Kebar River Band Concert

Sunday, September 18th was a wonderful day. Services were a blessing as usual. Pastor John’s message was entitled; The Gospel. Gospel meaning The Good News. It was taken from 1 John 4:7-19. Jeremiah 31:3, Hosea 14:4. The theme being how God first loved us enough to die for us without requiring that we first love him. Isn’t that a wonderful gift, of how much Jesus loved us, enough to die for our sins? And even though we may stray he still loves us regardless.

After services a bountiful sandwich luncheon was held in the Women’s building. It amazes me how generous all our folks are when it comes to providing plenty of eats, we never are short of goodies.

At 2PM we all met back in the church for the concert. Those of you who couldn’t make it missed a blessing. This group is so talented and spread God’s message with their ministry. The fellow playing the banjo also proved talented on the piano. He really had that piano rocking. One of the other players told us if there was an instrument he could play it.

 

The group told us how inspiring to them our church was, everyone smiling, clapping and showing how much the music was blessing them. We hope this won’t be the last time we get to host them.

Mary Huston's 90th Birthday

I'd like to take this opportunity to honor Mary Huston. She and her husband, Don were long time members of Stanley Union Church. When we first came to pastor at Stanley I asked someone how they came to be part of the Stanley family as they live "a far piece away". I learned that through Don's never forgetting that he represented our Lord in his daily life as well as his professional life he had been delivering supplies to this couple's home construction site and had invited them to visit Stanley Union Church. As all of you know once you visit, the church opens it arms to you. I also was told that Mary was always behind Don every step of the way. How wonderful to have pioneers to blaze our paths.

Recently Mary's daughters, Dodie Miller & Lucinda Williams along with their spouses asked Mary's friends and our church members to join in celebration of Mary's 90th birthday. This particular Sunday afternoon was a perfect fall day. Many friends came to help celebrate this occasion. Seeing Mary ensconced on the sofa with friends and family all around her made for a precious sight. Someone remarked to one of the son in laws that Mary seemed to be enjoying herself, his reply was, "yes, she is able to enjoy the moment whether she recalls it tomorrow or not". What a wonderful thought, we should all enjoy the moment as who knows what tomorrow will bring. How many of us miss the blessing of today waiting for tomorrow?

Misson trip to Alamos 09/2011

As most of you know John made a recent trip to Mexico. He left on August 21st after church. He flew to Tucson, spent the night and caught a Mexican bus, Tufesa for the trip on to Guaymas. He needed to renew his yearly visa and is required to do it in Guaymas as that is the nearest migracion office for Alamos residents. Pastor Nestor and wife, Lyly met him there and after visiting the migracion office they made the 3 ½ hour trip south to Alamos.

As you can see from the photo below Alamos is beautifully green as they have been blessed with a healthy monsoon season. This is the view from our casa's front portal. John loved to sit there in the early morning with a cup of tea and talk to God.

Nestor is the pastor of Armaduro de Dios church in Alamos. This is the church that was built with the help of many US christians. The church is slowly growing. It is blessing to see how God is moving there in Alamos.

The church folks there love John and regard him as family. Before John left on his trip we had begun to hear that he was expected to give a message while he was there. Since it had been quite awhile since John had delivered a message in Spanish he found this to be a challenge. He requested that I email him notes of a specific message that was in his files. He later told me the first page came through to him in English however following pages appeared to be in a unrecognizable foreign anguage (who understands this electronic world?) at that he tossed the notes away and winged it. I heard from our Mexican friends that his message was wonderful and that his Spanish was muy bien.

During the service a young couple brought their baby forward to be dedicated to the Lord.

During his time there John visited with our students that are attending high school and college. He purchased shoes and backpacks for some of our needy elementary school children. Getting new shoes is a big deal for these children, some who have never had new shoes or shoes that fit properly. Thanks to everyone who has supported our ministry. It’s such a blessing to share God’s love and gifts with our people there in Alamos. Blessings to all of you, Ginger & Pastor John