The Diem Decemberly

A few teens from a church youth rally I spoke at really wanted me to come and preach at the chapel of their Christian school. Teens want to be challenged and I believe are capable of grasping and applying deeper things of the faith. Not so much as giving them the "benefit of the doubt" but believing that the Spirit that is in me has taken permanent residence in them. Not by pushing them into a place where they don't want to be, but talking about pursuing God, reaching for your full potential in Christ and knowing both the consequence of sin and the joy of obedience. I really enjoy the high school age group, but because of the snow we will have to wait until April.


- The beginning of this month Steve was able to spend a Saturday in the white mountains with his brother in law Ryan. The air temperature was frigid but the views at the top of Mt. Hancock were spectacular.


- We chopped down a tree, strapped it to the top of our van and put it in our living room.


- On December 9th we went to Free Baptist Church, Waterboro ME. This is the second time I have had the opportunity to share God's Word with the saints in Waterboro during the Sunday school and Sunday morning hour. It was a great to see familiar faces and to encourage and be encouraged. Someone left this verse on my seat : Psalm 138:7 "Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me.."


- On the way home we liked Maine so much Steve took us 1/2 hr north on the turnpike instead of south.

- On December 15-16 we are going to Haven of Rest Baptist Church, West Haven CT. We look forward to spending time with the Pastor and his wife on Saturday night, but there may or may not be a church service in the morning depending on the weather. This is Becky's best friend's church, who also is Becky. Our last meeting in November we were at the church of Becky's parents old pastor from RI who now serves in ME. Every weekend I ask Becky, "So let's see who you know this week."


- Dad and Josiah built a snow man and a fort with a tunnel.

- Becky just finished her class on Theology Proper and sent in her take home final today!


Thanks for taking the time to check out our blog!


Please continue to pray for us:

- That our walk with the Lord would be abiding and growing

- For meetings in January and February


- Endurance

- Faithfulness to opportunities to minister around us.


- For our support to come in - PRAISE: WE ARE AT 58%

Fall Happenings

Our required monthly support total has been increasing! Watching the Lord at work has been awesome. The next couple months our meeting schedule begins to slow down after a busy fall with every Sunday having a meeting. We are praying that this is an indication that perhaps we will hear that our support will be at 100% by January. However, this is all up to the Lord and His perfect timing. Although we enjoy going to new churches, meeting to new people, and ministering to the saints, our heart longs to be on the field. The Lord has taught us much during this time.


Fellowship Bible Church now has a new Pastor, Terry Wragg. What a joy to begin to get to know him and he and his wife has already put his arms around our family in friendship and in prayer. Rebecca, his wife is a great encouragement to Becky, reminding her that this time of deputation all happens for a reason. Terry and Rebecca both show genuine hearts to serve Christ and the flock ministering with zeal the Word of God. It has been a blessing to begin this relationship with them in person, verses a 21 hour plane ride separating us.



Steve: I have been able to devote more time to preparation of messages, studying Spanish, keeping up with email, making phone calls, and minister to people. It has been amazing to see the Lord provide for our family as I work less hours every week. It was certainly a step of faith that the Lord helped me to over come. Largely overcoming my own pride, fearing what others would think of me if I were to work less and devote more time to deputation. Instead, we have received greater encouragement and understanding hearts.

Becky: My class with NSTM is drawing to an end (Theology Proper) . I have enjoyed it so much! Thankfully I am feeling better, after fighting a sinus infection for two weeks, just in time for the final and a paper. Steve got me a gym membership and I am excited to work out, but it will also be a great opportunity to meet new people in town. I have begun to think about what we will be bringing Argentina, especially with the Christmas coming up. Basically, what sort of things will make our home feel like home down there.






Where we've been:

14-17 - Oct S.Hope Community Church, S.Hope ME
21-Oct - Faith Bible Church, Littleton NH
28-Oct - Emmaunel Baptist Church, Oakland ME
2-4 - Nov - Fellowship Bible Church, Chester NH
11-Nov - Nepaug Bible Church, New Hartford CT (Steve's B-day!)
12-Nov - Becky's B-day!
14-Nov - Calvary Baptist Church, Windsor Locks CT
25-Nov - Belgrade Bible Church, Belgrade ME

Thank you so much for your prayers and taking the time to check out our blog!

Catching Up ~

Thank you Jay Bennett, for making our blog look great!

Answer to Prayer!

