Saturday’s Trip to Western New York
More evidence that the leaves were a feast for our eyes.
We left home at 5:30 a.m. and arrived at the chapel about 11:30 a.m. – just in time for lunch.
Cerwin, Chaplain Dave Smith, and Sam Rittenhouse (who traveled with us) removed and cleaned the air conditioner.
Chaplain David (center) and Sam (right) visit with a man who shared an interesting testimony of his salvation, and ongoing cancer treatment.
This is the first time we met David, who recently moved to Corfu, New York, from Texas, to assist Chaplain Earl Carlson.
Cerwin, Sam and Chaplain Earl Carlson
Earl has had a tough summer and early fall. His wife Colleen died in late July, then a few weeks later he had a stroke. While going through recovery and more tests, he had a heart attack. A few days ago he had surgery to replace a heart valve.
Following our hospital visit, we went to the fundraising banquet for the Buffalo Chapel, which was held at The Columns, Elma, New York.
The staff served a delicious buffet meal.
Our welcome music and closing concert was by Flash of Brass, Corfu, New York. They are a group of very talented siblings, family, and friends. Their style is southern gospel.
The violin player is a daughter-in-law of the Schoenthal’s
Lee Schoenthal, father of several singers, operates their sound system.
Driver Jim Dwyer, Oakfield, New York, shared how Volunteer Chaplain Ray Parker (now deceased) was instrumental in leading him to Christ.
Driver Danny “Popeye” Kornechuk, St. Ann’s, Ontario, Canada, told us how he shares Christ with drivers – or anyone he meets.
This is why he is called “Popeye!” 
Chaplain David (seated) and Gary Nussbaum (Director of Church & Community Relations) were instrumental in organizing this banquet – following the death of Colleen and the illness of Chaplain Earl. Had it not been for them, and Gary’s wife Pearl, this evening would not have happened.
We told Pearl and Gary (Dalton, Ohio) that their involvement breathed life back into this banquet. Due to Earl and Colleen’s illnesses the past few years, we have been praying for someone to come along side them and “hold up their arms.” Gary and Pearl and Chaplain David Smith have been an answer to that prayer.
As Director of Church & Community Relations, Gary and Pearl move into an area of our ministry that needs development – or redevelopment – and live in this fifth-wheel.
I told them that I was going back to the International Office and report that what they are doing is working!
Cerwin and I were encouraged by several pastors who are willing to assist and help locate volunteer chaplains, and the renewed enthusiasm we felt from some of the “old timers.”
We were also encouraged by meeting Chaplain David Smith, who will go through training this week, as he prepares to come on staff. He seems to be well-grounded in the Word, and loves to share the love of Christ with truck drivers.
David shared a bit of his journey with the audience of ninety-one people.
Cerwin gave an update on chapel construction, and the two chapels that were delivered to truck stops since this banquet last year – St. Liboire, Quebec and Chilliwack, British Columbia.
We got back to the motel about 10:30 p.m.
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I can hardly wait to enter tomorrow night’s post.
Today (on the way home from western New York) we left at 5:30 a.m. to make a surprise visit to Mennonite Bible Fellowship Church, Morris, Pennsylvania. The reason: Sam’s daughter and the group she sings with were providing the morning program.
They were pleased and surprised to see us, but I was surprised to meet the mother and mother-in-law of two of my favorite bloggers. They sometimes show photos that include her, so I immediately recognized her. Because of that I also met other family members.
You must wait to see who it is.
