Saturday December 20, 2008

 

 

Visiting Friends

&

A Christmas Buffet

 

 

Last night we were invited to Gerald and Joanne’s house (right) for dessert, and a visit with Wycliffe missionary friends Craig and Shannon.

 

 

When invited to Joanne’s house for dessert, we know not to eat a large meal before going.  We had cheese, pretzels, crackers, pecan pie, cherry cheese cake, ice cream, and a vegetable tray.

 

 

It was so good to spend an evening with Craig and Shannon, and hear about their work in Brazil.  Craig is a pilot and Shannon is a teacher.  (Their four children were with his parents for the evening.)

We also had fun reminiscing about youth activities and the summers that Craig went with us to a first nation reserve (Pikagikum) in northwestern Ontario, Canada, to teach Bible school in the mid ’80s.

They have been home on furlough, and will be returning to Brazil in a few days.

 

 

A Christmas decoration in the kitchen.

 

~~~

 

This morning we were awake early, picked up our friends Harold and Lois at 5:50, and arrived at the TFC Christmas buffet near Harleysville about one hour and forty-five minutes later.

 

 

I understand there were about sixty people there.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The opening song was, Away in a Manger by David.  He’s familiar with singing to an audience, as he is a member of the Fehr Family Singers. 

 

 

Donna Godshall presented a fabulous concert – reminding us that – Jesus got the birthday, but we got the gift.

 

 

She sang another song that I hadn’t heard in awhile.  I was challenged by the reminder that when Jesus came to us…

Hope was given hands

Freedom was given feet

Love was given a heartbeat

Grace was given a face

Compassion was given a tear

Joy was given laughter

and

Peace was given a smile.

 

 

Her husband, Jeff, runs her soundboard.

 

 

Their friend John accompanied her on guitar for the last few songs.

 

 

I was blessed!

 

 

Bunny O’Hare, TFC’s Director of Chaplains, shared several testimonies from drivers.

 

 

His wife, Peg, read a testimony from someone who called the office for prayer.

 

 

After Cerwin gave a chapel construction update (I always forget to take his picture – probably because I am usually running a PowerPoint for him), Sam Rittenhouse (above) gave a challenge about supporting TFC financally.  The economical challenges that are facing the country are having a heavy impact on the trucking world, and consequently trickling down to us at Transport For Christ.  Sam is Assistant Director for Chaplain Care.

 

 

The room was beautifully decorated for Christmas.

 

 

It is always good to be reminded of God’s faithfulness – through friends or concerts.