Well, we took a whole family fun day on Monday......back in December, someone gave us some unlimited ride passes to the small amusement park that is inside Mall of America.  We'd been trying to go, but sickness and schedules did not allow until this week.  We had a blast, and pictures will be forthcoming as soon as my friend e-mails them to me.  But lest you think the Hofflands do nothing other than have family fun days.......I thought I'd mix things up a bit and share some of the amazing things that God has been doing here in Rib Lake.

Over the last year, God has really been laying this community on our hearts in a new way.  Some of it might be related to Matt being on the elder board now at church (I know....elder??)  and with our church currently without a pastor (plus breaking ground on our addition)....the board is having to step up and provide more vision and leadership than usual.  Matt has had an added passion for our church reaching this community.  We have seen firsthand so many hurting and needy people here. 

To make a long story short, God has given both Matt and I some cool opportunities to reach out to some people in our community.  The Spirit basically compelled us in both situations.....you just know when God is laying something on your heart that you must obey.  And the very cool thing, is it's all connected....they are connected to other people with whom we've tried to cultivate relationships.  We are praying for a revival here in Rib Lake!  We had B, a well known alcoholic in town, pray to receive Christ yesterday afternoon in front of our house.  He is headed to rehab, and we are praying that God will restore everything that is broken in his life.....and there is LOTS broken.  Funny thing is, his oldest boy (his boys were taken away from him a couple years ago b/c of neglect and abuse) was at a Jr. High retreat a month or so ago where Matt spoke.  He raised his hand at the end.  Matt didn't know then that he was B's son.  But, it's very cool that there is that connection now.  I have been given the opportunity to study the Bible and disciple a gal named A.  A gal that I have noticed and prayed for here in town for years.  She's got the broken life that so many here have.  But, she is hungry to know the Bible, and knows basically nothing beyond that she believes in Jesus Christ.  She has tons and tons of questions.  I am scared to death and excited b/c so far God has been so faithful in giving me direction as to what to do.  And, I trust that He will continue to do that b/c I feel completely inadequate for this.  A is good friends with R, another hurting gal in town who has been on our hearts with a difficult past.  R's son was also at that retreat, and he also responded to Matt's message.  More connections.  G the barber, another one we've tried to have a good relationship with in spite of his controversial editorials about Christian's in our public school, happens to be B's landlord.  Matt met with them both yesterday and it just blew my mind that he was sitting there basically talking about B needing to let the Lord work in his life and give up control.....with G....and he was actually nodding his head!  Crazy stuff, huh?  The opportunities just keep coming, and it has been amazing.   This is the short version....there is so much more history and cool ways that the Lord has worked in these situations that I could tell you!  The Lord is at work!

Satan has also been on the prowl, ready and hoping to attack our church during a transition.  Attacking us here at home.  Matt has had 6 mos of health scares.....he's wrestled with fears related to that, and Satan definitely capitalized on them!  Where God is working, Satan is also looking to devour.  Please pray with us against Satan's influence in this town.  Pray for the people here that God wants to reach and their kids!  Pray for our church as we seek leadership and as we try to be a faithful demonstration of God's love in our community.   Pray that Matt and I would be faithful and attentive to God's leading in these situations.  I am not naive enough to think B, in particular, has an easy road ahead of him.  We walked this path with another alcholic a few years back, and it wasn't an easy one.  It's a neverending battle.  But I am praying that God will be victorious......He will have to do it, and what a testimony in this town it will be!  I believe His hand is moving here, and it's been exciting to see it!

Stay tuned for fun day pictures.