From Frozen to Heatwave | Deputation Trail News | Consford Chronicles

Just a short commercial before the blog post! I am almost done with my new book. You will be able to order the new book and the old book from our bookstore!

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The Missions Conference at Faith Baptist Church was a big blessing! Pastor Dean Noonan and his son, Dean Jr., are my friends from Football Camp. We have known each other for years, and I have really enjoyed getting to be with them at their church in Milwaukee! The church is a good group of people. 

In the Sunday evening service, we presented our ministry and sang. I told a story that is in the book.

On Monday, there was snow everywhere, deep snow; but by that evening, they had the entire parking lot and all of the walks shoveled and clean. They were out there working in the subzero wind chill temperatures getting ready for Monday night.

They had a meal at the church for everyone, and during the meal two fourth-grade girls, Robin and Annie, asked if they could sit with us. They were so much fun! I think I laughed more than I ate! They were full of energy and kept us entertained for sure. We have definitely made some new friends!

By the time the evening meal was over, the auditorium was super full, even though it was frozen outside and the snow was deep. I was shocked!

On that night, one missionary presented his field, and it was a big blessing. The music was good, and the service had a good spirit. I told a story too.

I had never gotten to hear Brother Randy King speak before, but he is now one of my new favorite preachers. He is an amazing speaker and has a great testimony. I am so thankful we got to meet him.

Tuesday, Laura and I had a meeting at the church with Pastor Noonan and his missions director, Brother Matt Kielas. It was a very informal meeting in the pastor’s office. We had a great time talking about missions and what we are all trying to do to fulfill the Great Commission.

After the meeting, I took Laura to some stores. While she shopped, I went and sat at a coffee shop and did some reading.

After the shopping was over, we went to the Noonans’ house for lunch. All of the missionary families came to the lunch. We had lots of laughs, and we really enjoyed the meal.

I had to leave a little sooner than everyone else because I spoke at the school chapel. I told snake stories and the lessons I learned from the stories. We really enjoyed the service and the kids’ energy. As the kids were walking out, Robin and Annie whispered, “Can we sit with you at supper?” Ha!

Supper at the church was just as much fun as the night before. Other people from the church joined us with Robin and Annie. We were all thoroughly entertained. Brother Randy King even had to come over and join in on the fun. We enjoyed the Tuesday evening service as well. The goodbyes after the service are our least favorite part.

We left Milwaukee early on Wednesday morning. There was freezing rain, and it was crazy! The salt trucks were everywhere; and by the time we got out of Wisconsin, we were covered in salt! The roads were bad all the way through Chicago. Then, the temperature started going up as we went south. It was in the 50s by the time we got to St. Louis.

On Wednesday evening, we were in a church in Battlefield, Missouri. We did not know it, but that pastor has known Laura since she was 1 year old. It was fun getting to reconnect with people we have been serving the Lord with all of our lives. That church is the home church for the New Testament Church Planters. That ministry helped Central Baptist Church in Center build our new building. It was a blessing to get to thank the church in person.

We left Thursday morning and went to Oklahoma City to see Laura’s mom and dad. Brother Van Manen had his appointment to get fitted for the radiation and have his planning meeting. They will start his radiation in a couple of weeks. The tumor has grown significantly in the last couple of weeks. It has almost tripled in size since Christmas. Please pray for him!

We left there Saturday morning, and we drove to New Mexico. We have meetings all over this amazing state in the next couple of weeks. God is so good to us! Today it is over 102 degrees. On Wednesday, the wind chill was well below zero, and today it is 102! Deputation is so much fun! I can say I enjoy the 102 much more than subzero! We enjoyed supper with the children's pastor and his family tonight. We are looking forward to being in two different churches tomorrow.