HOLDING OUR HANDS

I have read of astounding incidents in which dramatic rescues have been accomplished by a group of people who form human chains and pull someone to safety. Each person gripped the hand of the person before and behind him, and they utilized their combined strength to execute the rescue. Anything that is accomplished in life is done through a series of people who contribute to the effort. The last person who is in the line of accomplishments usually 'gets the credit' for the whatever happens.


This blog post is dedicated to those who help here at the mission, but have not received recognition that they deserve. Some have come out a Sunday or so and helped in some way, some have come to a special service and helped, and some have helped in the background. Last Christmas, Amy Susan came out and helped Esther and I as we held a series of children's services just before the Christmas Program and then had the Program. The Kalovsky family came out and helped make the Christmas Program happen. Ben was the narrator, Abraham played his violin, Zak and Lori helped get the children costumed and up on the platform at the right moment. They also donated for the treat bags that we distributed after the program. We made contacts that have given us Sunday School children throughout this year.Ray had knee surgery last winter, and he was not able to preach nor go to the mission for many weeks. Ben Kalovsky took Ray's place most Sundays, and Lindell Howard filled in one Sunday. At Easter, we had a Good Friday service with communion, and Ray needed help as he was not able to walk freely yet. Dale Sherman from Winner and Scott Yoder from Ravinia helped him serve the communion. Lindell Howard sang in the service. Our friends Mike and Vivan Pile came from Indiana this summer and visited the mission one Sunday. They were a great encouragement and boost to our morale. Rev. Melvin and Kay Beecher also stopped in on a Monday and visited and spent a couple of days with us. This also was an encouragement. We need willing fellowship from God's people, and these times help to meet that need. I also have the blessing of a friend who calls every time when we get home to see how the weekend went,and she listens patiently while I give her all the details-good or bad.This friend also does us another weekly favor. Pet owners know how a pet can curtail activities such as going away for the weekend. Lori and her children keep up with the dog while we are gone, and we rest comfortably, knowing that he is being cared for. Lori periodically comes down to the house over the weekend, Abraham comes sometimes, and her daughter Jessica and her little daughter Lizzy Beth come over sometimes. Lori called me a couple of weeks ago because Duke uncharacteristically ran away from her. I told her to go check Jessica's house; and, sure enough, he was paying her a visit! :) I think he thinks the Kalovskys are his family, too.
Maybe we have unintentionally left someone out-I hope not. If so, God know about you, and we are so thankful for those who form a human chain and work to keep the mission going smoothly.