My friend Ed went to be with Jesus last weekend. Pat, as with all of us who are left without our spouses would just as soon go with him. ...but probably won't get to do that for awhile because she's got a lot of pizazz left in her to finish God's assignment for just her. Yesterday's' conversation with widowed Robin V. brings joy unspeakable to my heart. Her husband Gene was a drop-dead handsome Bulgarian anchor man on a local TV station in Bakersfield, became a Christian and was fired because he talked about Jesus too much. That very day Ted had a letter from Bill Bright asking if he knew any successful media men that could take over Crusade's needs. Ted and Gene headed for Arrowhead Springs, Campus Crusade's headquarters at that time. Bill saw that this classy couple could reach executives so he moved them to New York City and then back to Southern California. Gene is gone, but Robin isn't. She continues to throw glitzy parties in the homes of wealthy women who know Jesus. New-believer fruit happens and Robin and her friends disciple the new fruit. Here is something else this enduring woman does: She walks her nearby beach nearly every day, sharing Christ with kids around campfires, tourists from other countries and other beach lovers. In front of me is a list of 36 people to pray for who have either asked Jesus into their lives or are "on their way" as my Ted would say.
A week or so ago a widowed friend, Glenna W. now in her late 70's and her daughter came through Tehachapi on their way somewhere. We breakfasted together in town. Glenna continues to be an encourager to her pastor and church and to countless others...including me. My memory zinged back to the early 60's when Fruitvale church needed to expand as people were pouring in from all over Bakersfield and surrounding towns. Ted refused to borrow any money to build. The flock was encouraged to buy bricks as God provided the money. I shall never forget the morning when Glenna and A.M.'s five children came down the middle aisle of our church, pushing a wheelbarrow brim full of pennies they had earned! During that time a pastor from a big church that was in debt up to their armpits stopped by Ted's office. Ted walked him around our humble property and church building and these were his words: "I can only imagine what you could accomplish here, Ted, if you only had faith."
...back to that same restaurant after Glenna and Leora went on their way. It was lunch time. By appointment, in the door walked Randy and Bea, dearest friends from their days here in Bear Valley. Randy became the Warden at Sole dad Prison. Retired from that position he and Bea are moving into new ministry. Exciting! God is opening doors and they are walking through them!
There's more, but not today.
OLD HYMN: LIVING FOR JESUS
Living for Jesus Who died in my place, bearing on Calvary my sin and disgrace.
Such love constrains me to answer His call, follow His leading and give Him my all.
Living for Jesus through earth's little while; my dearest treasure, the light of His smile.
Seeking the lost ones He died to redeem, bringing the weary to find rest in Him.
OH JESUS, LORD AND SAVIOR, I GIVE MYSELF TO THEE
FOR THOU IN THY ATONEMENT DIDST GIVE THYSELF FOR ME.
I OWN NO OTHER MASTER, MY HEART SHALL BE THY THRONE
MY LIFE I GIVE, HENCEFORTH TO LIVE, O CHRIST, FOR THEE ALONE.
LOVE, Jo