Troy Manning

This is my first winter back in the cold North after being away for basically 17 years, and I would say that I have been given a cold welcome back.  Grand Rapids has been particularly “welcoming” because of the lake-effect snow.  I hardly ever get into my car without having to clean the snow off at least once a day and sometimes multiple times in one day.  I’ve been a little frustrated at the fact that I see rust spots already developing on my Camry.  I’ve since found a place where I can spray the salt off once or twice a week. Traveling has also been quite interesting.  Thankfully, I haven’t been late to my linguistics classes yet, at least, not because of weather.  Two weekends ago I traveled to Bible Baptist Church in Wakarusa, IN.  Thankfully, I had no problem getting there on Saturday night, but it was quite interesting on Sunday.  The temperature was near zero (below zero with the wind chill), and the wind was gusting up to 40 mph.  As I drove to church, there were times when I couldn’t see anything in front of me.  I slid through one or two intersections when I should have been stopping at the stop sign.  I was very thankful when I finally arrived at church.  This past weekend was also very interesting.  I presented my ministry at Maranatha Baptist Church in Clarkston, MI.  The cold temperatures through Saturday night left very icy conditions the next morning.  The church is at the end of a gravel road, and gravel roads don’t do too well with icy conditions.  It took me two tries before I was able to get up the small hill, and the whole time my car was swerving back and forth. 

But in spite of the difficult weather conditions, I had two very good meetings.  In Wakarusa, I taught a combined SS, gave a short word in the AM service, and then presented my ministry in the PM service.  I greatly enjoyed the time with Pastor Harper and his people.  I loved getting to know Ed Myer’s parents, since I stayed Sat night with them. (I drove to Lansing Sun night and stayed there to be ready for school the next day.)  I’m thankful for how the Lord answered prayers in helping me to preach the Word and present my ministry clearly. 

I also had a great time in Clarkston with Pastor Glenn Currie and his people.  Because of the weather, they combined the SS classes, so I taught a packed room of adults.  We had a great time in the Word.  The Lord greatly blessed my preaching in the AM service.  Then I gave a short devotional at the missions committee’s potluck.  I had a great time of fellowship with these dedicated believers.  I could definitely sense the Lord’s enabling presence as I preached.  It was one of those days that is hard to replicate.  Praise God for His grace! 

Next Sunday I’ll be preaching at my own church in Grand Rapids, since the pastor and his wife will be in Israel.  I’m looking forward to ministering the Word twice to “my own people.”  Please pray for God’s direction as I prepare and for His enabling as I preach.  Thank you for your prayers!