Becky and I have been amazed by the Lord at work. As we mentioned in our prayer letter, the prayer concerning a new van has been answered. It has been running great and certainly has been well used. It certainly makes 4 hour car rides more comfortable.

The timing of this gift was incredible. We received an email about the van on a Monday night, so I called and made arrangements to pick it up. But that day my truck had been over heating so I brought it into the shop. On Tuesday we we received news that my truck wasn't worth fixing (it was going to require about $1200 in parts, yikes!). So the family that gave us the van, knew that we wanted a van, but little did they know that we really needed it, but God knew!

Work during the week has been steady, and we praise God for that. Steve has been able to work with Becky's Dad, learning construction skills and while paying bills.

Morning Perks:

The summer has been busy with meetings but we really enjoyed our family vacation. It was what we need as things picked up quick this fall. We have been guilty of burning the candle at both ends on Sunday mornings, waking up real early and getting in real late. Somehow that morning cup of coffee never tasted better!

A Wedding to Remember:

We have also celebrated the marriage of our good friends Jon (Guppy) and Kristen in Portsmouth, NH. It was a great time of deep sea fishing and solid fellowship. Jon was the last of the Faithful Five to tie the knot, it was exciting to see him and his bride drive off into the sunset on his boat.

A Word on Endurance:

As I think of deputation one word keeps coming to mind, ENDURANCE.

Numbers 21:5-6 says that the "soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way, And the people spoke against God, and against Moses. Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread." Being hungry, thirsty, or tired is not a sin. But it was the attitude that lacked faith (Hebrews 11:6).

This is a quality that marks the character of a faithful Christian. To endure temptation, trials, hardships, persecution, etc. To keep going, never stopping.

Let us look unto Jesus, who endured the cross, despising the shame (Hebrews 12:2). And hungering after a forty day fast, He did not grumble, nor settle for a morsel of bread neither for the riches of the world (Matthew 4:1-11). Jesus didn't sell out, but endured it all, faithful to the end, being called the author and finisher of our faith. "Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ (II Timothy 2:3)."

Here is a look at where we have been and where we have been going:

September 8th - Youth Rally; Cambridgeport,VT
September 9th -Bucksport, ME
September 15th - Guppy's Wedding!
September 16th - West Haven, CT
September 23rd - Hampden, ME
September 27-29 - Missions Conference; Dover-Foxcroft, ME
October 7th - Mars Hill, ME

We are currently at 50% of our required monthly support.

KEEPING PERSPECTIVE

Becky and I just spent the day visiting with old college friends enjoying BBQ and fellowship on a scenic lake front. The weather was perfect, sunny and a calm breeze. My friend Martin let Josiah and I take his kayak for a spin. Josiah played captain as he frequently directed me what island or boat he wanted to get close to. What was different about this kayak then any other I had been in was that there was a pedal for the right and left foot that controlled a rudder. I felt like such a slave to it after a while, constantly pushing one or the other trying to get us going straight. As we pulled up on shore I asked Martin, "The rudder was a battle to keep it straight." He replied, "You have to stop thinking about the rudder and the pedal, you will drive yourself crazy trying to keep it straight. Fix your eyes on where you want to go, and go!"

What a great lesson, as I think of us going to Argentina. We need to remember why we are going and who we are serving, and not get caught up in pushing pedals. If I was told while I was a college student that for a year and a half God would use Becky and I to get churches excited about missions and challenge saints in New England with the Word of God, and teach Bible studies during the week, what an exciting opportunity!!

The things of this world can certainly change our perspective on where we are in life and keep us from being effective for Christ. Colossians 3:1-2 remind us "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." With our affection set on Christ, our eyes fixed on Him, we can travel straight.



Here where we have been and where we are going next:
July 8th - Free Baptist Church, Waterboro ME
July 9-13 - Vacation Bible School, Fellowship Bible Church, Chester NH
July 15 - Church of the Open Bible, Burlington MA
July 22- Lighthouse Baptist Church, Gardiner ME
July 29 - Community Christian Church, Cambridgeport VT

Do Thy Diligence

Steve's Perspective:
It was at the end of May 2006 that we had our very first meeting. So officially we have been on deputation for one year and we are at exactly 50% of our required monthly support. Praise God! Last year however we only had 4 meetings the entire summer.
People ask, "When do you want to get to the field?" I tell them, "yesterday." Paul told Timothy in II Timothy 4:9 "Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me" and repeats this again in verse 21 "Do thy diligence to come before winter..." Obviously, Paul knew of God's sovereign control over all circumstances and it is only if the Lord will can we do this or that (James 4:13-15). And Paul knew that although "all forsook" him (II Tim 4:16) that "the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear...(II Timothy 4:17)" At the same time, Paul urged Timothy to do his absolute best to get to Paul. The phrase "Do thy diligence" is all one word in the Greek, it means "to use speed"."to make effort," or "with eagerness." Paul wanted Timothy there and didn't want him to dilly dally.
As believer's in Christ, diligence ought to be descriptive of our attitude toward living a godly life (See II Peter 1:5-10).

