The weeks since my return from the short furlough to the States have flown by. Bible studies, sermons, visitation, planning, special events and guests have filled up our days.
One unexpected blessing was a visit from Rick and Suzanne York, friends that date back to the early seventies. Rick and Suzanne were missionaries to Puerto Rico for many years and then for twenty-three years served as missionaries to the Dominican Republic. Rick preached on Barnabas for the Sunday service of Nov. 17. He did a fine job.
Last Sunday (yesterday) the church was full. Mary counted one-hundred and twelve for the worship service. Very few chairs were empty. Spirits were high, evidenced by the enthusiastic singing and laughter. Several visitors were present including some members who often cannot come due to work schedules.Yesterday we also culminated a program of "40 Days of Random Acts of Kindness" with an unusually generous offering for the victims of the hurricane in the Philippines.
At the end of the service I had the delight of baptizing a young lady, one of our teenagers. It was a beautiful and meaningful moment for her, her parents, and the entire church.
After church all filed to the basement to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner; roasted turkey with all the Puerto Rican trimmings. As always, there was plenty to go around and several took food home.
I am in the process of planning the upcoming year and the calendar is filling up with special events, youth events, children's events, special speakers, and singers. I get a little tired just contemplating the whole thing :-). Kidding aside, we believe it will be one of the best years ever and we fully expect the Lord will bless our efforts.
Mary and I hope Thanksgiving will be a happy day for you. As for us, we hope to have around thirty for Thanksgiving dinner, an annual carry-in event at our house.
Until next time, God bless you.
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