Dear friends and Loved Ones,
“AND THE WORD WAS MADE FLESH AND DWELT AMONG US.”
COMMUNICATION is the ability of one person to make contact with another through the utterance of words or the expression of meaning. God made CONTACT with men when He expressed His love by sending His Son into the world that men might have life through Him. CHRISTMAS is the communication of God’s love to lost men. And the communication of God’s love is our mission. 1972 will stand out in our memories as the year we became fully aware that the only way to reach men for Jesus Christ is on a one-to-one basis.
We praise Him for the blessing he has poured out upon our ministry this past year. Not only is our church growing in numbers but more and more people becoming aware of their part in reaching our little corner of the world for Jesus. What a thrilling experience it has been—it’s not an easy road, but there is rejoicing along the way.
For the first time since the Lord gave us our seven offspring, we will not all be together for Christmas Day. Rick has just one day off and will be traveling to Cleveland with his fiancée. We have not yet had the opportunity to meet Debbie’s parents—the Stapleton’s of Lyndhurst, Ohio, but most assuredly will have the wedding on June 16. We are very happy to welcome this Brethren girl who loves the Lord into our family circle.
“AND THE WORD WAS MADE FLESH AND DWELT AMONG US.”
COMMUNICATION is the ability of one person to make contact with another through the utterance of words or the expression of meaning. God made CONTACT with men when He expressed His love by sending His Son into the world that men might have life through Him. CHRISTMAS is the communication of God’s love to lost men. And the communication of God’s love is our mission. 1972 will stand out in our memories as the year we became fully aware that the only way to reach men for Jesus Christ is on a one-to-one basis.
We praise Him for the blessing he has poured out upon our ministry this past year. Not only is our church growing in numbers but more and more people becoming aware of their part in reaching our little corner of the world for Jesus. What a thrilling experience it has been—it’s not an easy road, but there is rejoicing along the way.
For the first time since the Lord gave us our seven offspring, we will not all be together for Christmas Day. Rick has just one day off and will be traveling to Cleveland with his fiancée. We have not yet had the opportunity to meet Debbie’s parents—the Stapleton’s of Lyndhurst, Ohio, but most assuredly will have the wedding on June 16. We are very happy to welcome this Brethren girl who loves the Lord into our family circle.
Ardith and Bruce will be in Dayton with his folks for Christmas Day. They, too, are hampered in coming so far because of work. Ardith will make us grandparents for the first time when she has their baby in June. Bruce will finish at Grace this year. They will probably be leaving Winona Lake, but where they will settle we don’t know as yet.
Joy is home with us after attending Grace for one year. She cannot make up her mind what she wants to do with her life—so is biding her time with the folks at home. She worked at Camp Easter Seal last summer. Presently she’s working at Ray’s Kingburger in Radford—just bought herself a ’71 Opel—and writes letters just about every night to a young man from Altoona who is with the Marines in Hawaii. She also coaches the church quiz team.
Roy III graduates from high school in June. His future plans are indefinite. Right now he’s captain of the leading quiz team in our district. He was caretaker for our church camp all summer and is still the church janitor.
Lori entered the eighth grade this year—which makes her a high schooler in this part of the country. Her piano and the quiz team are her primary interests. She and Lisa [10 and in 5th grade] are still carrying the News Journal every day. Lisa is playing the piano, too.
Jonny entered kindergarten this year—and loves it. He’s still a night owl—so gets plenty of stars for rest time at school! The newest member of our family is Gabrielle—Gabi for short—a little black poodle Daddy bought the kids for Christmas. She has won her way into all of our hearts, including Grandma’s. Roy had a Christmas club for the first time in our married life and blew it all on one cute little dog.
Grandma is still chief cook—our diets keep her in a dither! She keeps going in spite of arthritic problems in her neck and cataracts. She still teaches the Ladies’ class.
It’s been a busy year. Who can be bored when they are busy serving the Lord! We have much more to do than we can do well, yet the Lord gives us strength. Next summer we celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary—how fast the years have gone. Many of you have been a part of our “education process”—you’ve shared with us the joys and sorrows. How we praise the Lord for friends—old and new.
We’re considering the purchase of a home in Fairlawn—much larger than the parsonage. Pray with us for the Lord’s will and the arrangement of all the details. We have sold Mom’s property in Juniata [so will not have that “retirement” home we had hoped to hold on to]. Arlene has four more courses to complete her Master’s Degree. She hopes to do that by August. We don’t think we have it “made” but we do think we can make it.
We are so glad for those who come our way and stop for a visit—however brief. Some of you did this past year—and we loved every minute spent with you. Our new house will have more space so we can be more hospitable. Do come to see us.
Oh yes—report on Weight Watchers. Arlene is still striving to reach her goal—the closer you get, the more difficult it seems to be—but we can say for sure she’s lost 59 pounds. Under doctor’s orders, Roy went on a similar diet just about a month ago and has lost 20 pounds. It can be done.
To our friends here at the church, much of this letter is not news, but we wanted to share it with you all. We have been privileged to pastor some good churches, but in many ways Fairlawn is different. We are not without problems [who is], but praise God for many who have diligently labored together for the glory of the Lord. Of course we are anxious for those who do not seem to be concerned. How wonderful to work with you all and to realize your support in this ministry. We love you all! Your expressions of love and kindness are deeply appreciated. The recent pounding was a real surprise—we certainly did not expect it. The unanimous call extended to us to serve you for another three years was a thrill. We are excited as we look forward to some great and wonderful things that God has planned for us together.
