Category Archives: summer

Tonight’s Sunset

Oklahoma

Our summer has been quite normal so far…which means really busy. And there are a few things we’d still like to blog about.

So going way back to the beginning, we took a trip down to Tahlequah, Oklahoma. A couple years ago we were down there to sing/preach at some revival meetings, and this year it worked our for us to go back with the same purpose. Our friends the French’s were very gracious to host us again. We always have such a good time with them…much laughter included!

The revival at Eldon Baptist Church lasted several nights. We were blessed by the people of the church taking turns to bring us a meal and fellowship each evening. Dad preached from 2 Chronicles, drawing a parallel between God’s Temple and our hearts. Do we have idols that need to be destroyed? Rubbish that needs to be taken out? Do we have a low view of God?

Jess French has such a heart for God

every night started with music

we shared a number of songs each night

Dad preached the Word

God was working in people’s hearts and after the last night we got word that a young boy who had been there received Jesus as his Savior.

And a challenge to all believers remains: “Now sanctify yourselves, sanctify the house of the LORD God of your fathers, and carry out the rubbish from the holy place.” 2 Chronicles 29:5

We have some friends who moved to OK last year, and we were so glad to be able to see them again. One thing that usually happens when we’re with each other and around instruments is we sing a song or two together. And this time was no exception as we sang and visited into the night.We also went to Braum’s one night with them for ice cream. We were introduced to this tasty place last time we were here and were happy to go back!

Addison and Abby

good friends

After the revival meetings were finished, we were able to visit our friend Leo and his family. They fed us Indian tacos (a.k.a. frybread tacos), probably our favorite but not-often way to eat tacos. After the delicious meal and visiting, we drove out to a church building that felt like it was in the middle of nowhere for Dad to record the testimonies of a couple of Leo’s family members for The Storyteller. It’s so neat to be able to travel and meet other believers who love the Lord.

it was a beautiful drive

Leo and relatives

Leo’s mother sang Amazing Grace in Cherokee

we’re pretty sure this huge tree is covered in poison ivy

a dog we met there…look at those eyes

Leo and Frasers

It was really a profitable time in Oklahoma…thank you for every prayer on our behalf. Also thank you to everyone who made our time there possible and special. We apparently don’t have a picture of our hostess, Mrs. French, but we so appreciate both her and Mr. French.

And I do have a picture of her flowers.

“Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom, thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen.” Revelation 7:12

New Mexico

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Yes, another road trip. Lots of time together in our van. Lots of laughter and smiles and memories.

God opened up an opportunity to serve in New Mexico at the 40th anniversary conference/celebration for CHIEF, a Native American ministry that focuses on discipleship. Dad was asked to help with recording, share about The Storyteller, and our family was invited to sing.

So, as is our custom with long road trips, we loaded that van to the ceiling (or almost), piled in, and drove the long three-day trek to New Mexico. We drove to our grandparents’ house in South Dakota for the first night, and the second night landed us in Colorado Springs. We were excited to be able to visit Focus on the Family, especially since we’ve enjoyed many Adventures in Odyssey as a family.

we also enjoyed meeting (a cardboard version of) Dave Stotts from Drive Through History while we were there

the scenery in Colorado Springs in amazing

At the CHIEF conference it was encouraging to hear what God is doing in Native North America. It was a time of celebration for the last forty years, but at the same time looking to the future and being exhorted to press on. We also made some good connections for the work we’re involved with.

each person here represents a different ministry in Native North America

Huron Claus, director of CHIEF

we shared in song

Mr. Vern, one of the speakers, shared an especially powerful message about how we can’t lose when we have Jesus

the Hendersons led the worship for each session

the boys were eager sound-booth help

Dad and Huron

After the conference, we headed to Albuquerque for an outreach concert put on by our friends at Garfield Gospel Chapel – a church that a few of us have visited the last couple of years. We had a great time meeting new people and getting to know our host family.

evening in the pool!

having fun Lego-ing

Mrs. Lennox and Mom

On our way out of Albuquerque we stopped in Old Town for a family morning of touring shops and eating frozen yogurt.

yay yogurt!

we liked the farewell

We saw so much beautiful creation on our trip…mountain ranges, clouds, rays of sunlight, rainbows, flowers, rivers…everything declaring the glory of God.

even the rainy weather was beautiful

On our way home we stopped at our grandparents’ again, where the go-carts are always a hit.

Thank you for all your prayers on this trip. We know God works in ways that we may not even be aware of, and we’re thankful for His faithfulness.