Greetings from the Inland Northwest!
The above picture was taken in August when Callie and I were in Seattle for a friend’s wedding. It no longer looks like this outside; as I write to you this December evening, it is 12 degrees outside, there are about 8 inches of snow in our yard, and I am wearing long-johns and pajama pants.
While the weather may have changed drastically in the last several months, one thing remains unchanged: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning! The steadfast love and mercy of God are constant, new, and applicable every minute of our lives. They give us hope, joy, and patience to endure all that comes our way.
God has been so merciful to us in 2016! Coram Deo continues to grow and develop. We have over doubled in size in the last year, and by God’s grace we are nurturing a community that knows and loves the Gospel. We love Coram Deo, and every week I am blown away that I get to help minister in this congregation and lead them to the person and work of Christ!
This summer I passed all my written exams for ordination, and was licenced in the Pacific Northwest Presbytery in September. Lord willing, I will be ordained at our next presbytery meeting in January. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement!
Callie has enjoyed working part-time for Rockwood Bakery as a barista, working remotely for a marketing company in Charlotte, and meeting with the college girls. This semester I led a collegiate Bible study in our house on the foundations of the faith. We explored the Scriptures together and had great discussions about the character of God, the dignity and depravity of man, our need for salvation, the grace of God in Christ, and what it means to live as a Christian. We have so many amazing students, and it is such a blessing to see them longing for and pursuing Christ.
God continues to be at work in Spokane and through Coram Deo!
Here are a few photos to give you a snapshot into the life and work of the church:
At the end of the summer, we had a church camping trip on the St Joe River in Idaho
Kyle and I after a worship planning meeting; Callie and Gretchen at a pastor’s wives retreat
Fall is a great time of year in the Northwest for an after church pumpkin day!
Jefferson Elementary continues to be a wonderful place for Coram Deo to worship
We have adult, older child, and preschool education hour classes before the service
We have loved meeting new students, leading Bible studies, and hosting events in our home!
Thank you so much for your love and support! It has truly been a blessing to serve as a pastor in this community, and I know that no small part of our ministry is due to your faithful prayers, encouragement, and generosity.
Continue to pray for us:
- Pray for Coram Deo as we seek to train up elders and deacons in 2017
- Pray for students to come to know the Lord and to rest in him ever increasingly
- Pray for wisdom for Callie and I as we search for a house to buy this year
- Pray for boldness and diligence as we proclaim the gospel in Spokane
With love and thankfulness,
Matt and Callie
Adventures of the Bostroms 