WEATHER, WHEAT, WONDERFUL GOD AND A WASP

This morning was so fresh and beautiful when I stepped out to let the dog run a little. I considered bringing my coffee out on the deck to the bistro and drinking in some of the morning with my coffee, but knew I didn't have the time. It was a perfect 77 degrees when we started our trip over to Lower Brule, and the temperature climbed a little as we traveled.

Wheat harvest has begun there, and the golden fields dotted with the bright gold bale nuggets caught our attention.

We had more than usual in service this morning, and a mother and daughter came in for the first time. We appreciate the faithfulness of the people who come to worship with us. One of the neighboring churches is having a VBS; so some of our children were at that church today. We had a few children, though; and we like to give them personal attention when we can. We told the story about Jesus asking his disciple to go and catch a fish and take the coin from the fish's mouth to pay the temple tax for him and his disciples. A good discussion followed, and we felt like we were able to convey the lesson that God can hear us pray and help us anytime we need His help. The girls shared some personal stories that indicated they understood the concept. We came away satisfied and feeling like we had helped them learn an important lesson about the power of God.

A wasp came to visit us today, and Ray went to battle with a broom. Ha! The girls were afraid of the wasp, but enjoyed the broom and much drama was added. :)

What is inside a piano, anyway??

We truly enjoy this part of our week, and the opportunity that we get to mingle with the friendly people of Lower Brule. Thank you for your interest, and may God bless you. Please pray with us, as we have scheduled a short series of revival services with the Beechers in September.

Heat And A Hat

Today promised to be hot from the beginning, and the day has lived up to the promise. While driving over to Lower Brule, I wondered how many people would be inclined to venture from their homes to come to church and Sunday School. We were noticing as we drove into Lower Brule and onto the street where the church is located that there was not a movement anywhere in town. Nobody was 'out and about,' not even the dogs. Usually the dogs are sleeping in the yards-they were nowhere in sight today. Since Ray moved a window air conditioner from the basement and put it in a window of the church last week, we knew that the church would be quite comfortable.

A couple of men came in for church, and several children came for Sunday School. One of the mothers has been attending and bringing her little ones that she feels are too small to come by themselves. She takes such good care of them, and she helps them finish their craft for the day. I taught her older daughter to play one of the little songs on the piano; so she plays the piano while we sing that song, and her little sister holds the illustrated book for everyone to sing. Everyone enjoys it. One young man came today who was very intent on the story, even before we got to telling it. He was intrigued by the pictures, and he kept handling them. After I told the story, I asked a couple of questions, and he had the answers right away. He seemed to absorb the story of the transformation of Jesus on the mountain, and he was awed by it. Oh, for the freshness of a child! We decorated sun visors for the heads today for a craft.The flooding seems to be staying the same at Lower Brule. The basement in the church is wet and musty, and we are running fans and the dehumidifier at top capacity. Hopefully, it will improve with time.

Thank you for your interest in Lower Brule. May God bless you and give you peace!

MIGHTIER THAN THE FLOODS

The floods have lifted up, O LORD, the floods have lifted up their voice, the floods lift up their waves.

The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea.

Psalm 93:3,4

Lower Brule has seen water in abundance. It flooded across roads, blocking access and egress; it flooded the fields, it lapped up toward houses, and it tragically took the lives of two ladies from Lower Brule. These ladies, driving separate cars, were washed down a creek when the culvert under the road washed away, opening a fifty-foot wide and deep gash in the highway. One of these ladies was an acquaintance at the Lower Brule College-a tragic loss to the community. Both ladies served the community, and will be deeply missed. Ray and I attended the wake of the one lady. Please pray for two of her children who were not able to return to the reservation for the funeral and comfort of friends and family.

Though the town is soggy, it has mercifully left only the basement of the church damp, musty, and some mold growing. We have a little work to do before we have the Sunday School downstairs again.

Today was quite quiet and attendance was down in both services due to the holiday. We were happy that the Fort Thompson group joined us this morning for service, and we enjoyed dinner together. We like their company. We are glad they thought of us.

Last weekend we attended Spring Creek Indian Camp, as we have for the last 20 years since we moved to South Dakota. We feel refreshed after joining with our western friends and worshiping together.

Thank you for your interest in Lower Brule Wesley Mission. May God bless you!