LeFevre Prayer Letter October 2018

"But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God,

and Jesus standing on the right hand of God," Acts 7:55

"At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun,

shining round about me and them which journeyed with me."  Acts 26:13

 

 

Our praying friends and family in the Lord,

 

I reckon Saul of Tarsus headed down the road toward Damascus, pondering the events of the previous few days.  The stoning of Stephen had unnerved him, particularly that look on Stephen's face.  What had Stephen seen that could cause such sublime tranquility while facing such satanic terror?  A few minutes later and the maddened crowd was literally gnashing him with their teeth, and he seemed not to notice.  Whatever he was looking at blinded him to everything occurring around him and to him.  What object was so captivating that a riot in progress couldn't distract him?  I reckon Saul thought to himself, "If I could only see what Stephen saw…" when, lo and behold, the object of Stephen's attentions stepped into view.  All at once, Saul understood: His brightness eclipsed the sun in its strength; His glory exceeded everything else in view; His voice drowned out all other sounds; His words melted Saul's heart.  What else could Saul do but happily surrender?  He asked for a name, and received in answer the name above every name: "I am Jesus."  What a change the "heavenly vision" made!  Old things were passed away, and everything was made new.  That same glorious spectacle is revealed to us today by the gospel.  No wonder Paul, formerly Saul, said, "Preach the word."  The preaching of the cross might be foolishness to some, but it's the revelation of the glory of God to all who believe.  Hallelujah.

 

Well howdy, one and all.  Let's jump into this prayer letter with a prayer request.  Please pray for Pastor Demir's health.  He's had several bouts of severe illness, and we're not sure whether the doctors are treating the symptoms or the cause.  We're not even sure if the doctors here know the cause.  Just pray.  Demir's faithfulness and desire are humbling.  The other day, at the close of our meeting, he excused himself and was sick outside.  That evening, I dropped him off at home and told him I'd see him again on Sunday.  Sunday rolled around and there he was, waiting for me outside his house.  On entering the vehicle, his wife informed me he had been sick and in bed since I'd dropped him off three days before.  He said he awoke that morning determined to go to church, and prayed for the Lord to strengthen him.  He said, "What else do I have?  This is my life; this is what I live to do."  Asiye, his wife, worries over him constantly.  She tells him, "We already lost Bro. Ralph this year; don't you even think about joining him!"

 

Our eleven churches are doing well.  One of the indicators of spiritual health is how the members treat the pastor.  Bro. Demir's churches love him.  At most meetings, someone always gives him something, be it dried goods, something from their canning, bread, or a dessert, anything to minister to his needs.  That does my heart good to see their care demonstrated.  They might not be able to give money, but they give what they can.

 

We're now in Gypsy summer, and the temperatures are back up after the first serious cold snap of fall.  Everyone is hurrying to get their wood cut and put up in preparation for the onset of winter.  Our little family is doing well.  We have made it through the first wave of seasonal sickness.  I can't say we're looking forward to the next wave.  Dixie Joy is attending pre-K here in the village, as well as doing A Beka at home.  She calls the school that she physically attends "real school" and the DVD school "fake school."  The boys only attend "fake school" but are prize pupils.  Carrick excels in language and writing, where Christian does exceedingly well in math.  It is amazing how much information their young minds absorb even when you don't think they are paying attention.  The other day, their Aunt Verity held a history party, with the theme being Bible characters.  Christian wanted to go as Moses.  We asked, "What do you know about Moses?  What would you say about him?"  He then recited Moses' life story in rich detail.  After the party, his cousin Levi told his mama, "Christian's story made us all look like wimps!"  That means the world to me: knowing my little boy is learning the scriptures.

 

Please keep us in your prayers.  Pray for our little children, for their physical and spiritual well-being.  Pray for Hannah and me, that we'd be parents pleasing to the Lord.  Pray for the work here.  We seldom tell of opposition or problems we face, but know that there are plenty.  Pray the Lord protects and keeps our hearts and minds.  Pray for the work:  We've got a ton, and we can't do it without the help and power of God.  Pray for the national pastors; the Lord knows the things they face on a daily basis.  Pray that we'd be strong in faith, not staggering at the promises of God; that our faith wouldn't be in word only, but in watching and waiting with joyful expectation.  And, if you think about it, pray for our vehicle and home fund.  I'm blessed to serve the resurrected Christ, who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all I can ask or think.  Not only is He able, but He wants to, as well.  He delights in illustrating His care for us all.  Bless His name. Believe for us when our faith wanes, and we'll do the same for you.  The good Lord bless you all out of His abundant riches in glory.

