September 11, 2017
 
Dear Brethren,
 
It is hard to believe that our 24th Annual Sword of the Lord conference is only 2 weeks away. This meeting began in September of 1993 on my 1st anniversary as Pastor here at Mountain Lake Independent Baptist Church. Dr. Hugh Pyle was our preacher that first year and helped us tremendously. Since then Dr. Shelton Smith, editor of the Sword of the Lord, has been with us, making this his 23rd year up here on the mountain.  We are excited for what the Lord has in store for us. As I say often, the Sword of the Lord has been a powerful influence in my personal walk with the Lord, my family, our church and our ministries. I thank the Lord for Dr. Smith and I believe this ministry will help our churches and impact our communities in a powerful way for the Gospel.
 
As I stated above, this will be our 23rd conference with Dr. Shelton Smith, and joining him is Dr. Scott Caudill, president and general director of Macedonia World Baptist Missions, Inc. Dr. Smith and Dr. Caudill are powerful preachers whom I believe God will use to have a lasting (and potentially life-changing) impact on our hearts, churches, and ministries.
 
Back again this year is our good friend, Brother Byron Foxx of Bible Truth Music. God is using Brother Foxx across our country to promote revival and soul winning, along with godly, soul stirring music.
 
Everything kicks off Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. and continues Tuesday at 10:00 am and 7:00 p.m. Please join us for the Pastor’s Luncheon after the Tuesday morning session!
 
Late September in Garrett County is a beautiful time of year and we have a beautiful pontoon boat tour of the famous Deep Creek Lake planned for Tuesday afternoon. I hope you will take a day or two to bring your family and your church up here to the mountains of Western Maryland and enjoy the scenery and let the Lord stir your heart. If you need a motel room, have any questions or need more information, please call me at 301-334-3234 or 301-616-0038, or check out our web site at www.mlibc.org.
 
I am looking forward to seeing you in two weeks. May the Lord richly bless you and your ministry!
 
Sincerely your friend,
Dennis Leatherman
Pastor