April Notes
Well, March is over and truly as the saying goes it "Came like a Lion and left as a lamb." Easter was a week ago today. I am grateful for the day off and time spent with the Lord remembering especially His triumphant victory over death by rising bodily from the tomb. It is so remarkable and comforting when you think about it and for those of us who are saved. For so many years I have studied history and learned about the terrible devastation, destruction and death that war brings. Jesus said "Because I live you shall live also",[John14:19]. So whenever death comes we need not be afraid [just make sure you are truly saved!].
March events-
1] Work has been far less stressful as there are far fewer soldiers coming and going at this time.In the news from Iraq it is reported that there are far fewer casualties and that insurgent violence is down.It might mean because of the free elections;time will tell.During free time at work I try to stay busy with studies.
2] I haven't left base very much largely because I just like the simple life the Camp offers. I drive to the various towns for church and often to visit the public libraries.I've checked out some videos:"Pathes of Glory",[powerful anti-war film];"Friendly Persuasion" another anti-war film about a Quaker family in southern Indiana during the Civil War;this afternoon I watched a film adaptation of Hemingway's "The Old Man and the Sea." All films were quite moving and there were no bad nor immoral parts in any of them.Many videos I've checked out from church as well on the Bible, family, Christian heritage, etc.
3] Calls back to Minnesota are special to me too.Last Sunday over Easter I called my Dad [82yrs old in June] and my dear Mother [80in Nov].I call my 2 sons [Peter-8; D'vid-6] regularly. How I love and miss them! I often talk to my dear older sister Stephanie too and she is always so nice.
4] As usual I am reading several books at once.This winter I finished 2 vols on the life of Winston Churchill written by American historian Wm Manchester. Excellent biography! Truly Churchill was a great man and stood for what was right even when it wasn't popular! More comments later.
5] Indiana has many good Bible-believing churches and it's been a joy to visit different ones. Just 3 weeks ago there was a nice Missions Conference at a large country church near here. I really enjoy learning about foreign places and of course I have travelled and ministered in many countries. In a nearby town [10mi away], this past week was revival meetings with Evangelist Wil Rice [son and grandson of 2 evangelists]. I like his family very much and have really admired their ministry of "The Bill Rice Ranch" in Tennessee.The camp or "ranch" originally began as a ministry for deaf people. Please see their web site! Anyway, I made it to 6 out of the 7 sessions with Wil Rice. He's young [33]. I commented to him tactfully but with sincerity, "As long as you stay focused on Jesus, going thru the various fires with yours eyes upon Him...you'll be an even better preacher!" In effect I said that with experience and con't dedication he will be even more effective. This is true for all Christians [read John15;Heb12,etc.]. God wants to purify and purge us to be "vessels" or containers unto honor and not dis-honor.In fact, that's about what my last name means in German-"vessel!"
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