 

Because of a living Savior,

 

The William LeFevre Family

July Prayer Letter 2018

"And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf,

because he hath received him safe and sound."  Luke 15:27

 

 

Our praying friends and family in the Lord,

 

Greetings from Dabravino, Bulgaria!  It's been close to a month since we were received "safe and sound," and while we're not quite back in the swing of things, we're certainly closer.  Every return trip requires readjustments.  Returning to "life as usual" in Bulgaria is a relearning process.  The first night in country, trusting adrenaline to overcome travel delirium, I went into town grocery shopping.  Ambling through the store, filling my cart with what I deemed as necessities, I eventually made my way to check out.  Placing my items on the conveyor, the attendant began setting certain things aside, eventually accumulating quite a pile.  She then informed me her scanner wouldn't read these items and asked if I wanted to put them back or allow someone else.  Somewhere inside me, a voice said, "Welcome back!"

 

A week after our arrival, we headed north to Romania, to Casa Julia, for our Missionary Camp Meeting.  It was the first meeting we've had without Bro. Cheatwood.  Things were notably different, not bad, just different.  Things change.  We wish they could remain comfortably the same forever, but they can't, and won't.  Change isn't necessarily bad.  Change awakens us to what is missing, and what was, and forces us to forge onward.  No one felt more keenly the loss of Elijah than Elisha, and yet he didn't wish him back, but rather sought the God who made him the man he was.  We missed Bro. Ralph; every message reflected that, but we met to worship God.  While there was a definite loss felt, there was also an unmistakable presence.  I preached the first service on "The Empty Seat and the Missed Servant" from the twentieth chapter of first Samuel: David was gone, but he left a binding promise of perpetual kindness to Jonathan and his house; he exhibited a surpassing love; and he eventually enjoyed a glad reunion.  It is a comfort to know that when inevitable change comes, it brings to light things we've missed.  When temporary things pass, eternal things shine forth.  It was a good spirit-refreshing, soul-restoring meeting, and I bless the Lord for it.

 

A few days following our camp meeting, we were invited to a Sofra in the village of Zlatna Niva.  As you may recall from previous prayer letters, a Turkish Sofra is a meal of thanksgiving.  When the Lord has done something extra special in someone's life, to show gratitude, they hold a supper.  They bid all who can, come to the feast.  The supper is preceded by a service.  Hymns are sung, then the individual is given the opportunity to declare the reason for the Sofra.  In this case, national pastor Alish's oldest daughter, Emine, wanted to give thanks to God for a clean bill of health from the oncologist.  After her testimony, many others testified of God's great kindness and mercy in relieving their distresses.  Young Alish brought a message from Matthew on "Ask and ye shall receive," regarding our heavenly Father's love for His children.  A young woman, herself battling cancer and touched by the testimonies and preaching, begged for prayer.  We cheerfully obliged and are trusting God for her help.  The service over, like all good Baptists everywhere, we eat.  We dined on young goat, wild rice, cucumber-tomato salad, and fresh rustic bread, with a side of hot peppers.  We wish all our believers would be that thankful.

 

We held our first big meeting of the summer last weekend, our first Bulgarian meeting without Bro. Cheatwood.  We had planned for a modest crowd, around one hundred people, thinking most would be working.  When the count was made, we had over a hundred and fifty.  Pastor Demir called me that morning and informed me more people wanted to come than we had planned.  So, we changed our plans and made accommodation for them.  The service was excellent, with Bro. Zach preaching from the first chapter of John regarding the baptism of Jesus.  That afternoon, four souls who had professed Christ in their village church were baptized in the Kamchia River.  The Kamchia was flowing particularly swiftly that day, and after almost losing the last candidate and a few of the missionaries, no one else felt the urge to enter the baptismal waters.

