never fear, they are now here!
The seasons are again changing from summer to autumn. We've enjoyed the season of summer, mostly at home, working in the gardens, doing home projects, a few weekends of ministry, starting a new school year. By God's grace it has been a fruitful summer filled with new experiences and learning for all of us. The Lord provided sandblasting jobs for Loren and the boys this summer, many of which were out of town. So it was with great joy and anticipation that we prepared and packed for the 10 days of ministry in Nebraska, Minnesota, and Iowa.
Thursday evening started out with Alan and Rachel, Andrew and Kori joining us to sing at the Seward County Fair! We're always grateful for the opportunities to sing in our home county. It was a precious evening visiting with friends and neighbors before and afterwards. Then we all packed up, hopped into the bus, an enjoyed a 10 hour drive up to Lake Itasca, MN.
Any spare moments were claimed to practice music we hadn't sung with Rachel or Andrew for a while.
We sang three times during the weekend, and enjoyed hearing, and getting to know, the other family groups there. Since it was an outdoor event, we were all grateful that, for the most part, we had beautiful weather! When it did rain they had a nice big building to hold everyone!
Daddy taught a workshop on family discipleship and music ministry.
During one concert Alan & Rachel shared the testimony of God's precious leading in their relationship.
For two sessions on Saturday we (along with Anna and Esther Beasley) presented:
The Children's Musical Storybook Hour
We introduced a new song to the children by explaining to the kids that there's a difference between 'rain' and 'reign.'
Andrew and Esther did an introduction skit for the Bible memory verse.
The Drama!
This year we told the story of Brother Andrew, who is a real man that smuggles Bibles into closed countries. The story starts when he is a VERY mischievous boy from Holland. He would play pranks on the friendly neighbors, Mr & Mrs Wetstra! One of which was when he put a pane of glass on top of their chimney which made for a smokey house the next time Mrs. Wetstra tried to bake cookies!
Playing a prank on the German soldiers that occupied Holland during World War II
Loving adventure, he joined the army as soon as he was old enough.
He had some dangerous experiences, yet still was not satisfied with life.
He was wounded during battle and ended up in a hospital. While there his friend brought to Andrew the Bible that his mother had given him before he left, but which he had always left on the bottom
of his bag. He began reading it, and through the Scriptures he saw his need for a Savior.
This is where the first session ended!
So what happened to Andrew next??????????
As soon as it was over some of us scurried over to help in the Snack Shack! It was super fun!!!
Taking the orders, making malts, shakes, and ice cream cones, with your sisters and friends is
a wonderful experience!
Then back for the second hour!
Singing,
Bible memory verse, and....
Drama!
This session told how God provided for him to go behind the iron curtain, and some of his experiences throughout the years. Brother Andrew has an incredible story! He has written several books. The one that Ruth wrote the drama from is called 'God's Smuggler.' We SO enjoy reading it out loud as a family in the evenings. It's filled with amazing testimonies of God's work to bless His children.
Saturday night concluded with several members from each of the families jamming together.
Sisters ...
and friends greeting you from the North country!
Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid;
'The Lord, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation.
Sing to the Lord, For He has done excellent things; This is known in all the earth.
Isaiah 12 : 3 & 5
