Monday August 27, 2007

Happy 33rd Birthday

to

Our Favorite 2nd Daughter

You’ve Blessed Our Lives

We Love You.

~~~

East St. Louis Chapel Dedication

Saturday, August 25

We went to the truck stop early to help Chaplain Dan Stuckey prepare for the service.  The first job was setting up the tent.

Barrels were attached to each corner post to keep it stable in case of wind…

…then covered to match the tent.

At first I thought Chaplain Wayne was just using the barrel for a prop – then I noticed…

…he was filling it with water.

Raydean cleaning chairs.

Putting up the food tent.

Aligning the stage to the audience.

A beautiful bench that someone brought for the dedication.

A view of the area.

I love this photo of Dan and Raydean’s girls holding Wayne and Rita’s grandson – looking out the door of the chapel.

The music group singing and playing prior to the service.

Hamburgers on the grill added a fabulous scent to the area.

Chaplain Dan welcomed everyone – amid the sound of trucks coming and going.

There were about sixty-five people in attendance.

Gary Nussbaum, TFC Director of Church and Community Relations, gave the history of how this chapel came into existence.

Dan and Gary honored Ron and Brenda Hershberger for their vision in beginning the ministry at Pilot Travel Center, East St. Louis, IL.

Dan thanked the Pilot managers for permitting a chapel to be located at their truck stop.

The Audience

Howard Moses, TFC Director of Chaplain Care, prepares to dedicate this chapel to the Lord.

First he anointed and prayed for the chaplains and volunteers.

Each person was asked to lay hands on the chapel while Howard anointed it and prayed for its service to drivers.

Then it was time for food and fellowship.

A highlight for us was meeting Chaplain David Phiri from Africa.

He serves with Gospel Servants Ministries, International, and is affiliated with TFC in Zambia.

He is in the States being trained in both ministries.

It was encouraging to meet Myrtle West, who told me how much she enjoys reading my blog.  She learned to know about my site through The Extra Mile newsletter.

Then it was time to tear down.

Emptying the barrels was the last item on our agenda for the day.

~~~

After going to the motel to refresh our dusty bodies, we went to Dan and Raydean’s house for dessert. 

Thanks, Dan and Raydean, for planning a wonderful day.  Good job!