 

For the foreseeable future, I'm helping national pastor Demir.  He's been ill for the last couple of years, suffering the after effects of a number of mini-strokes.  Due to his health, he hasn't been able to shepherd his meetings as he'd like.  Prior to his initial stroke, Demir was as faithful a pastor as we have, always in church.  Now he's uncertain what the day will hold or whether his strength will sustain him.  Still, he doesn't complain.  Rather, he says his change in health is the best thing that's happened to him in a long time.  In every meeting this last week, he's testified that it's better to have no strength and rely on the Lord than to know everything and be able to work but miss God's will.  He said for years he preached from the shallow pool of his own understanding.  Then he had his stroke.  He couldn't speak hardly, and he wasn't strong enough to walk unassisted. All he could do was lie in bed.  He returned to his Bible and prayed for strength.  He said the Lord opened His word to him, and everything was sweet, fresh, and new.  He's a different preacher now.  He said today, "Sometimes when I come back from meetings, I can't remember how I got there or how I got home.  But in the church, during meeting, I feel like a young man, like I could do anything, and all I want to do is preach!"

 

The meetings have been strong, though sparsely attended.  The other day in Venelin, four people came out.  Still, we had meeting as if there were a hundred in attendance.  We closed the meeting with an invitation for prayer.  While praying, a horse wandered in.  Demir, without missing a beat, said, "Lord, grant this horse whatever he came for!"  The woman of the house, embarrassed, hurried the horse out.  On the way home, the ladies who came with us were lamenting the size of the crowd, wondering aloud where everyone was.  Asiye, Demir's wife, said, "Tsk, tsk, tsk, only four people!"  "Six," Demir said emphatically, "the horse counts as two."

 

The Lord sure has been awfully good to us.  Before departing America, money came in to be put toward a future home, while still other money was designated for a vehicle.  We're a ways off from both, but closer than we were.  We thank everyone who gave, and bless the Lord who put it in your heart to help.  He's a good God, and our eyes are upon Him, trusting Him to do what's best.  We miss you all.  Pray for us.  We love you and look forward to hearing from you.  Believe for us when our faith wanes, and we'll do the same for you.  The good Lord bless you all out of His abundant riches in glory.

 

Because of a living Savior,

 

The William LeFevre Family

urgent

Unable to display full message

click here to reload message

blogger Timed out response: 3186 time:06/28/2018 11:12:58

LeFevre Family Prayer Letter June 2018

"And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them." 

Revelation 14:13

 

Our praying friends and family in the Lord,

 

It is with mingled joy and sadness that I write this update.  Sometime in the early morning hours of June 5, Senior Missionary, Bro. Ralph Cheatwood, received the call from Heaven to come home.  As most of you know, it was just a few months ago he called the in-county missionaries together and announced he had been diagnosed with stage four cancer.  Though uncomfortable, he was never in extreme pain, for which we are thankful.  Our Turkish Gypsies held a memorial service in Bulgaria, then another in Romania.  There was also a graveside service attended by the missionary families, national pastors, and other workers.  He was buried alongside his grandson, not far from the Children's Home in Constanta, Romania.

 

William Walford authored the famous hymn "Sweet Hour of Prayer."  His third verse in particular,

 

Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!

May I thy consolation share,

Till, from Mount Pisgah's lofty height,

I view my home and take my flight:

This robe of flesh I'll drop and rise

To seize the everlasting prize;

And shout, while passing through the air,

Farewell, farewell, sweet hour of prayer!

 

Bro. Ralph had been on the summit of "Mount Pisgah" for a few days.  Every day there, the clouds thinned a little bit more, shapes began to take form, as slowly the Promised Land came into focus.  His family sang to him daily while he lingered.  At some point, their songs blended with the singing from that other land until, finally, their song faded, and the chorus of the Redeemed was louder and clearer than those in the room.  At last, the summons came, the word was spoken, the Word had spoken.  Everything that bound him to this terrestrial ball, every weight that grounded him and held him fast, was at once loosed, and he soared to the Heavens.  So many of us that knew him felt his departure before we heard any news.  Maybe that was Bro. Ralph, missionary to the Turks, shouting, "Farewell, farewell!" as he passed above us.

