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April 2008 -Winter comes to an end at Gulf Shores. As spring begins to blossom we realize our time is ending at Gulf Shores once again. This has been a difficult winter emotionally for us as plans for the summer have been up and down so often. One thing about serving as missionaries is realizing that our plans and God's are not always the same and sometimes the reasons are difficult to discern. As early as December we were asked to consider a Baptist Camp in Michigan and agreed to talk about it and spend time in prayer seeking God's will. He closed that door for now and began to give us a peek at the request to return to Gulf Shores as House Parents for college students on mission. We have spent the past four summers in that position in West Yellowstone , MT but the Christian Innovator Ministry there is one with 17 years behind it. Gulf Shores is attempting to have a similar ministry here but there have been many obstacles ending with the city of Orange Beach not certain about allowing us to park the motorhome on the church property. We believe that God has something else in store for us and are praying for His will for us for the summer. We also feel that we have some medical issues that need to be resolved before accepting an assignment for the summer. We served this winter knowing these were facing us when we return to Alabaster. We just continue to pray that whatever the outcome we will be able to continue in the mission field. God blessed us with additional RV parks to serve in this winter and Nate Diehl, the resort missionary for the Gulf Area and Baldwin County called last night to let us know he has accepted another one. We continue to tell him that is all great except he needs to find some additional preachers, that he and Butch can't cover them all!! He scheduled this one for Sunday evening so God will provide. I have included some pictures of some of the services in the State Park and the others. As you can see the numbers vary from a dozen to about 125-150 at the State Park. Most of these are senior adults fondly called “snowbirds” but we do occasionally have younger people visiting. The bible study this winter grew from 6-8 last winter to averaging around 30 this winter. A gentleman from Ohio leads it as he has for several years. Our music and choir director is a “young” lady of 81 years from Illinois . She has been returning to the state park for I think she told me 23 years. Her husband died about 8 years ago and she continues to drive herself back to the park each winter. These seniors remain active with volleyball, horseshoes, fishing, bicycle riding, walking, and exercise classes three times a week. They have activities in the evenings playing cards, dominoes, or getting together with various instruments. Dulcimer seems to one of the favorite choices. I know we are seniors but there is no way I can keep up with them. Perhaps there are those of you reading this that might like to consider ministering in an area like this. It certainly changes the way you look at growing “older”!! We will return to Alabaster on the 11 th and look forward to seeing family and friends there for a while. Your support and prayers have made it possible for us to continue doing what God has called us to do and we thank you from the bottom of our heart. We know the economy is really tight now but we are so proud of all those who continue to give to missions and to be involved in missions. For those who feel they can't do either just remember that Prayer is our most coveted asset and anyone can do that. God bless you all and may this be a great spring and summer for you and your loved ones. Serving in His Name, |
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