On....Paying Attention to the CHEVRONS

This is the Word the Lord showed me this morning while in prayer. Being a very visual person, the Lord showed me a “CHEVRON”.  

He clearly said to me, “STEVE, PAY ATTENTION TO THE CHEVRONS!” Since "chevron" is a word that I did not fully understand, I went to the dictionary for it’s definition.

chev-ron /SHevran/    Noun

Chevrons

1. A line or stripe in the shape of a V or an inverted V, often seen on the sleeve of a uniform indicating rank or length of service.
2. An ordinary line in the shape of a broad inverted V-shape
3. A directional symbol directing traffic in a particular direction usually for safety reasons.

Immediately, I understood that the Lord would have Esther and I pay close attention to the road ahead and that there would be clear markings (chevrons) along the way to direct us, especially over the next few months. I saw in my spirit that in the beginning it seemed that the chevrons were directing us to the left and to the right around obstacles like an obstacle course but the further we went the straighter the road became until the chevrons became a straight line pointing us straight ahead.

The definition also indicates an official ranking insignia worn on the sleeve of an officer. The Lord then reminded me of a Word that was given to us back in 1996 that God would place “KEY” people in our lives that would help us and support us in this great work in Quebec. It would be people with authority and wisdom who are sensitive to the voice of the Lord.

There are some amazing things developing as I write.

Then the Lord directed me to two verses of scripture:

Isaiah 42:16 And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.

Deuteronomy 5:32 Ye shall observe to do therefore as the LORD your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.  

In other words we must follow the direction of the Lord and stay on track with Him, paying attention to the chevrons.

Thank you for praying for Esther and I!

On....Re-Aligning for a NEW Season

So Esther and I are sitting here drinking our coffee and bouncing things off of each other that we have heard over the past two weeks. It has been an amazing two weeks!!

In the past two weeks we have been to two Ministers/Missions/Apostolic Conferences plus conducted our very first Young Adults Retreat at the campground. We attended the Missions Conference in Benton, New Brunswick and on Wednesday night God worked me over in a big way!! Then, this past week, we were at the Apostolic Conference in Gatineau, Quebec. Our hearts are full as we review what God is speaking to us regarding a "new season" we are entering. There is a major shift coming to our ministry. We have been in Quebec for 18 years and we have witnessed significant miracles that have boosted our faith in this journey. We are now positioning ourselves for the next 20 year stretch. Little by little the pieces of the puzzle are coming into focus and one by one we are placing them where they belong. We have been speaking with Godly leaders whom we trust for guidance and input and council concerning each and every step we are taking.

In a telephone conversation this morning, two more pieces of the puzzle have come into view and now we want the direction of the Lord to place them exactly where they belong.

At the Young Adults Retreat, our daughter, Estelle was speaking and shared an interesting illustration that spoke to my heart. She has a high-end digital camera for her photography business and she showed us her favorite lens that she absolutely loves. It has the capability to focus on an object, such as a persons face, and blur out everything else that is around it. So the end result is a finely, focused picture of the object with everything else in the background blurred so that it doesn't matter what is in the background...it's just a blur! Her thought was that we need to focus on what really matters and let everything else such as struggles and distractions that don't matter be blurred out! I have shared that illustration several times at our church since then. This morning I received an email with this photo that jumped out at me reminding me again of her words!!

Simple...yet still a confirmation!!

Yesterday morning I shared a message from my heart with our people entitled "Transitioning" and I encouraged the people to come along side of God's plan for our future together. As I gave invitation for those who needed prayer, those who desire to align themselves with God's plan, I was so blessed as a line of people coming for prayer filled the center aisle. As Bro. David Lyons, my wife and myself began to pray and speak into the lives of each individual, God gave specific Words to each of them. It was powerful!

When I awoke this morning I checked my emails and in my Inbox was an email of a prophetic word that was given recently. I immediately felt a check in my spirit that this Word is for us! 