 

We know that, with the passing of Bro. Cheatwood, much has and will change.  And yet, we have an abiding peace that Our God changes not.  His Spirit, His word, His way all remain the same.  I'm sure I speak for the other missionaries we work with, that, by the help of God, we'll continue in the path Bro. Ralph blazed: preaching, praying, singing, and rejoicing, endeavoring to lead those He's called us to, down the same path.  More than ever, please bind with us in praying for the work overseas.  It's the devil's business to sow discord and doubt.  He would have us fear that with Bro. Ralph gone, both spirit and support would dry up.  I ask you to help us pray and believe God, that He would show His power in saving more souls, calling more preachers, spreading the gospel farther, and meeting the needs of this work.

  

Speaking of farewells, the time is drawing closer for us to say ours.  Less than a month from now, we'll be on our way back to Bulgaria.  This part of the furlough is always bittersweet.  Our hearts break as we have to say goodbye.  Simultaneously, we're looking forward to returning, excited to see what God has in store for us.  I haven't made it a point to emphasize our needs this furlough, lest some slander us as "moochenaries."  I came to be a blessing, not to receive one; I came to brag on God, not beg.  The Lord will supply the things we need most, namely a vehicle and a home.  I only ask you to make it a matter of prayer.  Pray in faith, and then watch with us as God supplies.

 

July 9 will be here before you know it.  Pray for Mom.  She'll soon be 75.  She looks 60 and only occasionally acts her age.  Pray for her health and safety, her peace of mind and heart.  Also, pray for her aim.  I pity the poor soul who comes knocking after dark.  If you're a Mormon or Jehovah's Witness, steer well clear when the sun goes down.  And if you're a Democrat, steer well clear entirely.  In fact, it's advisable for anyone wishing to pay her a visit to call before you come.  Word of warning: If she reaches for her "Whitman's Sampler" box, make your apology and a hasty exit.  Pray for us.  We love you and look forward to hearing from you.  Believe for us when our faith wanes, and we'll do the same for you.  The good Lord bless you all out of His abundant riches in glory.

 

Because of a living Savior,

The William LeFevre Family

 

May 2018 William LeFevre Family Prayer Letter

   "Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh… were without Christ … having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ."  Ephesians 2:11-13

 

 

Our praying friends and family in the Lord,

 

Paul states in the above verses that as Gentiles, we were "aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise."  While those two facts might not seem a reason for dismay, we are reminded by Scripture that: "salvation is of the Jew"; that Jesus Christ was the "minister of the circumcision" to "confirm the promises made unto the fathers"; that Christ was "made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law."  He sent out His disciples with this charge, "Go not into the way of the Gentiles… But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel."  He said of Himself, "I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel."  John said, "he came unto his own," and Matthew stated, He came to save "his people from their sins." 

 

Now then, we see the terrible significance of being Gentile aliens and strangers: We were "without Christ."  We were left without a Savior or even the promise of a Savior.  We were wholly alone, resigned to live and die in our sins.  "Without Christ," we were "without hope, and without God."  "Without Christ," we were left as dead men walking, subjects of Satan, doomed to wander the course of this world with the children of disobedience, seeking fulfillment in the vanity of our flesh and minds, left to our own sinful lusts, under the awful condemnation of Heaven, awaiting the righteous judgment and wrath of Almighty God.

 

We were without Christ, without hope, without God!  But God in Heaven was not without love.  Israel, as a helpless newborn loathed by its mother, was cast in an open field, discarded as trash: navel uncut, lying in afterbirth, covered in blood, repellent to all who passed by.  But beholding him, God pitied him, and in love flew to his relief.  That great love that provoked God almighty to intervene on behalf of helpless Israel would not allow Him to forsake us in our hopeless estate.  He who is rich in mercy made a way on Calvary to welcome every Gentile into the family of God.  By the blood of Jesus Christ, we who were strangers and foreigners, outcasts and enemies, are now sufficient to sit at the same table with the saints.  Our sins having been atoned for by the same Lamb, we are now fellowcitizens of the same country, fellowheirs of the same inheritance, fellowoccupants of the same exalted state, and fellowpartakers of all the spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus.  We enjoy the same access to the Father and fellowship with His Son.  And we patiently wait for this same Jesus to return in the clouds and take us home.  In the meantime, we preach everywhere the same glorious gospel that opened the hearts of those first Gentile believers and trust the selfsame God to accomplish the same thing today.  Now we not only have Christ, but are in Christ, and, as such, we have the hope of glory, and by the Spirit of His Son in our hearts, we cry unto God our Father.

