THE Sawyers Nicholas & Ashley Baptist Church December 6, 2011 To All Those Who Pray,      Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word of deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father by him. Recently in my time of study and prayer, God has been reminding me of the importance of not just being ready to die, but to live. In Colossians, I am reminded that no matter what I do or say, it should be done as unto the Lord.      We all face times of frustration and times of sorrow. In Colossians 4:6, we see that there is no excuse for speech that does not express God's grace. The words of the believer are to be carefully chosen, having purpose and implementing wisdom. How important our words truly are.      Just this week, my good friend Ray lost a long time friend to death. This man was near my age and was found dead in his living room. I spent the evening with Ray and tried to simply be there for him. Suddenly I realized, I didn't know what to say. For the next few hours, I prayed silently seeking wisdom as questions were asked of me. How do you give hope to a friend that has lost someone who was unsaved?      The ministry of Christ is definitely not just preparing people for death. The ministry is largely preparing people for life.  People need the Lord, as the song says, not just for life after death but for the life they are living now. May we each live for Christ every day. Answered Prayer      First off, thank you to all those who prayed concerning the building in Tok. In the last letter I shared about the expense of remaining in the building. Many prayed and God has provided. I was given an invitation to preach the closing of a missions conference in Glennallen, Alaska. While there, Old paths Baptist church gave us a check for the utility costs for October.      If one month completely taken care of wasn't enough, Bible Baptist of Chugiak, Alaska has promised to cover the remaining months of the winter.  Thank you again BBC for your love of church planting.  We look forward to the day God may use us, as He has you. It's Not Coincidence      About two weeks ago I was told my dad would only be with us a few more days. I prayed about the seven hundred mile round trip before leaving. I packed and went to Anchorage for six days. While there, I was able to minister to my family as well as visit with my dad. Please continue to pray for Rick Sawyer as he is weakened by ALS.      While spending time in the specialty hospital where my dad stays, I ran into a man from Tetlin village. I had tried to visit with him and his wife at a different hospital to no avail. Then one day walking out into the lobby to make a phone call, there was my friend from Tetlin.      God allowed me to visit and pray with this family while in Anchorage. Cora David is currently hospitalized due to kidney failure. Roy, Cora's husband, has been my contact in Tetlin village. There truly are no coincidences with God. It is always amazing to see how God will use us when we are willing.      Thank you each and every one who takes the time to read our letters. We realize how busy life can be and count your prayers and giving precious. Until we are all called home… Grace be with thee, Nicholas Travis Sawyer PS:  Ashley will be back east with family 12/27-1/17. If there is a young man with his pastors approval wishing for some practical missions experience please feel free to call (907) 883-7770   PO Box 98 Tok, AK 99780 (907) 883-7770