Pray for us, that we would do our diligence, to get down to the Depue's in Resistencia and God would continue to strengthen them "that the preaching might be fully known."

Becky's Perspective:
We continue to prepare our house to sell and get rid of "stuff." Right now it seems in someways surreal that we are going to Argentina, and it has been over a year since we were there. I need to keep my focus on the Lord, and keep my mind "stayed on Him (Isaiah 26:3-4)" and His calling for us to Argentina. It is easy to get distracted by the "here and now" culture of the U.S.A. One of my friends told me, when leaving my first missions trip in Guatemala, to "keep the fire burning." That has been my focus this month: To think of Why? For Who? For What?
I don't ever want to forget how I felt leaving Resistencia on our survey trip, that "This is where we are supposed to be, and I can't wait to get back A.S.A.P!"

Here's a Look at Our Schedule:

June 3rd - Grace Bible Church, Sangerville ME
June 7th -Berean Baptist Church, Brunswick ME
June 8th-Calvary Christian School, Derry NH
June 17th - Church of Bethel, Bethel CT
June 24th - Kennebunk Baptist Church, Kennebunk ME
June 30th - Wedding - Audrery Crabb & Ryan Prout - Chester, NH
July 1st - Calvary Baptist Church, Westport MA

Thank you for checking in on our blog and for your continued faithful prayers!
Would you take a few moments now and pray for Argentina?

Day by Day

"Moreover brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea...And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that Spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ..Now these things were our examples..." I Corinthians 10:1,4,6.

Firstly, thank you all who faithfully pray for us!

A conversation with a supporting pastor has really stuck out at me. He said to me

"Our Christian walk is day by day. Trusting in the LORD, every step.

Like the Israelites getting up every morning going to the tabernacle to see

if the cloud lifted or if it remained. They waited on God daily, and watched.

In the event the the cloud moved, they followed."
It made me think also of how they gathered the manna. The Lord provided enough for each day. They had to work for it and gather it, but all they needed was given. Likewise we pray, give us this day our daily bread. Day by day we wait for the Lord's leading for work and for ministry opportunities. Day by day we contact more churches, send out packets, wait for replies. Week by week we travel to new churches, wait and watch.

Here is where we have been and what May looks like:

April 8 - Emmanuel Baptist Church, Old Saybrook, CT

April 15 - Calvary Baptist Church, Whitefield ME

April 22- Plainville Baptist Church, Plainville MA

April 29 - West Sidney Baptist Church, Sidney ME

April 30-May 2 - Farmington Avenue Baptist Church, West Hartford CT

May 4-6 - Salem Bible Church, Salem NH

May 6 - Christian Fellowship Church, Scotland CT

May 13 - Fellowship Bible Church, Chester NH

May 16-22 - Becky's Brother Steve is getting married, VA Beach
May 25 - Calvary Christian School, Derry NH

May 27 - Enfield Baptist Church, Enfield ME

Please pray:

- That the Lord would raise up the support we need to go Argentina.
- For our spiritual and physical health as we travel and prepare.

- For our home church as they search for a Pastor

- To be bold witnesses and faithful Bible teachers

What do you think of the new prayer card? Is it a keeper? (notice Elliott's smirk!)

(Photo taken by Ryan Prout Photo Plus - our future brother in law)

It's a BOY!

Elliot Edward Diem was born!

Friday March 16, 2007 at 11:43pm. Becky was correct on her baby prediction. Elliot was born with a full head of dark hair. However she was a little shy on her weight guess, he was 7lbs 9oz. We praise God for a safe delivery and a healthy boy!

Doesn't Becky look great! (Fortunatley you can't tell that I lived in those close for a couple of days). Saturday morning Steve picked Josiah up from his sisters house, and after having special daddy time, brought him to the hospital. Josiah was his first visitor! You can see how much he enjoyed his new tools that were presents from his little brother.

On Sunday the 18th Becky and Elliot were able to come home from the hospital. Just when you thought we could not fit anything else in our car...

