Charles Barnes: April 2016 Prayer Letter

Dear Praying Friends,

 “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them” (2 Cor. 4:4)

I am reminded that we preach a “glorious gospel of Christ” and it is a high privilege to echo that message in darkened areas of the world including the little corner of the world we serve on Mount Desert Island.  In the last few weeks I have talked to two men of different age classes, one younger, in his twenties, and one mature, in his sixties, who have both relayed “blinded” stories of salvation.  The younger man indicated his salvation was due to a dream he had of himself sitting in our church while it was still closed and the fact that now it is open again.  The older gentleman credits salvation because his mother served in this church many years ago along with several aunts serving as Sunday School teachers.  Of course, neither of these reflect the truth of what constitutes salvation according to the Bible.  Please pray for Jordan and Don that the “glorious gospel of Christ…should shine unto them”.

The “tourist season” will be here soon and with that there will be a steady increase of visitors to the island, most notably, to take in the scenery and enjoy the beauty of Acadia National Park.  We hope to be a witness to as many as possible of the 2.5 million sight-seers as they come in the next six months, but our ‘Maine’ emphasis is to reach the residents.  We have seen a number returning to services which is an encouragement.  Many islanders are descendants of early settlers from two hundred fifty years ago so it often takes a while for them to accept someone from “away” even if that “away” is still a part of Maine!

Thank you to all who pray for this ministry.

Planting for Christ,
Chuck Barnes, Sr., Barbie and Kimberly

Prayer Requests:

• Salvation for the men mentioned, but also for others who attend.
• The balance to be paid for the well – $1,000. Thank you once again for all who have contributed towards this!
• Vehicles and trailer repairs – estimated $950.