Celebrations - Stephen's Birthday

Our trip to the Phenix City area coincided with a BIG celebration - Stephen's 30th birthday.  I still don't understand how these children grow up to become the age of their parents...how can it be?!

We asked Stephen what was something special that he would like to do...so Friday morning we headed to Atlanta for an overnight trip to the Braves game.  It was a great time as we celebrated...

Yes, he says he is not celebrating any more birthdays, only anniversaries. 

It was a very good night of baseball as the Atlanta Braves began a three game winning streak against the Arizona Diamondbacks with a 4-2 win.



And then they even presented a spectacular fireworks show for his birthday - well, a Friday night Publix firework display.

Before the game, we had enjoyed lunch at The Broadway Diner near our hotel where we were staying...a definite place to visit if you are in the area - check out the menu.  Of course, we had to enjoy the traditional hot dog at the ball field...nothing quite like it at the game.

We spent the night at a neat hotel across the street from the Fox Theater.  Saturday we toured the Jimmy Carter Presidental Library, even snapping a photo in the Oval Office.

Great time of Celebration! 

 We treasure these times and will store up the memories

to enjoy in the upcoming years away from family.

We sure do love this "growed up baby boy."

Happy 30th Stephen!



Rewalking some former paths...

One of the rewarding things about our stateside journey is being able to renew long time friendships and rewalk some of the former paths of life. 

Recently we returned to Phenix City, Alabama to Central Baptist Church. 

David was called as Minister of Education in April 1978.  

These were very special years in ministry, friendships, and family. 

Then seven and a half years later, we launched out to New Orleans, Louisanna

for David to complete his seminary degree.

Ministry was fruitful -
      * we began AWANA and it still flourishes today
      * many children entered the family of God and some are the key leaders in the church today
      * many lives were impacted for Christ and continue faithful today.
Friendships were laid that still run deep -
      * some friends still live in the Phenix City area and we were able to renew special friendships on this visit
      * some friendships continue from distant cities and are continued with email, facebook, etc.
      * some dear ones have transitioned to the eternal home and await renewed times around the Throne.
Family memories are treasured -
     * Miriam, Stephen and Rebecca were born here.

It was here that God first opened our eyes to Guatemala.  Early in our Christian lives, we had each laid our life on the altar for service with no preferences of location.  As we continued to follow God's path, we ministered faithfully in churches and as He allowed, on mission trips on foreign soil.  We planted mission seeds in the lives of our family, in the lives of church family, in the lives of any who would listen.  Then finally, God said, "Buy a one way ticket."  What a priviledge it was to Guatemala - our heart since those days at Central. 

It was such a blessing to return "home." 

How sweet to hear of their love for us and of their continued prayers,

calling our names to the Lord on a regular basis. 

How blessed we are to have life investers like these dear friends.

Life Shapers

Recently I read this phrase and I stored it away to use in this blog...Rev. Inman Gerrald is a Life Shaper.

David came to know the Lord when he was 15 years old.  At that time, he began to attend the Baptist Church in Adrian, GA where Inman Gerrald was the pastor.  Bro. Gerrald began being a Life Shaper - investing in David's life, tutoring him, and mentoring him.  Over the years, wherever God's path took David, he knew he had the prayer covering and love of Bro. and Mrs. Gerrald. Whenever he returned home, one of the folks with whom he wanted to spend time was Bro. Inman.  After we married they continued to invest in our lives - encouraging and loving us.  This past year, Mrs. Gerrald walked her last journey into the Father's presence.  It probably one of the most difficult times that David experienced on the mission field - when he was not able to return home to preach her funeral as that had always been her request.

Bro. Inman is growing older but continues faithful in ministry, pastoring a small country church about an hour and a half from where we are living during stateside assignment.  Recently we were able to visit the church and share with them of our ministry in Guatemala.

 Thanks, Bro. Inman Gerrald for making eternl investments as a Life Shaper!

Celebrations

We are enjoying the opportunity to celebrate some important milestones.

On the sixth, we celebrated our 34th wedding anniversary with a trip to Florida.

Yes, many years have passed since we said, "I do," but the love has only grown deeper.

Deborah and Chris joined us for a few days of fun and sun. They took us to one of their favorite places to eat...

If it wasn't the sun blinding us, it was the wind blowing

but it was fun and oh so good!

One of those places where we want to return.

Then this weekend, we enjoyed another big celebration

...the wedding of a Guatemalan missionary "all grown-up kid."

Many of her Guatemalan "family" was able to attend and what fun it was to be gather together

and celebrate the love of Rebecca and Grant. 

Nice of them to get married so we could have this big party...haha.

Isn't this a spiffy bridal portrait?  Just like her Dad, only quite a bit prettier!

Rebecca's sister in law, Claudia, made the cake...isn' it it pretty?

It was a dessert reception complete with homemade ice cream. 

Chocolate...vanilla...peach...peppermint

What a neat idea for a hot summer evening!

"Recuerdos" for all the guests - fans, and little momentos, and then

light sticks to light their way to the "get away car."

Love Sharing the Vision of Reaching Guatemala

We are loving sharing the vision of reaching Guatemala with churches in the US. 

Our first Sunday in the states, we shared at Pine Ridge Batist Church in Zebulon, NC.  we had a good time spending time with long time friends Nick and Stephanie Bates and meeting little Levi for the first time.

Then a couple of weeks ago, we shared with a WMU group at Daniel Baptist Church in Richmond Hill, GA.  It was a delight to begin new friendships that will continue through eternity.

This past Sunday, we renewed friendship with Dan and Sylvia Zellner and spoke at their church, Clito Baptist Church.  What a joy it is to see others catch the vision of praying for Guatemalans.  One day they will see the ones for whom they prayed gathered at the Throne with them.  Are you making the same eternal investment?