"JUST" US!

Wow! We've been in Mulvane almost a month now. It's hard to believe! We are slowly getting settled but still have a lot to do. We don't have anything on the walls yet but we're getting there. The pics above are of the house with a rock with our name out front. One of our neighbors made that for us. Ironically his wife grew up only about 6 miles from me or so. Small world.

Things are busy at church - meeting new people all the time. I am trying my best to take it slow but for those of you who know me, it's hard to pull in the reigns. Mostly I am trying to observe, listen, evaluate, pray, pray, and pray. I have lots of idea but there is plenty of time to address them at a later date.

It's been great having ML at home. Hopefully it can stay that way. We'll see. One thing for sure, it's weird being so close to things - stores, restaraunts, family, etc.. But I think we'll manage.

Had the privilege of going to Leah Rankin's wedding on Saturday at Winfield. A wonderful Christian service. Steve (her dad) officiated and did an awesome job. He only cried 2,3,4,5 times or so. That a boy, Steve.

God is indeed good. I pray you are experiencing Him to the fullest. Have a blessed week!

"AWAY FROM WORK" - THE ASHRAM

Just returned from the Kansas Christian Ashram at Sterling where I was the Bible teacher for the week. I used a theme of "greatness" - The Great Sermon, The Great Commandment, The Great Commission, and The Great Life. It was a "Great" time! "Ashram" is a Hindi word which means away from work and the concept was transferred to a Christian time for spiritual retreat by a former missionary to India, E. Stanley Jones. At the Ashram, an evangelist, a Bible teacher, a youth leader, and a children's leader work with the various ages of those who attend to offer some Christian teaching, Christian fellowship, and just some plain old fun together. It was a real privilege to work with Todd ( my son), Mary Beth, (my sister-in-law), and Kevass (my brother in Christ) for the four days together. It was also a great time with my wife, ML, and little Owen (grandson) and Melissa (daughter-in-law). The pics below show some of what was going on. It was a blessed time. Hope some of you can go next year.

Mary Beth with the kids as they told us about Joseph. She did such a great job!

Grammy (Mary Lou) with little Owen. Can't tell they are having fun, can you?

Todd teaching the youth during one of the their sessions. Uses his hands to talk like someone else I know.

Kevass Harding was our evangelist teaching us about Godly character - Obedience, joy, patience, and self-control. He was awesome!

Notice, my mouth isn't open. Thus a miracle occurred at Ashram! (no comments Jo)

GETTING SETTLED

Just a quick update. I have some pics I want to show and some things to talk about but time does not allow this morning.

• God is good! He remains faithful even in the craziest of times.

• Thanks to all you Leotians for your help in the transition and for the wonderful sendoff a couple weeks ago. (A formal thank you is coming)

• Thanks to all of you from Mulvane who have so graciously welcomed us. It is deeply appreciated, more than you know.

• God is definitely at work. I've had some great conversations with some folks, churched and unchurched. We better fasten our seat belts.

• We finally have our utilities straightened out. Wow - what a hassle. But we're good to go.

• And yes, JESUS IS LORD!!

WE HAVE ARRIVED!

Well, it definitely has been a moving experience. Something I don't want to do in a long long long time. We arrived in Mulvane around 9:45 pm on Tuesday evening. Had to unload the aquarium at the church - yes, the fish all lived. The truck came Wednesday morning a little after 8. Finished by 1:00. Then the process of unpacking. Still looking for things. Couldn't find a black belt so I went to Dollar General and bought one - (had to help with a funeral on Thursday). Couldn't find coffee either- woe was me! But overall, the move went great and the movers did a fantastic job. Nothing damaged.

A special thanks to all you Leotians for helping with the boxing, packing, loading, and house preparation for the Howards. You are and always will be a blessing. You will never be forgotten. Please make the Howards feel as welcome as you did us.

For you folks in Mulvane, thanks for all the hard work for the painting, the new dividing wall, the food, the warm welcome and for seeing that any needs that we might have are being met. It is deeply appreciated. We are slowly getting thing unpacked but it will be awhile.

It is so great to be a part of the church, the body of Christ, that no matter where we are, we are a part of the family of God. Stay tuned. Hope to do a better job of updating. Blessings to you all!