 

Does that excite you?  It certainly does me.  Wherever I am, whatever I need, through Jesus I can obtain help of God.  What else could anyone want?  Maybe a prayer letter every now and again.  It's been a good while since I've updated you on our furlough.  Here's my update: It's going well and is almost over.  My wife (who once more begs me to make up my mind whether I'm writing devotionals or updates), informed me a day or two ago that we'd been in forty meetings in the last forty days.  We've been in many meetings, some with great rejoicing, some that fed our hearts and stirred up our pure minds, but all good.  I've been encouraged in the last few meetings, as several people have mentioned reading these letters.  One preacher mentioned an object of prayer I thought no one but the Lord had noticed, and informed me he was earnestly praying for its fulfillment.  That means more to me than I can express.  I trust that, through your prayers, the good God of Heaven will grant all our petitions. 

 

A few weeks back, I was preaching about our God being a personal God, knowing our desires, and working on our behalf for His glory.  Well, I preached myself under conviction.  After the service I thought, I'm not allowing God to be my God.  I'm not consciously giving Him place to work in my life.  I found a quiet corner of the church, pulled out a pen and paper, and wrote out a "Honey-do" list.  I wrote out things I needed done in my heart, home, and in the work of God.  In short, I renewed our relationship and invited Him to renew me.  What do you expect followed?  If you guessed "health, wealth, and prosperity," you're probably reading the wrong missionary's letter.  Spiritual warfare took place.  I reckon the devil must have been looking over my shoulder, reading my list, and listening to my prayer.  We've been in good meetings since, don't get me wrong; they've been blessed meetings, but hard-fought meetings.  The work of God doesn't come without spiritual opposition and oppression.  Nevertheless, I believe God, that everything shall be well.  My beloved Savior knows our needs and will be pleased to supply them.  Furthermore, He knows us and will be glorified in us.  My Lord will work when all hell is raging, and spread a table for us, laden with the delectables of Heaven, in the very presence of our enemies, and they won't be able to do a single thing about it.  O what a Savior is mine!

 

I close as last time, with the verse etched on my dear old Dad's gravestone: "Sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me."   Pray for us.  We depart for Bulgaria July 9.  Keep us in mind as we reach the home stretch.  We love you and look forward to hearing from you.  Believe for us when our faith wanes, and we'll do the same for you.  The good Lord bless you all out of His abundant riches in glory.

 

 

 

Because of a living Savior,

 

 

The William LeFevre Family

 

Re: February 2018 Prayer Letter

Very nice! 

On Feb 15, 2018 9:20 PM, "William LeFevre" <wdlefevre09@gmail.com> wrote:

"...the house that is to be builded for the LORD must be exceeding magnifical,

of fame and of glory throughout all countries..." 1 Chronicles 22:5

Our praying friends and family in the Lord,

King David set out to build the House of the Lord. He envisioned that it ought to be the most magnificent building ever constructed, or ever to be constructed. He envisioned that for sheer scope and grandeur, it should have no equal; that its expense should be uncalculable; that its symmetry and detail, to the most minute degree, defy man's belief in its possibility; that its wonder and fame should be sounded the world over, and wanderers be drawn to it; and that its beauty should melt the hearts of all who behold it. To that end, he devoted all his energy, time, purse, and intellect. Solomon, expressing David's devotion, said, "The house which I build is great: for great is our God above all gods." This temple wasn't meant to be solely an unparalleled offering — a gift rendered to God for His great goodness and exceeding mercies — but a visible reflection of all that David beheld in His God. And all who beheld it couldn't help but note the warrior-king's consuming love.

There's a whole lot of preaching in those thoughts for those that would build the House of God, but I've another thought in mind. David prepared for, and Solomon built, the most magnificent building ever constructed, from the rarest and most costly of materials. Nothing but the absolute best would do, and nothing mean or meager would even be considered. Still, after its completion and dedication, as magnificent as it was, it reached its historical zenith and began a slow decline. It was eventually plundered and torn down by the Babylonians and rebuilt a generation later, a mere shadow of its former self. David had attempted what our God had desired, to create a place worthy of His presence. David's heart was perfect, and his intentions blessed by Heaven, but he was still flesh.

