new support. Several new churches have begun sending support, and many churches we have been to in the past months have committed future support. Please just pray that this promised support begins coming soon. Currently, we have 55% of the support we need, and another 15% to 20% that is promised to us.

Please pray also for Togo's new president. He is making a lot of positive changes in the country, but there is no indication that he is a Christian. Please pray for his salvation and that God would lead him as he leads the country.