As He tarries His coming, we look forward to the erection of a new and larger church from which to serve Him. Our outreach through printing has been effective, especially through the weekly newsletter. This ministry is growing and will become even more effective as time goes on. The “Gospel Book Store” has just begun. Our sources are limited and there is much to do, but many of you have already been served through this ministry. Pray for this area of service. We are still planning a bus ministry. The Lord willing, we hope to purchase a bus soon after the first of the year and have it rolling and working for the Lord. A day-care has also been our desire, but after some investigation, we learned that our facilities here would require extensive remodeling. We hope to have such a program in the new building.
There are other needs for the future for which we covet your prayers. We have been praying that the Lord would supply another man who could take care for the ministry of music and youth. There is also the possibility of a television ministry in the not too distant future. This could come within the next year and would be a tremendous asset to the work.
To the natural man, I suppose such a list of projects would seem impossible, but to those who wait upon the Lord know that with Him all things are possible. The sound of the Trumpet is drawing near. We need to be desperately about our Father’s business.
May yours be the most blessed of New Years,
Roy, Arlene, Susie, and all the family
Joy is home with us after attending Grace for one year. She cannot make up her mind what she wants to do with her life—so is biding her time with the folks at home. She worked at Camp Easter Seal last summer. Presently she’s working at Ray’s Kingburger in Radford—just bought herself a ’71 Opel—and writes letters just about every night to a young man from Altoona who is with the Marines in Hawaii. She also coaches the church quiz team.
Roy III graduates from high school in June. His future plans are indefinite. Right now he’s captain of the leading quiz team in our district. He was caretaker for our church camp all summer and is still the church janitor.
Lori entered the eighth grade this year—which makes her a high schooler in this part of the country. Her piano and the quiz team are her primary interests. She and Lisa [10 and in 5th grade] are still carrying the News Journal every day. Lisa is playing the piano, too.
Jonny entered kindergarten this year—and loves it. He’s still a night owl—so gets plenty of stars for rest time at school! The newest member of our family is Gabrielle—Gabi for short—a little black poodle Daddy bought the kids for Christmas. She has won her way into all of our hearts, including Grandma’s. Roy had a Christmas club for the first time in our married life and blew it all on one cute little dog.
Grandma is still chief cook—our diets keep her in a dither! She keeps going in spite of arthritic problems in her neck and cataracts. She still teaches the Ladies’ class.
It’s been a busy year. Who can be bored when they are busy serving the Lord! We have much more to do than we can do well, yet the Lord gives us strength. Next summer we celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary—how fast the years have gone. Many of you have been a part of our “education process”—you’ve shared with us the joys and sorrows. How we praise the Lord for friends—old and new.
We’re considering the purchase of a home in Fairlawn—much larger than the parsonage. Pray with us for the Lord’s will and the arrangement of all the details. We have sold Mom’s property in Juniata [so will not have that “retirement” home we had hoped to hold on to]. Arlene has four more courses to complete her Master’s Degree. She hopes to do that by August. We don’t think we have it “made” but we do think we can make it.
We are so glad for those who come our way and stop for a visit—however brief. Some of you did this past year—and we loved every minute spent with you. Our new house will have more space so we can be more hospitable. Do come to see us.
Oh yes—report on Weight Watchers. Arlene is still striving to reach her goal—the closer you get, the more difficult it seems to be—but we can say for sure she’s lost 59 pounds. Under doctor’s orders, Roy went on a similar diet just about a month ago and has lost 20 pounds. It can be done.
To our friends here at the church, much of this letter is not news, but we wanted to share it with you all. We have been privileged to pastor some good churches, but in many ways Fairlawn is different. We are not without problems [who is], but praise God for many who have diligently labored together for the glory of the Lord. Of course we are anxious for those who do not seem to be concerned. How wonderful to work with you all and to realize your support in this ministry. We love you all! Your expressions of love and kindness are deeply appreciated. The recent pounding was a real surprise—we certainly did not expect it. The unanimous call extended to us to serve you for another three years was a thrill. We are excited as we look forward to some great and wonderful things that God has planned for us together.
As He tarries His coming, we look forward to the erection of a new and larger church from which to serve Him. Our outreach through printing has been effective, especially through the weekly newsletter. This ministry is growing and will become even more effective as time goes on. The “Gospel Book Store” has just begun. Our sources are limited and there is much to do, but many of you have already been served through this ministry. Pray for this area of service. We are still planning a bus ministry. The Lord willing, we hope to purchase a bus soon after the first of the year and have it rolling and working for the Lord. A day-care has also been our desire, but after some investigation, we learned that our facilities here would require extensive remodeling. We hope to have such a program in the new building.
There are other needs for the future for which we covet your prayers. We have been praying that the Lord would supply another man who could take care for the ministry of music and youth. There is also the possibility of a television ministry in the not too distant future. This could come within the next year and would be a tremendous asset to the work.
To the natural man, I suppose such a list of projects would seem impossible, but to those who wait upon the Lord know that with Him all things are possible. The sound of the Trumpet is drawing near. We need to be desperately about our Father’s business.
May yours be the most blessed of New Years,
Roy, Arlene, Susie, and all the family
3 comments:
Once again Lori gets 2 1/2 sentences and I only get 1 1/2
Oh well....that's life
")
Hey...I got a whole paragraph. I can't remember when that happened. '72 was a good year. Dad is just getting started....maybe we should wait till all have been published to see who was the favorite.........
I want to know who he omitted.............
Is that Roy leaning over my shoulder in the picture? What a head of hair...on Rick too.
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