European Adventure

Since I last wrote, I've been to Norway for a board meeting and to Czech Republic to preach four times at an Czech ASI Convention.
I expected a pretty rough board meeting in Norway. Decisions had to be made in relation to dividing money. Before even getting to Norway I knew there was a difference of opinion. In the end, however, the brethren were Christian in there approach and the matter was settled amicably. The money was not divided exactly like I thought it should be, but better not to fight over such things. 

On Sabbath, Steve, Craig and I had lunch at Joy Horner Weum's place. Joy wasn't there, she was working as a nurse. Three of her children fed us and the whole Matteson school. I was amazed to see them put out so much food. Joy's kids are exceptionally good looking and seem to be strong as far as the church is concerned. The eldest, Esther, preached that Sabbath.

There was snow on the ground all the time we were there. I wasn't as cold as usual. These European places tend to underheat their houses, but it wasn't so this time.

I was in Czech a couple of days earlier than I needed to be. So, I got a couple of days rest. Ty Gibson and his wife, Sue, got there on the same day. We toured Radim Passer's buildings, ate at restaurants, had massages, worked on sermons and just hung out to chill. 
After that, Rene took me to see Radim's house and his Great Controversy Park. I make such a poor tourist. For some reason I am not so interested in seeing things, but I endure. Then  we had supper with Radim at 8:30 pm to 11 pm.  The food was amazing and very expensive. (Don't ask.) Ty had a devotion for kids in an Adventist elementary school. I told two stories--crocodiles and chickadees.  

We drove to the convention city, three hours away in a Porsche--110-140 mph. It was like driving 80 mph in a regular car, quite fun. I enjoyed preaching at the convention, but the food??? Much to be desired. The people who cooked for us were not familiar with vegetarianism. Everything was oily and cheesy. Those are the sacrifices we must make if we will serve the uninitiated. 

Ignacio, Leasa, Haylee, Chad, Tony, one of our girl students, and Nancy all went  to Dominican Republic for a mission trip. They arrive home the day after I come back for Czech. Leasa and Hayley came home full of bug bites, swollen and itchy. Apparently, they accomplished much and were very happy for the experience. Oak Haven  also sent a big group. 

By the way, Mavis Dull Nusser got  married last week. She is now, Mavis Dull Nusser Cancler. It's never too late to be honeymooning. 

While I was away, Tim Riesenberger did a series of meetings at Eden Valley for the public. I'm told he did a wonderful job. 

Since Mavis is moved to Missouri, we repaired her house and gave it to our new doctor, John Clark. I am planning to have Dr. Clark do a week of prayer for EVI on the topic of health reform in January. I find his material inspiring and the whole gang needs to hear it. Sometimes we become lax and need to be reminded of God's high standard for us.

David and Candi Katsma have all their paper work completed to join Jason in Kibidula. It is a question as to whether they will be accepted by the Tanzanian authorities. I suppose if the Lord wants them there, He'll get them in. David is my head maintenance man, and Candi cooks in the Lifestyle Center. We'll miss them if they go. 

I'm going to skip GYC and go to Africa to spend Xmas with my wife and Jason. Antionette and the girls will be in South Africa, bummer. I'll probably get a couple of days with them . . . I hope. 

Caleb, Julie's eldest son, is the winner of the Yukon Amateur Athlete of the Year Award. He will receive the award at some ceremony soon. We are very proud of this persistent young man. We trust his love for Jesus will keep him from being too proud. 

That's it for this week.