Here are some excerpts from that Word:
"I Am Re-Ordering Your Path So You Can Finish the Race! Do not confuse the enemy's resistance with My assistance! The trauma that you have been in has caused you to stop short. Today is a day to take one simple step towards that line and you will see Me do the rest. Where the enemy has exploded with resistance I will explode with assistance, and through the equipping of My Name you will cross and the victor's cup will be waiting. So arise and shake off the confusion, arise and shake off the doubt, 'cause faith will allow you to take the step that will cause the Heavens to shift in a new way. A New Move. This is a day that I'm causing the movement to shift. I have a new movement that has entered the earth. The sound that is creating this movement is joining the present sound of My troop that is moving in the Earth. Judah (worship and apostolic leadership in My present congregations) will begin to move as I am moving. If not, the enemy will establish himself to lessen the authority of My Kingdom people in the Earth. My new move will not prevent but enhance and open the giving! Stand still and watch as the giving for your next season comes into place. My new move is opening up the way for this giving to be released for Kingdom missions. Release of supply will cause giving to come into place. Judah will come to a higher place in Me, and the enemy will be defeated. It's almost like you got to the end and God is now shifting you into the beginning in a way you've not been shifted before. And you will rerun and cross over in a way that you couldn't have crossed over in the last season. I must narrow your way and refocus that which you need to be focused in. I saw the Lord taking all the distractions and re-ordering it. The Lord said it would take a 40-day process to have it all reordered, but I would be able to get re-ordered so I could see the next end of what He was beginning. The Lord said, I am beginning something that will cause you to be established in a new way, and I'm beginning something that will help My people break forth by leaps and bounds. But I must narrow your focus so that what is now beginning you will be able to see the end clearly. For I reveal the end from the beginning. This is a time that I am activating the seer anointing in a whole new way. I'm going to cause you to see what you could not see in days past. For you have even had awareness of the activity of the enemy, but I am opening your eyes and activating the seer anointing so that you can see that there are more that are for you than there are that are against you. This is a new time, and you're going to see, even though there's been an awareness of the enemy. In this hour there will be such a new strength that will come to My people because this seer anointing will see the angelic activity and will see the presence of the Lord in a new way. So, watch Me as I open your eyes in a new way and cause you to see what you could not see in days past."

To all those who are praying for Esther and I, we encourage you to pray that God will continue to open our eyes to see God's full plan for us and this work. Please pray that God will continue to connect us with "KEY" people and if you have any encouraging words for us, we will gladly accept them!

We will keep you posted as to what God is doing as He unfolds things to us. We have an important announcement to share with you all shortly!!

Blessing to you all!!

Steve and Esther Roach

pastorsteveroach@gmail.com

On....INTOLERANCE

As a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, I sign a declaration each year stating that I will not “contend” with my personal views of the scripture to the “disunity of the Body”. What this means is that we all may have our ideas and opinions of what the Bible teaches, but for the sake of the whole Body of Christ (the Church) we will not argue or be contentious because of our personal views of the scripture.  When this type of contentious spirit prevails it destroys the whole body and nobody succeeds! 

One of Jesus’ final prayers was, “That they all may be ONE.” Jesus loved to see people walking together in UNITY. That should be our prayer today! Sadly, the church has been so dissected throughout the years over insignificant, petty, doctrinal beliefs that much of the world looks at us and says, “Why would I want to join the church....look how they cannot get along with one another.”

The spirit of Intolerance is a spirit that we must pray against daily! People’s lives have been uprooted and destroyed because of this demon force that is still rampant today. What we need today is a deluge of the Love of God that brings UNITY!

I remember the day my Uncle Harold Fulton shared a story with me that expresses this thought. He served as a Pastor for many years in Presque Isle, Maine and was full of many incredible life experiences. He also dabbled with mechanics, fixing cars, rebuilding engines, flying airplanes, etc.

He told me that many years ago, when the first gasoline engine cars came around that they were all “rear wheel drive” which meant there was a drive shaft that extended the length of the car from the transmission to the rear differential. The engine and transmission would turn the drive shaft which in turn would cause the rear wheels to turn, thus pushing the car forward. He explained to me that the drive shaft needed a center support because of its long length. Through wear and tear, that center support bearing could become worn out and would need to be replaced or rebuilt. He said you could tell when it was worn out because the drive shaft would knock and rattle as the car would move down the road.  The sound meant that there was too much play (too loose) between the shaft and the support bearing. If the bearing was not replaced, the loose slapping of the drive shaft would literally destroy the underneath of the vehicle and sometimes the drive shaft would simply fall onto the ground leaving the car inoperable.

The solution was to replace or rebuild the support bearing before it got to that stage. So, the mechanic would rebuild the bearing to precisely the exact dimensions to within a few thousandths of an inch. The thousandths of an inch clearance was called the “TOLERANCE”.  Sometimes the “tolerance” would be too tight and he said you would often see mechanics towing a vehicle down the road dragging the back wheels of the car until the support bearing would release its grip enough to allow the shaft to turn freely. Sometimes it was just too tight and it would NOT release and it would break other parts such as the internal workings of the transmission or the rear differential. 

So, if the tolerance was too loose everything would fly apart and if the tolerance was too tight everything would break apart. Either way it would make the car inoperable!!

He likened this to the “tolerance” level in the church. If there is no tolerance, everything breaks and grinds to a halt, and on the other hand, if the tolerance is “too loose” and there are no guidelines to govern us, everything will fly apart! Either way, the church suffers and will grind to a halt!

