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Monthly Report Dear Brethren, Greetings from Warne, NC. Our month began with a week long meeting in Merrillville, IN. and although Laverne could not accompany me, the brethren were gracious hosts and sufficient foods were provided to keep the visiting preacher alive. I want to thank all the folks who worked towards attending and particularly the visitors who supported their effort in the meeting. I was disappointed to hear that I arrived a few days late to see one of the South African preachers visiting at Valparaiso, a few miles East of where I was staying. It would have been wonderful to visit with Ashley Goosen but he had to get to his next destination and in the end a visit was not to be. Our local work continues as usual and I can include a new effort by one of our men to take some extra time on Wednesdays to train some of the teenage boys in song-leading. I conduct a study with one of the men and we have some others over for supper before our regular study. To use the time more productively, the students go one way while the adult study takes place. I must say that a discussion would be a better word to describe what we study. It is good to have two families join us for the evening meal and extra activities. With winter fast approaching, we are enjoying one of the best years with the changing of the leaves. With this particular time comes an increase in visitors, which we enjoy, but particularly a period of thanksgiving for the blessings we have in living here in the foothills. It is such a beautiful part of the country. I must also ad that Laverne has been busy with her canning and preserving, although not in the quantities and volumes of past years. It is amazing how her hard work ends up on the shelves of the children. I dread Thanksgiving later this month. They are all planning to visit. No telling how much food will be left for the poor parents to survive the winter. We are looking forward having them all together. The Bible studies and services remain on track and we continue in a 26 lesson (13 week) cycle in our chronological studies. At present the adult class is busy with 1 and 2 Samuel, incorporating Psalms in a limited way and also adding 1 and 2 Chronicles where applicable. Laverne teaches the juniors and they shuttle from an inside classroom to one of the outside classrooms where they are joined by the other class. While the studies are conducted inside the main building, they would go to the outside room to practice singing and also allowing the boys to participate in other assembly activities. Prayer receives attention also. Laverne created a set of boards for them with the emphasis on "Worship Service Activities" which will also incorporate participating and practice of the serving at the table. With the end of the year fast approaching and congregations gearing up for elders to set out their plans and expenditures for next year, I ask your continued help for 2009. Although I am fortunate to receive support from only two congregations, I am praying that they can continue their help for the following year. One congregation, Henderson Blvd, in Tampa has been supporting me periodically for 28 years and Lost River in Bowling Green, KY has been helping the same way since 1983. The rest of my support come from pockets of individuals and our prayers are that they will continue to prosper sufficiently to continue their monthly help. We realize that with the present economic state of affairs it might not be fair sailing, our prayers are for them and the blessing which the Lord provides. Our prayers to all who receive our report and may good health go with you this month. I solicit the prayers on behalf of the mother of my son-in-law, Shawn Howard, who returned home from his tour of duty in Afghanistan last week. She collapsed at home and was rushed to hospital. Since Monday she has been transferred to another facility where more tests are being done. She had and maybe continues to have a hemorrhaging on the brain and already lost her sight. She is in a fight for her life. I will be asking the brethren this evening if Laverne and I can drive down to Brooksville, Florida to be with the family. My children are there already. Until next month, Lord willing, |