Ok Already....

I've heard you! I know that I'm not keeping up to date with the blog. Much has happened over the past few months. I'm trying to move our church and school websites over to a new server that will enable us to do more with the sites. This is more for the school than the church, but it requires that I read up on html and try to implement things in my spare time.

We at LBC have hired another part time staff. David Slone is our new associate pastor and will be over the youth and children's ministries at the church. He will assist as well in other areas when needed. Both David and his wife Sarah will be an asset to the church and her ministries here. Mikey, their son, has already captured the hearts of the church and thinks his new pastor rocks!

The family is doing ok. Jonathan is dealing with pastoral issues that are an issue of prayer. These tests will make him a stronger leader and test his motivation and priorities. Mandy is due in June, a week before the EBA Family camp. Jonathan is the speaker for the camp this year. We will continue to try to keep everyone updated. Please continue to keep us before the Lord in prayer.

Catching up...

I'm just praising God for His goodness. We were able to have Mandy and Andy up for Thanksgiving weekend. Andy lost his grandmother. She was 100 years old and one of God's children. On Sunday, we had Andy's parents and brother over to celebrate Thanksgiving with all of us. After our meal, Mandy handed Cathy and Debbie (Andy's mom) a card. Inside was a sonogram of our newest grandchild. Laughter and tears accompany our joy and congratulations to Mandy and Andy.

On Wednesday, Jon called and talked with Cathy. He and Kristine were able to lead a young lady to Christ at church. I'm so bowled over by God's grace and awesome kindness. We are truly blessed!

Things at church are going well. I'm praying for revival and souls saved in our church. There have been lost people coming to the church so it's only a matter of time that there are decisions... I'm just needing to be patient. Pray for us.

Update

It's been quiet awhile since my last blog. Since then, God has truly blessed. We have started Indiana Baptist Indiana with a total of 17 students this year. The faculty is in place and we are thankful for the four men who have stepped up to help this year. The courses I'm teaching have pushed me, but I'm enjoying the interaction and opportunity. Our church also called one of the students, Alan Schoeff, as our missionary to Sheridan. This too is an answer to prayer. He began in September and is excited to be used of God in His Kingdom work.

On the family front, Cathy is leaving for Romania with Eyes on Christ. She and Julie Schoeff, Alan's wife, will be ministering to the people there with the gift of eye glasses. This also gives opportunity for them to present the gospel message. They will be working with Mike and Julie Rogers. During their absence, Tim and I will be busy working on updating and remodeling our kitchen. (Yes, Cathy knows and has helped pick out the upgrades).

We were able to enjoy time with all our children. Jonathan, Kristine and Niah came up for a visit. We enjoyed our time with them and went to the Children's Museum where we were entertained by our granddaughter Niah. On Friday night, unbeknown to us, Mandy and Andy travelled up and went to do some work at Landmark. The next day, after enlisting the aid of our new missionary, they got us to the church for a surprise anniversary celebration. Cathy and I celebrate 30 years of marriage. What a joy to have all the children, Niah and friends come to commemorate the milestone. Cathy is such a blessing and God send to me. I love her deeply.

Millions of souls

This picture was taken on top of the mountain overlooking Chiang Mai, Thailand. A Buddhist temple sits on top of that mountain and just a bit further, the Northern Palace where the royal family stay in the winter months. This is one of three pictures that don't begin to take in the panorama of the city nor of the humanity present here. The people of Thailand are indeed a people of smiles. Yet it saddens me to think of the many who don't embrace Christ. In this age of tolerance, I must take a stand to the exclusivity of Christ. He Himself stated that He was the way, the truth and the life. No man can come to the Father but by me. Christians today seem to embrace the fact that faith is faith. So long as you are faithful to your system of faith, you'll somehow make it. That isn't Biblical in any way. Faith in Christ alone saves us from our sins. Faith in Christ alone presents us faultless before the Heavenly Father. The message of God is one of love... for all people groups. He came and died as payment for their sin. And only by placing our faith in Christ can we find Peace with God. It may not be politically correct or proper, but it is biblical. May the millions who live in Thailand and other parts of the world have opportunity to know and experience God's love. May those of us who know Him faithfully live out our faith before them and be willing to share it regardless of the costs.

My Two Beautiful Girls

What can I say... they are both beautiful inside and out. This is at a function at the church in Bentonville where Niah and her mom and dad will live.