Sometimes a newsletter should have some news. I like to write about an event or some great thought that occurred during the month, but these last few days I have tried to think of something that would be of interest and I came up blank. So… I resort to simply reporting what we did since you last heard from us. A travelogue of sorts.
October started out in Shipshewana, Indiana where I sang at a “Crafter’s Fair” and the month ended up being on the same platform with Christian apologist and nationally known lecturer, Josh McDowell in Marlboro, Ohio. In between there were eight concerts, four prisons, two auctions, one recording session, two banquets, one rest home, a funeral and a wedding reception.
Merlin Yoder from Pigeon, Mich was killed in a farm accident, and although I knew his brother and sister much better than I knew him, his son was good friends with my children, so when they all came home from Virginia to attend their friend’s dad’s funeral, I piled in the motorhome with them and we went to Pigeon. The funeral was as victorious as it was sad. Such a good husband, father and community leader taken away before his time (at least that’s what it looks like from this side of eternity)… His life was a challenge to me. I wish I would have known him better.
We got home from the funeral in time to get ready for a reception here at our house for our son, Adam and his new bride, Katie (not to be confused with our daughter, Katie Lorain, who we now call “K-Lo,” and Adam’s wife is known as “K-Rod”). It was held on Saturday, Oct 29 and friends just dropped in to say hello and meet K-Rod. A great time! And our place looks good cleaned up!
In 1972 I went to Explo ’72 in Dallas, Texas, a huge (over 100,000 people) Campus Crusade for Christ gathering which is where I committed my life to Christ. One of the many great speakers at this week long event was Josh McDowell, who had just written the book, Evidence That Demands A Verdict, probably the defining work on Christian Apologetics in our time. I bought a copy that week and I have studied it and taught and preached from it many times. What a thrill, then, to be asked to team up with him for a “Josh McDowell Weekend” in Napanee, Ontario! I was pretty nervous to be with such a nationally know man, but I discovered that he is just a common guy. We had a blast! People committed their lives to Christ every time he spoke. And he liked my singing! When he learned that I don’t live far from Marlboro, Ohio where he was to be the next weekend, he requested that I be a part of the Sunday night service with him!
Other highlights of the month: a concert at The Carpenter’s Cafe at Keim Lumber; Charm Days, which is always a great time and good crowd; our Annual Fall CGM Fundraiser Banquet; a concert for Kyle Hostetler and all the residents at Walnut Hills to celebrate Kyle’s birthday; a concert at a deer hunt (yes, you read that right!)…
Maybe I should explain the deer hunt: Mose Keim told me that about 14 youth will be at a deer hunting seminar on Fred Hershberger’s farm in central Ohio. After the seminar all the youth go hunting and the parents hang around the tent until dark when they come back. Could I help dispel some of the boredom that descends upon the waiting parents back at the tent? I’ll try. Turned out just fine. I sang, the parents listened, and four of the youth got a deer. Mission accomplished. From prisons to deer hunts. Have guitar; will sing.
That’s a summary of October. Now Fall begins. November reminds us of deer hunting; cool nights; short days; and… Thanksgiving. We have so much for which to be thankful…
And that’s the news here at the International Worldwide Headquarters of Common Ground Ministries (a barn in the yard). Thank you for your prayers, your presence, your financial support and your friendship. I want to work while it is day. He is coming soon. Be ready!
November 28, 2011 | Categories: Uncategorized | Leave A Comment »