Much confusion and destruction within the church could be avoided if we would do some general maintenance and get our “tolerance levels” in order. Sometimes all we need is a little squirt of oil (Holy Spirit)! Maybe even a rebuild wouldn’t hurt!

There is a middle ground where the “tolerance” is “just right” and everything works in perfect harmony.

There are two important scriptures that are on my heart today. The first one is, “Endeavouring to keep the UNITY of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:3 (KJV) and the other is, “Above all, clothe yourselves with LOVE, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.” Colossians 3:14 (NLT)

God help the church to get the proper tolerance levels so we don’t grind to a stop or so we don’t fly all apart! Remember, the world is watching!!  SRR

On.....Burning Cars!

1967 VW VAN INTERIOR

In 1975 when was only 16 years old and had just gotten my license to drive, my dad bought me a beautiful, white, 1967 Volkswagen Van. It had a camper style interior with a foldout bed, small sink, small refrigerator, etc. 
It was one sweet buggy! I had it all equipped with my Hallicrafter SR46 CB Radio and a 12 foot whip antenna attached to the rear bumper. 

HALLICRAFTER SR46

In those days, you didn't have a "real" car unless you had a CB Radio with a "whip" and an 8 Track Stereo under the dash. I loved that van! Also, in one of the cabinets I had over 300 "CB Radio Calling Cards" that I had collected. 

8 TRACK PLAYER

I only had the van for a few weeks when I had taken a ride out to Juvenile Settlement. On my way back to Hoyt I could smell a strong gasoline smell. So I stopped the van and went to the back and lifted the engine door. I could see gas on one of the gas lines. It appeared that it had been taped up with black electrical tape to stop a leak. I drove on home and forgot about the gas leak. 

That evening, dad said, "Steve, tomorrow I want you to clean up all the garbage in the garage and take it all to the dump down in Wirral." which was only about 6 miles away. I said I would do it. The next morning I loaded the garbage into the van and headed out to the dump. About halfway there on a long flat, straight, stretch, I glanced in my side mirror and saw what appeared to be flames shooting out of the side air louvers. I hit the brakes, jumped out and started to run toward the back of the van. When I saw the orange flames shooting out from under the van, something told me to run the other direction! So I did! I ran about 20 to 30 feet from the van and there was this huge explosion!! It was the gas tank!! I stood there in shock as my van erupted into an inferno!! 

THE DAY THE VW BURNT

There were no houses in sight, so I continued to run. I knew I had to call dad. I'm not sure how far I ran, but finally I came upon a house and went to the door and asked if I could use their telephone. I called dad and told him what had happened. His first frantic question was, "Are you out of the van?" The question still puzzles me to this day since we didn't have cell phones. HA! Dad said he was on his way. 

When I got back to the van, the fire had pretty much died out leaving nothing but a burnt shell. The fire was so hot that the rear wheels were completely gone. Under the van the aluminium engine was just a melted puddle with four metal pistons lying in the middle of it. My CB was totally gone as was my 8 track player and the entire interior. Only the steel wire and springs of the seats were  still intact. All of the windows were gone! I think they blew out when the van exploded. I was still in disbelief! 

TOWING THE VW AWAY

I can still take you to exact place where it happened. For many months afterward there was a huge black spot on the road reminding me of that dreadful day!! I'm glad I got out of the van when I did!

PS: If dad hadn't made this 16 year old do all that hard labor of taking the garbage to the dump, none of this would have happened!....just sayin'!   HAAAA!

On....My Son Jason

Me and my son!

Well, my oldest son's birthday is today! He turns 37! Some may not know him as our son, however, my educated understanding is that when you spend time raising a child you cannot deny that they are your own. Besides if you look closely you can see that he looks a lot like some of my other relatives! I guess the reason we mostly raised him is because my mom was incapacitated trying to raise my two sisters, Jody and Rene. They were a mighty handful in those days!(and still are) Those who remember will recall mom's name in the weekly church bulletin: "Please pray for Jude". I guess the girls were just the cross she had to bear.

The following are some reasons that I know Jason is our son.

1. Only parents rush their own children to hospitals.
I recall the day Esther and I rushed Jason to the Oromocto hospital after a successful rendezvous with a neighbor kid playing David and Goliath with real stones. Once we got him there, I had to assist the doctor while he stitched Jason's head....well....kinda somewhat like that....I actually stood outside the ER trying to keep from passing out from the sight of all the blood and the super sonic screaming! Esther actually assisted. My mom would have taken him to the ER but was probably incapacitated again with those girls.  