In His Time

Becky's due date is officially one week from today: March 9th. Everything is ready to go. Suitcases are packed and in the trunk, cell phone fully charged, video camera (with new tape), names picked out, care for Josiah figured out and now we are just waiting patiently for Baby #2.

Here is where we have been this month:
February 11 - rescheduled for June
February 18 - Hill Village Bible Church, Hill NH
February 25 - Epping Bible Baptist Church, Epping NH
~~Our support is at 33%!!

Thoughts from Becky:
I'm trying to look at each day that the baby doesn't come as a gift from God knowing Baby will come IN HIS TIME. For at least a couple weeks I won't have the energy to keep up with him Josiah, so I've been trying to spend extra special time with him. We have had lots of fun playing in the snow, painting, going on walks, taking trips to the library, reading books, watching special movies, and extra snuggles. Yesterday I had an ultra sound and the baby's weight was normal. My doctor had talked about inducing me early if the baby was going to be larger than 8lbs. I have been reading a book on intercessory prayer and the book of Job. I have come to realize what tough times really means and how often I through that phrase around too loosely.
It was neat to see the Lord work out our deputation schedule this month. Our one meeting out of state my doctor didn't give me the clearance to go to. But it ended up getting rescheduled for June. Our meetings this month have been in NH, which has been nice because car rides are a little uncomfortable these days.

Thoughts from Steve:
Our thoughts and attention have been directed toward the arrival of our new Baby. We still don't know if it is a boy or girl so we are anxious to meet our new little one. Thank you all for praying for Becky. She has been gaining weight steadily and so has Baby.
The class this semester at NSTM on Church planting was excellent. Our final was this last Thursday. The last two weeks of March I begin a two week class the principles and practice of missions taught by Henry Heijermans. I am thankful for the opportunity to take advantage of the teaching. If you have interest in missions and church planting these would be worth picking up.
The book list includes:
"Spontaneous Expansion of the Church" - Roland Allen
"Missionary Methods" - Roland Allen
"Communicating Christ Cross Culturally"
"A People for His Name" - Paul A. Beals

Last week I led music in our home church. It has been almost a year since the last time I had done that. Becky and I have enjoyed the preaching of our interim Pastor very much. Currently he is going through Philippians. And it was one of those messages that I felt was just for me and it was the first time in a while that a message made me emotional. It was on Philippians 1:6
"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." Sometimes deputation feels heavy and what a rest we have knowing that God will get us there IN HIS TIME.


Baby Predictions:
Dark Hair and eyebrows
8.5 lbs.
Boy/Girl?? (Everyone seems to think it is a girl)

Isaiah 26:3-4

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength."
Isaiah 26:3-4

God's peace is:
1.) guarded - "Thou wilt keep him.."
2.) complete - by nature of the word used for peace - shalom encompasses a wide range uses regarding safety and wellness; health, prosperity,peace, rest, wholeness.
3.) unending - "the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength."

Our response then must be of:
1.) a mind stayed - literally "propped up by" or leaning on
2.) on God alone - "Whose mind is stayed on thee."
3.) that continually trusts. "Trust ye in the LORD forever."

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made know unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6-7


The new year has begun!
January 1 - Happy New Year
January 3 - Our three year anniversary!!
January 7 - Collinsville Bible Church, Dracut MA
January 14 - Baker River Bible Church, Wentworth NH
January 17 - Mountain View Bible Church, Dublin NH
January 21 - South Hope Community Church, South Hope ME
January 24 - Faith Baptist Church, Palmer MA
January 28 - Center Barnstead Christian Church, Barnstead NH

However, time in the car is starting to get a little more uncomfortable for Becky as her due date with the new baby Diem approaches (March 9th!). She is measuring up what she should and is at a healthy weight. We are praying for a safe delivery and a healthy baby.

Steve has recently been in the emergency room. An infection on his leg went out of control and the redness was soon the size of his hand. From his knee down was entirely inflamed and swollen. They let him go that night from the ER but he had to return for 3 more visits to receive more of the IV antibiotic regiment. Under doctor's order he is took it easy for a few days. After which the swelling and redness is virtually gone they are confident he is going to be fine.

We Praise God for:
Steve is back to normal
A full schedule of meetings
We have heard from two churches: we are at 20%!
God's abundant provision

Please Pray for:
Good health
Becky's pregnancy
Our ministry to churches to challenge and bring about lasting impact
Our walk with the LORD to growing and abiding