Archive for Bill & Sue's JournalEarly Sunday morning, February 01, 2004
I’m trying to get a jump on the day. Order of service and message are set as well as some other minimum details. There hasn’t been much to write about lately outside of work (which isn’t always all that interesting to write, or read about). People are returning from summer vacations now that the new school year is starting again tomorrow, bringing life back to normal for us with Bible studies, discipleships and ESL classes. It’s good to have numbers up for services and youth activities again. It helps me that Ben has taken responsibility for the youth studies since returning from his trip.
With end of the year gifts from the states, we’ve been able to get blinds for windows at church, making the worship area more “finished”, and have some of our sound equipment fixed finally. Sue made new cushions for sofas in the youth room and for the benches in the patio area as well. It’s been a long time since she’s sewn as it’s getting harder to thread the needle. Some areas still need paint, but the place is finally looking good...and it only took five months.
I’ve spent time running around, trying to confirm things for the Cornerstone soccer team visit the first of March. The location for a soccer tournament is set and how many teams can enter, along with prizes, medals and trophies for winning teams. There is a lot to take into consideration just for the one-day tournament. Local teams are set for two evening games, but it has been complicated trying to set a time for playing the local pro team since they are in regional playoffs. The families from our church that have “adopted” some of the guys are getting excited about spending time with them and the meal they’ll have together in their homes on the first Sunday the guys are here. We have another planning meeting tomorrow during our regular field council meeting, but slowly, plans seem to be coming together.
Looks like we may be losing some of our young men from church. They are finding jobs away from Bauru. Considering the small size of our congregation, losing folks is difficult, so we’ve been praying for new families to become involved with the church. All of our outreach activities this year are geared for bringing in new people.
It was interesting last week when I started new discipleship study. The guy I’m discipling was so excited about studying together that he arrived a half hour early . . . so we started when he got here and I finished supper when our study ended. I wish there were more people as excited about studying the Bible together.
On a sadder note, we had to get rid of our St. Bernard. We found I was allergic to Chan-Li’s long hair. All the other dogs we’ve had in the past were shorthaired, and I never had trouble. We miss her, but at least she has a great new home with a dog trainer who really wanted her. People said that she was good therapy for me, and I was more relaxed when she was around, and didn't "crack the whip" so much. Oh well, they'll have to learn to live with the real me since I’m not interested in another dog right now.
Better end this and get some other things done. Have a tremendous week. Tchau!
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