February 29, 2012
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Eating, laughing, telling stories…
Last weekend began with a visit to my sister’s home in Toledo, Ohio. We had an incredible time with Scott, Pam, Tyler, and Tori Klem! The weekend visit fell at the perfect time. We were only in Toledo for 21 hours, but we were able to watch Tyler and Tori both play basketball for their respective teams. Tyler (a junior) plays for the Witmer High School Varsity Basketball team. Witmer is ranked 8th in the state of Ohio. The night we watched, they won their TRAC conference and we were able to see Tyler and his team cut the net down. Tori’s basketball team has not lost a game in two years! We did NOT bring them bad luck as they trounced the opponent on Saturday morning. We laughed, played games, ate together, and just enjoyed being together.
This past Sunday was one we will not forget. It was our Sunday morning at Fort Wayne Grace Point. Grace Point is the church where Jenni attended from birth to the day we moved to Kansas City for seminary. I also attended Grace Point during my 6th grade year and then again when I was a sophomore and junior in high school. We were married in this church and I started my pastoral ministry in this church. Much of Jenni’s family attend Grace Point still today. We had an incredible morning. My Uncle Ed (my dad’s brother) and Aunt Linda came. My Uncle Kevin (my mom’s brother) and Aunt Linda came. My Aunt Debbie and cousin Rachel were there. I was able to see many early converts from my past who are still serving Jesus. The church was so gracious and generous with us. We were overwhelmed. Thank you to our Grace Point family for your love and support!
In the evening we traveled to Bluffton First Nazarene. The pastor there is Tim Miller. Tim was my youth pastor and a great influence in my life. In reminiscing, I realized all the important moments in my life that Tim and his wife, Monica, were involved in. Tim was my youth pastor when I sensed God’s call in my life to full-time ministry. I was in Tim and Monica’s house the first time I held Jenni’s hand. Tim officiated at my wedding. We told some fun stories, laughed, ate together, and got re-acquainted with their children. The church was great! For our Houston Living Word family, Bluffton First is the church where Pastor Ron’s father pastored for many, many years. In fact, we even saw Ron’s sister, Annette.
This week has been full of more family and friend time. We had dinner on Monday with Brandon and Sharla Moga, Jared and Rachel Freeman, and Aunt Debbie. Sharla and Rachel are my cousins. Great time with them and all the kids!
We have also been doing some major detail work for our move to Ukraine. We have worked on a limited power of attorney, last will and testament, packing, paperwork for visas, etc. The other day, Jenni looked at me and said, “Will we ever get everything done?” I think we can… I think we can.
On Friday morning we leave for Indianapolis. We will stay with Bill and Carolyn Morris through Monday morning. Bill was the music minister at Lake Ave (Grace Piont) when I first became a pastor. He remains one of my lifetime mentors and we just LOVE his family. Sunday we will be at Indianapolis First Nazarene in the morning and evening service. In the morning, I will be sharing our journey toward to mission field. In the evening, I will be sharing last year’s experience with praying in Jesus’ name and the challenges I faced with the Veteran’s Administration.
We are thankful for God’s call and direction in every step we take!