Several hundred years later, near the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, the Lord Jesus Christ uttered these words: "I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." The one for whom the temple had been erected had come in the flesh to do what man could not. Blessed be His name, Our Great Savior accomplished what David attempted! He has built for Himself, by Himself, a worthy habitation. The sheer scope and grandeur of His design, in its symmetry and intricacy, boggles the mind. Through faith in His name, dead sinners, made of cursed dust, by His exceeding love and grace, are made anew into lively stones, elect and precious. With them He has built a building whose price cannot be fathomed, for Heaven spared no expense in purchasing material. He has redeemed it by His blood, sanctified it by His word, empowered it with His Spirit, glorified it by His presence, and beautified it with His salvation. Moreover, He's given His word that Hell wouldn't prevail against it; because the Lamb "hath prevailed," His church will prevail. And glory to God I'm a part of it! There are those who would seek to replace it and site insufficiency; there are those who disdain it and site hypocrisy; there are those who ignore it and site irrelevancy; but I adore it and site Calvary! To unbelieving eyes, the church holds no attraction, yet she has the attention of Heaven: for our Lord "seeth not as a man seeth," rather our God sees in us the glory of His Son, and is satisfied.

Look here, I've been so excited contemplating this, I've gone and taken up this whole prayer letter! My wife, proofreading this, said it ought to be called a devotional rather than a prayer letter. Pray for her. Before I go any farther, I hope this letter finds you rejoicing in the New Year! It'll be happier still if you spend it with the Church, fellowshipping with Jesus. We passed the old year with the Church in several countries and on two continents. And wherever we've gone, we've found His grace sufficient. It is our hope to pass 2018 the same way, in church, praising God, and telling of His goodness; basking in the light of His love; and worshipping at His feet.

My daughter, Dixie Joy, and I closed out 2017 in sickness. I had pneumonia and she had the flu and strep. Thankfully, we're both mended and glad to be on the road again. Pray for us; while this month is almost entirely filled up, the rest of our schedule remains fairly open. We still have until the end of June on this furlough — plenty of time to visit. If you'd like us to stop by and update you on the work in Bulgaria, to testify, sing or preach, don't hesitate to let us know. We'd love to come and tell of the goodness of our Savior demonstrated toward our gypsy Turks. Also, feel free to pass our information along to any other pastors or churches, and especially to as many praying people as you know.

We've got some pretty big prayer requests (a vehicle, a house, added support), all certainly bigger than you and I are able to meet. Yet, thankfully, I have a big God, who gave an exceeding great and precious promise, and His word is faithful and true. And there's never been a saint yet who has taxed the Lord's purse strings with the size of their request. Moreover, it pleases Him to answer our prayers, and the greater and more impossible the request, the better He's pleased to meet it. In fact, He petitions us to petition Him, to try Him, and see what He's able to do. What a God! I bless His name for what He's going to do on our behalf. Rejoice with me by faith, trusting His promise, watching for its fulfillment.

Come, my soul, thy suit prepare:
Jesus loves to answer prayer;
He Himself has bid thee pray,
Therefore will not say thee nay.

Thou art coming to a King,
Large petitions with thee bring;
For His grace and power are such,
None can ever ask too much.

I close with the Apostle Paul and say, "Sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me." We love you and look forward to hearing from you. Believe for us when our faith wanes, and we'll do the same for you. The good Lord bless you all out of His abundant riches in glory.

Because of a living Savior,

The William LeFevre Family

February 2018 Prayer Letter

"...the house that is to be builded for the LORD must be exceeding magnifical,

of fame and of glory throughout all countries..." 1 Chronicles 22:5

Our praying friends and family in the Lord,

King David set out to build the House of the Lord. He envisioned that it ought to be the most magnificent building ever constructed, or ever to be constructed. He envisioned that for sheer scope and grandeur, it should have no equal; that its expense should be uncalculable; that its symmetry and detail, to the most minute degree, defy man's belief in its possibility; that its wonder and fame should be sounded the world over, and wanderers be drawn to it; and that its beauty should melt the hearts of all who behold it. To that end, he devoted all his energy, time, purse, and intellect. Solomon, expressing David's devotion, said, "The house which I build is great: for great is our God above all gods." This temple wasn't meant to be solely an unparalleled offering — a gift rendered to God for His great goodness and exceeding mercies — but a visible reflection of all that David beheld in His God. And all who beheld it couldn't help but note the warrior-king's consuming love.

