February 15, 2002

Dear Pastors & Brethren,

We have recently reprinted new and up to date prayer cards. Sorry it has taken so long to get them out to you. The cost of printing is staggering these days.

Last January, I turned our work in Scotland over to Brother Lee Holden, but still assist him from a distance. He was my associate trainee and is now the Pastor. Pastor Holden has had to take the church out of the house that they were meeting in due to a problem with some wolves trying to devour seven (7) years of hard work. He's had to move it into a different location in town. He is moving the church into the "Station Hotel" (Ayr train station) and will be meeting in a conference room directly above the train station entrance in Ayr, Scotland. Presently, they don't have the money to do it, but the move is necessary and is a real step of faith for Pastor Holden and the church that we established. When I say we, I mean, you, the Lord, the people of Ayr, and my family.

  At least one of our supporting churches has expressed a desire to continue to support a Bible Believing work in Scotland. Here lies an opportunity to do just that. If you would like to be a direct help to the church at any time, you may send love offerings directly to the church while they try to catch their breath. That would be a blessing to them. Should you choose to do this, please make all checks payable to "King James Bible Baptist Church." Send directly to:

King James Bible Baptist Church  

Pastor: Lee Holden

30E Kyle Street

Ayr, Scotland

KA7 1RZ

  To the best of my knowledge, the King James Bible Baptist Church is the only church in Scotland ever started by an American Independent Bible believing Baptist missionary that survived after the missionary went back. I remind you of this fact not to boast, nor to discredit other good missionaries, but to show the value of such a church in Scotland. We stand by Pastor Holden, and the King

James Bible Baptist Church, and will continue to be of any help and encouragement that we can be without taking the work out of his control. Scotland is a very tough field. Pastor Holden has his work cut out for him. He could use your prayers to stand. Letters of encouragement would also be appreciated.

  Since our last letter we have been doing deputation in the states of Kansas and Louisiana. Our "Greenland building fund" now stands at $3,012.05. I'd like to thank Hank and Margaret Scoggins and Broad Acres Baptist Church in Leeds, England for their recent contributions to the building fund.

  As I write, my mother is in the hospital. Her spleen was recently removed and now she has a blood clot in her leg. That could be deadly. Please remember my mom in your prayers too.

  Please note our new post office address:

Independent Arctic Mission, Inc.

P.O. Box 352

Milton, FL 32572‑0352

  It is a blessing to be able to look back over the years and see how you have stood by us in our work. Thank you for your faithfulness, and thank you for standing for the people of Scotland and Greenland. It's been a real pleasure on our part. God bless you all.

  Sincerely in Christ  Jesus,

 Joe Melvin