WONDERFUL PROBLEMS

We were feeling happy and stimulated (maybe a little overstimulated) as we left Lower Brule today. We are greatly encouraged. Our encouragement is mingled with a realization that we have to make some adjustments to keep up with the progress. Some other children that were playing outside were wanting to come this Sunday, but they were still shy. I asked them if we could count on them next week, and they said that they will come next Sunday. We did not have all of our regular children today, and that would swell our numbers a little. We have some other children that we are wanting to encourage to come. I feel that some are waiting for a little 'push,' and they will attend Sunday School. Our little minivan was a little crowded this morning while we were picking up the children and when we took them home, and we realized that we will need to bring the old blue warrior van out next week so we can pick them all up. It operates on prayer most of the time, it seems like, but it is necessary to have room for everyone.

Esther had her hands full this morning in the basement, as it is a challenge to have from 2-year-olds to 9-year-olds and keep all of their attention focused for 45 minutes to one hour. I have come down to help the last two weeks after she has told the story and the littlest children are finished with their coloring so that I can help entertain them while she finishes with the older ones. The children were very good this morning, but the little ones became restless. She commented on the way home today that she is really needing to split the group, and someone else is needed downstairs all during the time the children are there. Sometimes we are painfully aware of our limitations. However, these are wonderful problems. We well remember when it was hard to get two or three children to come to church in the morning. Now they are usually up and dressed for church and waiting for us to come pick them up. Ray had some of his regular group and a young man who was there for the first time since we were there. He is in his early teens, and he was attentive and respectful. He seemed like a promising young man. Please pray that he will come back and that he will give his life completely to the Lord.

We have been planning some renovation to the basement, and we hope to start on some of it in the next two weeks. We hope to paint the walls and tables bright colors, and we plan to make one of the tables into a chalkboard table for the little guys to entertain themselves and draw on after they are finished with their work and need something to do. It can also be used for a teaching aid for them. We feel that bright colors will brighten the dingy and dark basement.

We are thankful for the opportunity to work in Lower Brule, and we enjoy the work very much. I am working on obtaining employment in the schools in that area, and have been promised a job teaching English in the Lower Brule College next fall. Hopefully, we will be able to move that direction in the next year. Please pray that we will have wisdom, and that God's perfect will is worked out in relation to the Lower Brule church. Also, please pray that we can have help if God wills it, and that He will put it on that one's heart. We do not feel that we can "call" anyone to God's special work. Also, please pray about a van for the church. Thank you for your interest.