There's a whole lot of preaching in those thoughts for those that would build the House of God, but I've another thought in mind. David prepared for, and Solomon built, the most magnificent building ever constructed, from the rarest and most costly of materials. Nothing but the absolute best would do, and nothing mean or meager would even be considered. Still, after its completion and dedication, as magnificent as it was, it reached its historical zenith and began a slow decline. It was eventually plundered and torn down by the Babylonians and rebuilt a generation later, a mere shadow of its former self. David had attempted what our God had desired, to create a place worthy of His presence. David's heart was perfect, and his intentions blessed by Heaven, but he was still flesh.

Several hundred years later, near the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, the Lord Jesus Christ uttered these words: "I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." The one for whom the temple had been erected had come in the flesh to do what man could not. Blessed be His name, Our Great Savior accomplished what David attempted! He has built for Himself, by Himself, a worthy habitation. The sheer scope and grandeur of His design, in its symmetry and intricacy, boggles the mind. Through faith in His name, dead sinners, made of cursed dust, by His exceeding love and grace, are made anew into lively stones, elect and precious. With them He has built a building whose price cannot be fathomed, for Heaven spared no expense in purchasing material. He has redeemed it by His blood, sanctified it by His word, empowered it with His Spirit, glorified it by His presence, and beautified it with His salvation. Moreover, He's given His word that Hell wouldn't prevail against it; because the Lamb "hath prevailed," His church will prevail. And glory to God I'm a part of it! There are those who would seek to replace it and site insufficiency; there are those who disdain it and site hypocrisy; there are those who ignore it and site irrelevancy; but I adore it and site Calvary! To unbelieving eyes, the church holds no attraction, yet she has the attention of Heaven: for our Lord "seeth not as a man seeth," rather our God sees in us the glory of His Son, and is satisfied.

Look here, I've been so excited contemplating this, I've gone and taken up this whole prayer letter! My wife, proofreading this, said it ought to be called a devotional rather than a prayer letter. Pray for her. Before I go any farther, I hope this letter finds you rejoicing in the New Year! It'll be happier still if you spend it with the Church, fellowshipping with Jesus. We passed the old year with the Church in several countries and on two continents. And wherever we've gone, we've found His grace sufficient. It is our hope to pass 2018 the same way, in church, praising God, and telling of His goodness; basking in the light of His love; and worshipping at His feet.

My daughter, Dixie Joy, and I closed out 2017 in sickness. I had pneumonia and she had the flu and strep. Thankfully, we're both mended and glad to be on the road again. Pray for us; while this month is almost entirely filled up, the rest of our schedule remains fairly open. We still have until the end of June on this furlough — plenty of time to visit. If you'd like us to stop by and update you on the work in Bulgaria, to testify, sing or preach, don't hesitate to let us know. We'd love to come and tell of the goodness of our Savior demonstrated toward our gypsy Turks. Also, feel free to pass our information along to any other pastors or churches, and especially to as many praying people as you know.

We've got some pretty big prayer requests (a vehicle, a house, added support), all certainly bigger than you and I are able to meet. Yet, thankfully, I have a big God, who gave an exceeding great and precious promise, and His word is faithful and true. And there's never been a saint yet who has taxed the Lord's purse strings with the size of their request. Moreover, it pleases Him to answer our prayers, and the greater and more impossible the request, the better He's pleased to meet it. In fact, He petitions us to petition Him, to try Him, and see what He's able to do. What a God! I bless His name for what He's going to do on our behalf. Rejoice with me by faith, trusting His promise, watching for its fulfillment.

Come, my soul, thy suit prepare:
Jesus loves to answer prayer;
He Himself has bid thee pray,
Therefore will not say thee nay.

Thou art coming to a King,
Large petitions with thee bring;
For His grace and power are such,
None can ever ask too much.

I close with the Apostle Paul and say, "Sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me." We love you and look forward to hearing from you. Believe for us when our faith wanes, and we'll do the same for you. The good Lord bless you all out of His abundant riches in glory.

Because of a living Savior,

The William LeFevre Family