A daughter turning 30...

Keeping Sara's surprise party a surprise wasn't easy. Her husband Tony had to handle all the legistics of making it happen because we were away on the mission trip.
The difficult part is having your baby turn 30!!! Yet, this is supposed to be a celebration. So, what can I celebrate? I am celebrating that I have lived to see my children grown and to see two wonderful grandsons! I am celebrating that while I was away this beautiful daughter led our church worship. I am celebrating her life and the struggles that have and are making her a stronger and more beautiful woman.
Solomon in all his wisdom wrote in Ecclesiastes 3: 1 "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." And in verse 11: "He has made everything beautiful in its time." I have lived to see this beautful baby grow to this beautiful woman...in His time.

Monday at Kabankalan

It is around noon time here and children's ministry is winding down for the morning. The medical will be busy all day. There are so many people, I don't want to guess at, waiting to be seen by the medical team. Many of the music team helped with the children's ministry this morning and I'm thankful we have been able to see these two ministries in action before the band leaves tomorrow.
Rick's blog will fill you in on his blog with some of the details of what we've done. Really though ministry is just getting started but we are all learning a whole lot about ourselves as things change and schedules not being what they were ten minutes ago.
If you get a chance to read this before tonight please pray that I have my voice tonight at 7:00 for the concert...For some reason it's not doing well.
Everyone is feeling OK...I had a migraine adjusting to the humidity but everyone else is well. We've enjoyed spending some ministry time with everyone but having Katie and Dan with us has been great.
I miss you all, but especially Dylan and Evan...here's a big smooch for the grandchildren.
Lee, if you're reading this call mom and tell her I'm doing good.
Sara, Mom loves you and wishes your voice was a part of this tremendous opportunity. I'm so thankful to have you take charge back home and get things done.!!! Katie says hi too.
Love you all!

Before we leave...

Tonight we leave for the Philippines and I must say I AM EXCITED!!! This moring I was up at 3:00 AM and not able to sleep so I finished packing, had some devotional time and got a little excercise.
While reading Psalm 9 my heart was drawn to the first three verses. I will sing...I will tell...I will be glad...I will sing. What at wonderful theme for me and all the members of the Union River Band and we go to share the Lord's music on the island of Negros.
Verse 10 tell us the Lord will never forsake those who seek Him. My heart's prayer is that God will clearly be praised and shared as we minister to thousands who need Him. Verse 3 tells us our enemies turn back...they stumble and perish before God. Our enemy is not liking what we are about to do but we have a God who will go before us. I have not doubt that we will have a prosperous journy! I AM EXCITED!!!