What an awesome time we had yesterday! Most everyone was back home and the church was full. Oh sure, we could fit more in, but the gaps have been filling and that's great. We started our new attendance system yesterday, although most of those who attend would never know. I won't bore you with the details, but we are excited to finally be able to keep up with the totals within our computer software. This allows us to keep a more accurate record of everyone who attends the various functions (Sunday classes, General services, Spanish services, youth activities, etc.)
We were privileged to baptize another soul last night and today started our 30 Days of Prayer focus. We are so happy to have Sis. Ann Deaver as our new Prayer Coordinator. She is doing incredible! She is a prayer warrior herself and has some exciting ideas that we will be enjoying as the year unfolds.
We had a guest in service with us, Bro. Jonathan Johnson. He was at the Lighthouse Ranch for Boys during the time that my father-in-law, Murray Layne, was director. He is living for God and preaching the Gospel! He just wanted to check in with someone kin to Bro. Layne.
He told me stories, in just the few moments that we got to talk, that will always be in his memory and have impacted his life. He could not believe how in love a couple could be at the Layne's age! Jonathan remembers Sis. Layne even sitting on Bro. Layne's lap one day as he explained, "This is the love of my life, boys. This is what you want for your life!" He also said that Bro. Layne's hand would shake, but when it came time to stand up to one of the bully boys, there was power behind that hand. This young man and Joe Navarro, who also was at the ranch at that time and attends our church, had a chance to catch up on the years. Joe spoke a few weeks ago and is pictured at the bottom of this post. We failed to get a picture of Jonathan. You never know the impact that your life and actions will have on people for years to come. We better do what we can, while we can.
I'm glad to be "back in gear" because that means the wheels are turning again. Have a productive week.
5 comments:
Glad all is back to normal. The Holidays are great but nothing beats just plain old normal. Glad to hear the good news about another being baptized. Love ya'll!!!
How awesome to meet another of the boys from the ranch. I so enjoyed talking with Joe when I was back there a couple of months ago. I would love to have met Jonathan too. When that great day comes I wonder just how many will stand and say how much Mother and Daddy impacted their life.
Glad to be back in gear too. :)
Ronda,
He was the one they called "Gumby." Maybe you remember? I didn't mention it in the post, but he also said that they made a pact to meet in front of the throne! I think that will be quite a group...
I took a picture of Joe and Jonathan together if you would like it. I have no doubt that the Layne's were an awesome example to the boys at the ranch.
Overwhelmed! That's the feeling I have in reading this post! I'm thankful for what God is doing in Life Tabernacle and what He did in the lives of thousands of people Daddy and Mother touched. I would love to meet Jonathan, also. I also want to hear the memories he might have told you when he was there. We'll see ya'll next week. Can't wait!
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