It was my privilege to represent the ICPA on a quick trip up north to visit a few churches that

are making a big impact in the Intermountain Northwest.

July 30 - First stop ... Libby, Mt. Where my wife, Cindy and I worshipped with Libby Christian

Church, a vibrant, growing community of Christians in the heart of Northwest Montana. During

the early morning prayer session with staff, I learned that they had been praying for 100

baptisms this year and had already reached 61! Phil Alspaw, the Sr. Pastor was excited to join

with us in the People are the Prize prayer initiative and took 500 bookmarks to distribute to the

congregation! Libby Christian is a church focused on reaching and loving people for Christ.

We’re excited to have them join us in praying for 100,000 souls!

July 31 - Valley Real Life Spokane was the next stop where I met with Kelly Armstrong, the

Lead Pastor for the NEW Valley Real Life Riverside Campus. Kelly is an experienced church

planter with a strong background in successful leadership, a passion for reaching lost people,

and confidence in this new opportunity. Jay Jones (Executive of Ministries), and Adele Ohler,

(Executive of Operations) at Valley Real Life joined Kelly and I for a lunch meeting where we

discussed the goals and objectives for VRL Riverside. This new church plant will begin as a

campus of VRL with the intention of becoming an independent church in a few years. Starting

with the backing, guidance, and resources of the VRL Spokane team gives the Riverside

Campus a “leg up” from the start. We are excited to partner with them in reaching the greater

Spokane area for Christ.

August 1 - Real Life Post Falls. Wow! Their campus is impressive and “alive” with daily

activities for reaching the community for Christ. We received an update from Bill Krause and

Jim Pitman on how the Lord continues to bless and expand their impact, and to invite Real Life

Ministries to join in the People are the Prize prayer focus.

In the midst of a time of instability and uncertainty in our world... we’re seeing the Church

taking ground against the “gates of hell” (Matthew 16:18) here in the Intermountain

Northwest... and that means one thing: Lives are being changed... souls are being redeemed

by Christ... People are the Prize!

Mike Whitford