MONTREAL CHRONICLE FALL ISSUE 2012

Steven and Esther Roach

                      SINCERE THANKS!

Thank you all so much for your continual prayers for the work here in this needy Province of Quebec. We thank you for everything you have invested into our family and our ministry. Without you, we cannot begin to imagine where we would be today. Sister Larsen told us one time after reading the Montreal Chronicle “It’s good to hear all of the wonderful reports, but you must learn to tell the whole story – good and bad. She said, I’ve lived in Quebec long enough to know that none of these good things happen without struggle, or without a battle.” At the time, I smiled gently, and tucked her words in my heart. It is easier not to tell the “need” side of the story, but today we’re going to try. We ask that you take this letter with you to your place of prayer, and share our vision and burden along with us.

VICTORY HARVEST CHURCH 

Signing final documents with our Notary

We thank God for all He is doing and for His great plan for the Town of Brownsburg-Chatham. This year opened up with one miracle after another for our Church family. Late in 2011, God opened some great doors for us to be able to purchase the church building we had been renting. It is a great building, and was built very sturdy. On the advice of several of our Ministerial Advisors along with the favor of the church people, we started the purchasing process, but realized that the roof needed to be re-shingled and it had to be done before the winter snow arrived. The shingles were blowing off.  God laid it on the hearts of a wonderful roofing company from the Church in Hull (Le Chemin) to do the work at no cost to us. God provided every penny for the materials as well! At the same time, the monies came in for the down payment on the building, and the paperwork was finished for the transaction early in the year. After the final signatures, we paid the insurance, notary, and other small start-up costs. The people of the Church could see that God was working! Praise His Wonderful Name!

New awning construction

The next pressing repair that the building needed was the awning over the front steps. It was very deteriorated. A couple of months ago, we tore it off because we were concerned that it may fall on someone. A couple of weeks ago, my husband began to build the new awning. With very little finances to work with, we wondered how it would all take place. Thankfully, he is very good at building things, so he was able to build the trusses in the basement of the Church himself. One day while, working alone, he slipped off the ladder. Miraculously, he landed on his feet! He was a little shaken up, so he went into the Church to gain his composure. He began to cry out – “God, isn’t there someone who can help me?’’ Inside of 2 minutes, he heard a voice at the top of the stairs say “hello, is there anybody here?” He went up and found a young man who often sits on the steps of the Church reading his Bible, but doesn’t really go to Church anywhere. He worked with him for the rest of the afternoon, and my husband was able to talk to him about The Lord. Another day, a man from our Church (David Morin) was able to help him get the rafters up and in place. 

Now the concern was to get the plywood and shingles on before the rafters had to sit out in the weather too long. We didn’t have the money for it, but my husband kept going forward making all of the preparations he could. We knew that we had some shingles left over from the main roofing project last Fall, and had stored them in a room in the basement. Last Wednesday, as he went into the room, he stood with his mouth open because there in front of him stood all of the 5/8^ths plywood he needed for the awning roof! He had forgotten that it was there! God is faithful! Then on Friday, some young people arrived at the Campground for an overnight visit. Len and Michelle were there with them. It occurred to me that two of these young men were roofers, and one of them had worked on the main roof of the building last fall. We asked them if they could help with the awning. They were happy to help, and by noon on Saturday, it was totally covered and properly sealed against the brick wall! We are rejoicing and thankful for the goodness of The Lord! My husband can do the finishing touches around the edges, and the underside of it. Once again, we have seen “Jehovah-Jireh” in action. He truly does provide!

In April, we started having a monthly “Hymnspiration” where people from the neighbouring Churches could come and sing, play instruments, and worship together. The first one was on Easter Sunday, and we had no idea how many may show up. The Church was full! It was a wonderful evening of Praise and Worship. Again in May, it landed on Mother’s Day, and we wondered how many would come. It was a full House again. Each month has been the same, and the community and surrounding Churches are looking forward to it!

WATER BAPTISM

In July, there were five people baptised! It was an exciting time for all of us at VHC!

In August we had a child Dedication Service for Ethan Porier.

Street Invaders 2012 in Brownsburg

Street Invaders were with us for ten days in August. There were fourteen of them and they really worked hard. They spent so much time walking the streets, praying, talking to people and doing drama and skits, but one evening as they did a recap of their day, there was a feeling of wanting to do more.