2. Only parents instil the fear of God in their own children.
On this occasion Jason was with us in our car heading toward our home when Esther and I began this foolish bantering about "who could flip who". I declared that I could flip her over the snow bank with one hand behind my back! When I said that, something tripped a switch in Esther's brain and she said in a very deep voice that gave me shivers...."STOP THE CAR!" So I did!....right on the hiway! We both jumped out!...Jason was in the back seat with his eyes wide as serving platters! I came around the back of the car and I whispered to Esther, "Flip me over the snow bank so Jason can see!" Before I got the full sentence out of my mouth I was flyin' head down, legs up, backside down over a ravine somewhere between Fredericton and the Mactaquac Dam! When I finally got back up to the road, Esther was laughing her silly head off saying somethin' like,"There!! Now who can flip who?!" (at the same time doing some kinda Gangnam dancy thingy) After we laughed for awhile, we went over to the car. Jason had locked all the doors and was crying his head off in the back seat...scared to death!! Poor little guy thought Esther had killed his father, I guess! Anyway after much coaxing we finally talked Jason into unlocking the car doors so we could continue on our way. Here's the sad part of the story....Esther and Jason still think, to this day, that she tumbled me over the snow bank on her own. They don't realize that I LET HER!! 

There are other stories that I could elude to about my son Jason but I think you get the photo.... HAPPY 37th BIRTHDAY SON!

OH....and please keep mom's name in the church bulletin for prayer, 'cauze now she's tryin' to raise Jody and Rene's kids.

(DISCLAIMER:  I cannot be held responsible for some of the satirical writing of this particular Blog...it may or may not be 100% accurate) 

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

  

ON THE ANSWER IS ON THE WAY...

VBC 2001

In 2001 Esther and I purchased the campground with its 12 acres of property plus a small piece on the lake giving us access to the lake.  All that was here at the time was the A frame chalet that was built in 1962. There were two outhouse toilets off in the woods and only a hand pump for a 50’ well in front of the chalet.

At the time when we bought the place, the Town of Brownsburg began to insist that we bring the place up to code which included drilling a proper water well and installing a commercial septic system. We drilled the well (360’) and then proceeded with the septic system. The Town required professional plans drawn up by an Engineer. The first set of plans were unbelievable! It was a commercial system that would have cost us in excess of $50,000. Holiday Inn style! And the weeping bed would have covered most of the open area on the grounds. We were shocked! I pleaded with the engineer to size the system down to something affordable.  Even then, with the plans, ground prep and installation, it still cost us $30,000. This system operates with a pumping station containing two pumps controlled by a computerized relay unit. The money to pay for this system required a great deal of sacrifice! We are thankful for those who believe in this project and helped contribute to the cause. We had paid for the majority of the system, $25,000., with our own personal savings and outside contributions.

This story centers around one of those contributions.

We were down to the last $5,000. that needed to be paid. The contractor that installed the system was wanting his money. He was very patient! We had been earnestly praying, asking God what to do.

During this time we met a Pastor from Quebec who was attending the same conference we were attending. One morning this Pastor, while in conversation with my wife, asked Esther how we were doing. My wife began to explain the situation with our septic system at the campground. The Pastor said, “You should know that we were just getting ready to send you an offering that we have of $5,000.!” She explained that it is money that is going to be released very soon and it has been designated for your campground. My wife was ecstatic!

And then the Pastor explained where the money was coming from.

The Pastor told her about a lady in their church who had been saving money. She was setting money aside specifically for her future wedding day. Not long ago she came to this Pastor and said that God definitely spoke to her and specifically said that she was to give $5,000. to the Roaches and their campground. It was the money that she had been saving for her wedding! Strangely, just a short time after she made that commitment, she was driving her car and hit a patch of black ice and lost control of her vehicle and was involved in a head-on collision. She died in that car accident!

I’m sure you can understand why this campground is so close to our hearts today! We feel incredibly honored that this precious lady had given that money to Victory Bible Camp!! We honor her for investing in the lives of people who benefit spiritually from VBC!

We do not understand how God works at times but we have to trust His divine providence and take comfort in the scripture that says, “We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

So, don’t despair when it seems like you have prayed and prayed about something, and the answer is not surfacing. I can tell you with calm assurance that the answer IS on its way. God is faithful, and He is working behind the scenes on our behalf. He is for us – not against us. Jeremiah 29:11 says “For I know the purposes which I am purposing for you, says the LORD; purposes of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (MKJV)

To the family of this dear lady, we say thank-you and may the God of all comfort be your portion today!  Jesus said, “Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven:” Luke 6:23 Most certainly this lady is receiving her reward for being so faithful!!   SRR