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TFC Chapel at Faith Bible

Evangelical Free Church

Woodstock, Connecticut

Sunday, October 18

It was a beautiful morning.

The small congregation came across the street to the chapel for what is usually their worship and prayer time.

Chaplain Jeff conducted a shortened “chapel service” to give them an idea of what morning worship looks like on a chapel. He did a great job.

Then we went back to the church. This is the entrance area.

Jeff and Maryellen’s daughter Hannah opened worship by playing and singing.

Soon an older friend joined her. They sounded so good. It blessed my heart to watch these two different generations singing together.

This young man was interested in talking to Cerwin about the chapel and TFC ministry work.

I wanted an updated picture of Jeff and Maryellen’s family, so took several.

Jeff, Maryellen, Hannah, Elizabeth, and Mya-Grace

Then we were on our way home through more beautiful Connecticut countryside.

It was a long ride home for me, because I was dealing with the leftover effects of laryngitis (fever and irritating cough). I kept pushing all weekend and did well (with God’s strength).

~~~

It is now Tuesday, and I have been resting as much as possible the past two days – taking medicine, drinking lots of juice, and eating chicken noodle soup. I don’t have time to be sick. 

We can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!

Romans 5:5 (The Message)

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We know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

Romans 5:5 (New Living Translation)

Happy Birthday

To Our Favorite Hannah

We Love You!

Grandpa & Grandma

Taking the Chapel to the Church

Where Chaplain Jeff’s Family Attends

Sunday, October 16

Part 1

We had a forty minute drive on Sunday morning – taking the chapel from Chaplain George’s church to Chaplain Jeff’s church.

It was a beautiful drive.

Chaplain Jeff was waiting for us at a designated spot and directed us to a pull-off area where Cerwin parked the chapel and went with Jeff to look over possible parking areas for the chapel.

Pretty scenery in the area where I waited in the chapel.

The church where Jeff and his family attend was once a barn and potato cellar.

Because of the hilly landscape and too soft grassy area, the men chose to park the chapel along the edge of the road.

Part 2 tomorrow night.

You call out to God for help and he helps—he’s a good Father that way. But don’t forget, he’s also a responsible Father, and won’t let you get by with sloppy living.

1 Peter 1:17 (The Message)

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Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear.

1 Peter 1:17 (New International Version)

Exhilirating Day in Scotland, Connecticut

Saturday, October 15

The cute cottage that was ours for the weekend.

I asked George and Nancy if they put us in a cottage for the elderly.

They assured us that it did not mean for the those of elder age, but it is a church-related term named for the elders of the church that developed this camp meeting grounds many years ago.

Saturday morning we were back at the conference. Since someone had to stay with the chapel, I chose that location – to fine-tune my afternoon presentation for the children. Before long Cerwin hurried to the chapel, because he wanted me to take a picture of the choir – a combination of adult, children, and teenagers.

The chapel was rarely quiet because of many visitors who stopped to see us.

Some stopped in when they arrived at the church or when they were leaving, and we could always tell when there was a break in meetings.

By their actions we knew that seeing a chapel helped them to visualize what George does in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. We heard words like: beautiful, amazing, so cool, sweet, wonderful, wow, impressive, awesome, incredible, and lovely.

George had responsibilities during the afternoon workshops inside the church, so asked if I would do a half-hour workshop for three sets of children on Saturday afternoon.  I presented the same PowerPoint to all three groups – just adjusted the information a bit.

It was quite a fun time as I taught them about truckers, trucks, trailers, and the reason there is a ministry to truck drivers.

They were wonderful, attentive kids.

During a break, I went inside and saw the displays of those participating in the missions conference. Apparently everyone was inside the sanctuary, because the displays were not manned at the time. George and Nancy’s is the navy one on the left.

I like this verse so took a photo of this painting on a wall near the kitchen.

I forgot that there are so many stone walls in the Connecticut countryside.  I love seeing them.

A cross on the outside of the church.

The chapel.

This couple asked if we know Alex and Rin Van Hemert (TFC Canadian Board) . We do.  John (left) is Alex’s brother! What fun to meet them. They do not live in this area, but were visiting with friends who attend this church.

George and Nancy set up a nice display.

After the activities were over for the day (4:00 p.m.) the four of us went out for supper.

Thanks George and Nancy for taking good care of us on Friday and Saturday.

The moment I called out, you stepped in; you made my life large with strength.

Psalm 138:3 (The Message)

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You answered me when I called to you; with your strength you strengthened me.

Psalm 138:3 (Good News Translation)

We’re in Scotland, Connecticut

Friday evening, October 14

Notice the chapel on the right side of the church?

After getting the chapel setup, and showing it to a few people, we went inside for the opening session of the Missions Conference.

Seated at our table were Chaplin Mark Garret, his son Steven, Nancy and Chaplain George Freeman, and Cerwin. Mark and Geoge serve on the Shrewsbury, Massachusetts chapel.

This is George and Nancy’s home church.

After a delicious meal of international cuisine – representing some of the countries where their missionaries are serving, we listened to several, very interesting stories and testimonies from missionaries.

Continued tomorrow.

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger bringing good news, breaking the news that all’s well, proclaiming good times, announcing salvation, telling Zion, “Your God reigns!”

Isaiah 52:7 (The Message)

~~~

I thought of these words last night as we listened to testimonies of missionaries from people who have gone into various parts of the world.

Four Pictures From Our Road Trip Today

Friday, October 14

It was a beautiful day for heading north.

Seven hours later we were at our destination. I’ll tell you where we are tomorrow night.