MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES AND HALLOWEEN

I'm a little late posting this, but better late than never! We dressed Joshua up for Halloween so he could get some "cannee". He wasn't able to visit many houses since it was Revival at our church, but he hit a few, and brought home his treasures! We always look forward to the evening the children come around to our house, because it gives us an opportunity to witness for Jesus. We hate just giving some candy and nothing else. For many years now we pass out a children's tract, or an invitation to a church-related children's activity. This year we passed out invitations to a Good News Club we were planning to start in a store-front building in the middle of our little town. The following week (last week) we did have our very first Good News Club and had sixteen neighborhood kids attend! We're excited about this opportunity that God has given us, and we're praying that many children's lives, as well as their families,will be changed because of it. Please pray for this ministry as you think of it.

In addition to the children' s ministry we've started, God has helped us go to a local Nursing Home every Sunday afternoon now for quite a few years ... at least three and maybe four or more. It is a joy to see the smile on the faces each week as we enter the Activity Room, trying to win them to Jesus, and bring encouragement into their lives. We also were asked to have a service in another Nursing Home, possibly once a month, in addition to the one where we already minister. We did have a service this past week there, and it was a real blessing to see a crowded room with family members present, as well as patients. We're praying about the future opportunity that has come our way at this Nursing Home.

I will try to post pictures in the near future from the Good News Club and possibly the Nursing Home. Once again, your prayers are much appreciated! We don't want to sit idly by and do nothing for God. Time is short and there are many souls to win.

More Fall Pictures

I was able to get more pictures with the other children today, except for Christianna, who is at college. I feel a part of us is missing without her, but these will have to do for now. Enjoy!

Park Adventure

This post is for my son, who keeps checking my blog and telling me I need something different! It is true that I need something different, but I often don't know what to write about. :o) Well, here are some new pictures from a little adventure James, Joshua, and I took today. It is beautiful outside, and I wanted to take advantage of it and go to a nearby park. We visited Heritage Park and had a wonderful time enjoying God's awesome creation. This is one of my favorite times of year, since it is cooler outside and the beauty of the outdoors is just gorgeous. The other children were not able to go along due to school work and other responsibilities. Hopefully I'll be able to get a few more pics with them before the beautiful scenery is gone for another year.

The Finished Product

Here it is! All 21 1/2 jars of tomatoes and 23 jars of salsa. Whew! Glad that job is over with. Wonder what will be next? Maybe apples ....

CANNING AND MORE CANNING!

I've been making salsa practically all day it seems. Someone from church gave us three five-gallon buckets of tomatoes. Hmmmm ... what to do with them. Yesterday, we canned two of the buckets which came out to be 21 1/2 jars. With the last bucket we planned to make SOME salsa and then can the rest for tomatoes. Well ... we kept chopping and dicing, and chopping and dicing, and then decided to make just one more batch .... then, oh yeah, we have a few more peppers left, we can probably make another batch to add to it. I'm FINALLY finished now, and it is simmering on the stove. The aroma is absolutely wonderful! We'll see how many jars we get of this. I'll have to post a picture of everything we've canned in the last couple of days. For now, though, here is a picture of the salsa I've slaved over all day today.

Family Reunion

From left to right: Donald Rish, Bonnie Baney, Charles Rish, Mary Corder, Weldon Rish, Chester Rish, Gilbert Rish

Here is a picture of all my dad's living brothers and sisters, except one, my Aunt Judy, who resides in Idaho. Dad and Mom went to a family reunion in Michigan a few weeks ago where this picture was taken. I haven't seen my aunts and uncles for many years, so it is refreshing to at least have a picture of them. There were twelve children born into Dad's family, with three of them dying at birth, and his oldest brother passing away a few years ago. I really wanted to go to this reunion, but our family had just traveled to this same part of Michigan for a short vacation. We really didn't feel like repeating the same trip again, especially with Joshua on board. :o) Maybe we can go next year if another reunion is planned.

First Visit

Yesterday we traveled to Cincinnati, and visited Christianna for the first time at God's Bible School and College. There were a few items she was needing, and it was also Revival with Rev. Chris Cravens. Christianna did not have to work Wednesday, therefore it was a good day to drop by. We met her, dropped off her things, and left for LaRosa's Pizza for supper. After a nice meal together, we attended the evening Revival service there on campus. What an awesome, but simple sermon on "Jonah"! Jonah did not like the people of Nineveh, but he cared for them anyway! Are we sharing the gospel with just the "likeable" people, or everyone, including our enemies? Wow, what a thought from Bro. Cravens! Anyway, we talked a little after church, and then set out for home. We were happy to see Christianna and spend some time with her.

Changes

We took Christianna to God's Bible School last Tuesday morning. She seems to be having a nice time thus far. She started classes today, so we'll see how things continue to go. We are missing her, but we are thankful she is in good hands. We are praying that God will use her and make her a blessing to others. We would appreciate your prayers for her. In addition Evangelyn started a job at Burger King today. She is taking over where Christianna left off. The manager was willing to hire her to replace Christianna. So, needless to say, there have been many changes in our lives of late, but God has been with us and I know He will never forsake us.

All Dressed Up

I thought Joshua looked so cute in his outfit yesterday for church that I just had to take some pics. Also I'm sharing a picture of him taking his nap. I thought it was such a cute pose.

Christianna's Going-Away Party

The church had a party for Christianna after Prayermeeting a couple weeks ago. They bought her a bunch of things she would need at college. This was so thoughtful and we appreciate it very much. Thank you Lima Pilgrim Holiness Church!! I've posted pictures of all the things that was given.

Vacation

Nathan, Evangelyn, Joshua and Christianna

The kids just had to get our picture! Lol

Playing in sand

"I can fit in this shoe!"

Joshua checking out the sand at Holland State Park, MI

Nathan on the "Zip Line" at John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, MI

Joshua riding a "train" at John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, MI

Musical Fountain in Grand Haven, MI (Sorry it's blurry)

Joshua riding on Daddy's shoulders

We're serious about our picnic! (Christianna, Joshua and Mom) Lol!

Since our summer was so busy, we really didn't have the time (nor the money) to go for a long vacation. But, we did want to get away for a few days before Christianna left to go to God's Bible School and College in Cincinnati, Ohio. We decided to head for Michigan and greatly enjoyed our time together.

Random Pictures from Different Summer Activities

Joshua climbed into our suitcase when I was getting ready to pack for our Anniversary trip

Beautiful roses!

Part of the two dozen roses my hubby gave me for our 20th Anniversary on July 29th.

Some of the children during V.B.S.

Group of kids for V.B.S.

Aaron "driving" the boat

V.B.S. props without lights

Kaitlynn and Aaron singing for the V.B.S. program

V.B.S. Program

"Sailing with Jesus, the Light of the World" Vacation Bible School

I am finally posting some new pictures. Our summer has swiftly flown by, and time has gotten away. With so many activities taking place, I just haven't had the time to sit down and update my blog. Enjoy!