Greetings from Sisseton!  I was just sitting here in awe and was commenting to Larry how nice it has been to be based out of our home in South Dakota since May.  We drive out for Saturday and Sunday ministry returning home Sunday evenings gloriously exhausted from ministering but what comfort it is to come back to our home, sleep in our own bed, wake up to coffee perking and having the aroma rejuvenating me and inspiring me to work from our home office.  I told Larry, "Wow!  The older I get, the more the desire swells to come back home---there is just something about home."

 Speaking of coming home---it is always thrilling and emotional to see prodigals spiritually come back home.  In every service, someone's loved one is winding and finding his or her way back to the Heavenly Father.  What rejoicing!

We had a wonderful and exciting service at Calvary Assembly of God in Sioux Falls, SD last Sunday.  Dozens of our friends and partners we have known through the years joined us for the morning of ministry.  Many of them have followed us on our ministry journey---some from a year, to twenty years to even fifty years.

Pastor Todd and Goldie Leininger gave us such a warm welcome and made us feel so at home.  We have known them for years.  Sunday morning when Pastor Todd introduced us he said,

"About ten years ago Larry and Gloria came to a church we were pastoring and as always at the end of the service Larry made an altar call.  A little boy made his way to the altar that morning to accept Jesus as his personal savior.  It was our little boy, Bret.  Bret is not so little anymore in fact he stands six feet tall and in a few short weeks will be leaving our home for a college dorm but the commitment he made that day remains firm in his heart.  This is one mom and dad who are very grateful the ministry of Larry and Gloria."

Todd and Goldie Leininger

I know kids hate to hear us say, "We remember you since you were in diapers or in a high chair," BUT with Todd and Goldie's son, Bret---we really do remember him since he was a toddler in a high chair.  He always had such a great smile and gentle spirit.  We are proud of you!

"As I step into adulthood I am so thankful for the relationship I have with Jesus Christ.  He is the rock I stand on when everything around me is changing.  

Thank you Larry and Gloria for being part of my journey with Jesus."

-Bret Leininger  

It was also a joy to see Don and Vickie Hagen, formerly of Sisseton.  They were so kind to take special interest in our girls when they were teenagers.  When we would come home off a long tour, they always invited our girls out to their home to fellowship with their teenagers. 

They always had the gift of hospitality and made our girls feel so accepted and loved. 

Don and Vickie continue to pour out the love of Jesus!  Thank you! 

Their son, Jim, a friend of our girls, is the head of the Department of Tourism in South Dakota.  He is doing a superb job promoting our great state!  Speaking of…often in our services, Larry will tell the people where we are from…then…with that mischievous grin asks, "How many have heard of our famous rock group in South Dakota?"  A bit shocked and not knowing how to respond, Larry then adds, "It's Mount Rushmore!  They are carved out of rock."  Get it…HA!  That's my Larry!

We travel thousands of miles each year but we are seldom in an area where we have relatives so we were excited to have several of the Brooks' cousins come out to join us last Sunday as well.

Here are my Brooks' Cousins: Loretta Silcott, Deanna Hanly, Jackie & Earl Brown, Nancy & Lonnie Peterson.

"The service was so much fun.  We really enjoyed the music and message.  We are so glad we got to come."

We were also honored to have the District Superintendent of the South Dakota Assemblies of God, Steve Schaible and his wife, Rachel, attend the service. 

They are truly a special couple and we are so privileged to have them lead our fellowship in South Dakota. 

"It was such a privilege to be in the service at Sioux Falls Calvary Assembly on Sunday with long time friends, Larry and Gloria.  The music was refreshing and inspiring.  The message was encouraging. But the best past was when two young boys went forward to give their hearts to Jesus, along with two mature men.  The angels were rejoicing!"

Rev. Steven & Rachel Schaible

Before heading to Sioux Falls, we were in Huron, SD on July 13^th, which is a joy each time we return!  Wow….as always…it was great to have a number of partners and friends that drove in to join us for the morning.  The sanctuary was filled with anticipation and excitement of what God was going to do…and it happened at the altar call! 

The Lead Pastor, Rev. Tom Brantner, was gone on vacation but the Associate Pastor, Jon Molan, and his wife Heather did a wonderful job!  It was a pleasure working with them!  We loved their excitement soulwinning and reaching the lost.  They truly were an encouragement to us as you could see their passion for evangelism.  We were so thrilled at all those that responded to the altar call that morning!

Pastor Jonathan Molan

Huron, SD

We can't forget to wish a Happy 16^th Birthday to Myanna!!!  Our granddaughter from Nashville has grown so quickly from a toddler to a teenager.  She now gets her driver's license…oooh…Mom gets to pray more! 

Myanna, we love you and are proud of you.  Never forget, God has great plans for your life!

We hope you are enjoying your summer! If you are in the area, please join us for the following services:

SUMMER UP & COMING SCHEDULE

Aug. 3   AM    Lowry, MN, Lowry Community Covenant Church, 320-424-0560 

Aug. 10  AM    Watertown, SD, Christian Life Assembly of God, 605-886-3392

Aug. 31 AM     Elk River, MN, Twin Lakes Christian A/G, 763-241-1111

Gloria