One person suggested that they make a sign and carry it on the streets of Brownsburg and Lachute.  The sign said “Free Prayer”. They got some mixed reactions. Some people made fun of them, but some others actually asked them to pray for them. They came home very excited. The week ended with our annual BBQ in the parking lot of the Church. The young people were so happy because some people came that they had invited! We are endeavoring to keep in touch with these new ones.

Over the next few months, we are expecting great things from God at Victory Harvest Church! There is an excitement in the air. At the same time, we are fighting the good fight of faith. Please keep us in your prayers!

VICTORY BIBLE CAMP

God moved in on our Winter Retreats in January and February this year. Dan Bennett spoke at the first one, and Len Vanderwier spoke at the second one. They both did an amazing job! The anointing of the Holy Ghost was strong, and the Youth were moved, changed and renewed in their walk with Jesus.

In March we had a Children’s Retreat where a couple of Young People spoke to the kids. It was great! The retreat ended by everyone going to a “Sugar Shack” and enjoying some taffy on the snow.

We had our second annual “Purity Retreat” in May. A large number of teens came to this intensive training session to draw closer to Jesus, to learn about The Father’s Heart for them, and to be better equipped against the onslaught of the enemy against their right standing with The Lord. It was an amazing weekend!

Our Summer Camps for the Children and Teens were both exceptional in every way this year! The staff worked so hard, and the presence of the Lord was strong! Len (our Son-in-Law) spoke at the Children’s Camp and Jonathan Garlock Jr. was the Teen Camp speaker.

Our hearts rejoiced as they each motivated the campers to seek after God like never before. We feel so blessed! God is doing great things!

OUR FAMILY

This year God has blessed us yet again with another Grandchild. Estelle and Mark welcomed little Abel Steven on April 27, 2012. This makes 3 sons and 1 daughter for them. Michelle and Len have 2 boys. There are now 12 of us when we get together! It doesn’t seem possible that the 2 oldest ones, Murielle and Titus turn 7 this year! Sammy will soon be 5, Hunter is 3, Elias is 2, and Abel is 4 months old. We are so thankful that we are all healthy and enjoying each other. God has been good to us all. In May, we celebrated our 33^rd anniversary. It’s hard to believe time goes so fast!

 OUR MINISTRY

We would like to appeal to all prayer warriors, intercessors, and those who know how to pray the effectual fervent prayer.... We believe the Province of Quebec is ready for a great outpouring of the Holy Ghost and fire – and the enemy is feeling this as well. He’s not happy, to say the least! We are in the midst of a spiritual battle! We came to this Province with prayer back-up from many people – please don’t forget to pray for us. We cannot do it alone. Sometimes we get very weary and feel the need to reinforce that prayer covering. Now is one of those times!

The Roaches with Julia and Brandon

It seems like we get busier with each passing year, and we find ourselves praying more fervently that The Lord of the Harvest would send forth laborers into His fields. We ask you to seriously remember this request in prayer with us. It is not an easy field to work in, and we cannot call the laborers, but God knows who to call to this Province. Recently, a young couple (Julia and Brandon) have been driving from Ottawa on weekends to help us with music, and whatever else we need help with. As soon as they finish their University terms, they plan to move here to help us. We are so thankful for that! We desperately need a children’s program in the Church, and the Camp can always use workers – everything from music, teaching, counsellors, to the endless list of maintenance projects.

God is now moving on our hearts to expand the vision yet again at VBC! We have been having Camps and Retreats for years now and many of  these Young  People are becoming young adults who need further training. There are a lot of details to be worked out, but we are planning by the leading of The Lord, to have a Discipleship Program to offer 18 – 27 year olds where we can train them to seek after the Will of God for their lives, and be able to carry it out victoriously! Please keep us in your prayers!

OUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT

We have lived totally by faith over the last 17 years, and have had one miracle after another, especially concerning our finances. However, this area of our lives keeps us diligently on our knees. Our new Church plant is not financially self-sufficient at this point. We still depend greatly on outside support. Would you prayerfully consider planting a financial seed into this whitened harvest field? Thank you in advance for this blessing to our ministry! Here’s how…

You can make your cheque payable to:  Victory Harvest Ministries
And send to: Pastor Steve and Esther Roach,  821 chemin de la Carriere, Brownsburg-Chatham, QC   J8G 1K7    We love you all and would like to visit each and every one of you. It will be neat to sit down on the shores of Heaven and talk about all of the times God brought victory to us!!    Praise His Name!

In the Field for The King,

Pastor Steve & Esther Roach