June has given us two wonderful weekends of ministry so far in Cavalier and Grand Forks, North Dakota. On June 6th, we journeyed up to Cavalier, ND which is just a stone's throw from the Canadian border. Pastor Thomas Simmons and his wife Lynn warmly greeted us. God did some real special things in the lives of many. A great number of prodigals who had fallen away from God had returned home. I love those altar reunions!
It was such a joy to be home for Memorial Day weekend. Most people can't wait to get away for a vacation or to see relatives and friends; we are always thrilled to be able to go home to see them. Of course, the real treat for us was time spent with family since our daughter LaDawn, and grandchildren, Dante and Myanna, drove in from the Minneapolis area. The special event was…our daughter LaShawn from Nashville, TN flew in and totally surprised us…I love surprises!
We've had another action-packed two weeks of ministry. On the Saturday before Mother's Day, May 8, I was back in Lakeville, MN at Celebration Church and spoke at the "Mother's and Other's" spring luncheon. Nearly 200 women attended. Kim Serbus did a fantastic job in planning it. It dazzled with a French flair complimented with French pastries and fun decorations. You felt like you were sitting at a little sidewalk café in Paris, France… yes! My topic was "Lighten Up…It Could Be Worse". We laughed, we cried and we encouraged each other. Isn't encouragement what we all need today?
Greetings from Minneapolis, Minnesota! Whew - what a whirlwind of events…let's recap the last couple weeks. On Friday, April 23rd, we were in Mullen, NE ministering at Mullen Assembly of God with Pastor Van Berry. That Sunday, April 25th, we were in Gothenburg, NE for two Sunday morning services at the Evangelical Free Church. What a great congregation! We were so warmly greeted by Rev. Rick and Shelli Rehmert . When the altar call was given people flowed to the altar in response to the invitation to give their hearts to Christ or to make recommitments.
We've recently arrived in Nebraska and have covered a lot of ground since the last "On the Road" report. We left the Phoenix area on April 9th and had the opportunity to follow the infamous Route 66 up into Albuquerque, NM. On April 11th we had a service with Pastor Jerry Barnard and his wife Jeannetta at Trinity Family Church in Albuquerque, NM. Our time together was precious. Larry always has a saying before going in for a service "I wonder what the 'gold' will be in this service"?
Easter week…what a special time. It's a double celebration for Larry and I as we both committed our lives to Christ during this season many years ago. We are forever grateful. Being raised in a family with 10 brothers - five older and five younger - there was always an overabundance of excitement at any holiday, but especially at Easter.
There's nothing better than sunshine and laughter! Larry takes care of that department… and does it willingly -ha! I'm thankful I have a wonderfully happy husband. Every day we wake up together, we thank God for that gift of life. We've had wonderful services here in Arizona. On Sunday, March 7th, we were back at Celebration Church in Mesa, AZ with Pastor Randy Visconti. We always have fun there. The church name described our time of ministry - Celebration!
Here we are in sunny Arizona! Two weeks ago we left the palm trees and tropics of Hawaii and arrived in the palm trees, deserts and cactuses of Arizona. I am amazed at Gods beauty. Over thousands of miles the scenery and culture may change but the hunger for the lost to come to Christ….ever increases. The troubled times we live in, the economy, wars, earthquakes etc. all point to the soon return of Jesus Christ. People are desperately searching for hope in a hopeless world and are finally turning to God.
As you read this "On the Road", Larry and I will be flying over the ocean at 3000 feet, en route to Phoenix, Arizona. It is with mixed emotions that we bid Hawaii "Mahalo" and leave hundreds of new friends. We are so grateful to God for all the decisions for Christ that were made. The testimonies are simply thrilling.
Aloha! Larry and I are sitting here, having a cup of coffee (Hawaiian Kona coffee may I add) chatting, regrouping and preparing for another busy week. Mostly we've been rejoicing over what God has done in the past two weeks here in Oahu since our last on the road update. On Sunday January 24th, we were so happy to be back at Ewa Beach Assembly of God ministering with pastor friends, Bob and Kathy Stalcup. Kathy was responsible for bringing me over to the islands in 1990 to speak at a Women's conference for all the Hawaiian islands. It was held at the big island in Kona. Since that conference we've been privileged to return every 2 years to minister.