keep on Keepin On.

 Keep on Keepin On

What a gorgeous setting, pastoral, and a preview of what we may inherit as we endure.

What is wrong here, nothing at all, except maybe the corral/fencing.

I was thinking how as time passes how much some things change, and others stay the same. In going to a new congregation it is interesting, challenging, intimidating for some, and like coming home for others.
I was talking to 1 brother who recently started the process of relocating to a new cong., and he was looking forward to it, but also it has some unknown factors. Most of that is due to our imperfections, others imperfections, and being in a different, situation, where you are not sure of how you fit in. But in Jehovah's Org. really all we have to do is keep doing the Lord's work, follow directions we receive and allow time & things to develop naturally, and not force things, too soon, or before they happen when the right time arrives.
That applies also in the ministry with our calls. Heb. 6:12 makes that point, of how demonstrating the quality of patience is so important & how we can do it. "in order that you may not become sluggish, but become imitators of those who thru faith & patience inherit the promises." As we talk to people in the ministry it is so important to have patience with them. If we allow thoughts of we need to rush them to studying, before they are ready we force them into a decision before their heart has made it. Why do we do that occasionally, maybe because on the surface we desire them to get in before it is too late, right?
But what may it really show? Our lack of faith in Jehovah & his son in their ability to deliver any who are "sighing and groaning over the detestable things" going on. The angels part of directing us too sheep-like individuals, when the time is right, to say the right thing to theses ones. believing that holy spirit is involved in this work. That is where faith comes in, does it not? We talked about that in FS the other day. It reminded me of a FS talk that a brother in Dolores stressed. having patience, shows the degree of faith we have in Jehovahs ability to deliver. That same faith will not allow us to become "sluggish" in our activity, but all we have to do is keep on keeping on isn't it? Sure we follow the direction and instruction from "slave" as to the offer, feature what the current suggestions are, etc.  But we don't have to act fearful of not having the time to reach all who will respond.
An example of that is our record in the ministry. 1 of my "spiritual dads" who helped shape my life is up there in years. And I have the privilege of working with him in our new congregation. I marvel at his stamina, and desire to "keep on keepin on." he has served Jehovah over 80 years, and has had much responsibility over the years. He has slowed down physically but not spiritually. When the temp this week was hitting a 100, he was out,
and doing the ministry still, he uses a cane now, and we make sure he gets the doors that are level, as much as possible. But what an example of faith, patience he has shown and is still showing.
When I was a young teenager, in his cong. Many a time he or 1 of the other bro.s on the "Committee" as we called it back then, would tap me on the shoulder and ask if I would follow him to the "the room".
In this case it was the bas't of the Kh. where you went to get counsel, and privately. And there they would be, 3 spiritual men who were interested in my welfare, and heard, saw, or observed some fault, or a danger that they would see that was in front of me, and counsel me on how to avoid it, how not to repeat it, and what the consequences would be if I didn't. I never regretted any of those many occasions of counsel, sometimes strong, but always in love, because I knew they were trying to help me. They were doing the job assigned to them from the FDS, to warn me before I took a false step, or after I took a wrong step, admonition on how not to repeat it.
So in being reunited with him is a great joy and source of encouragement, and an example to follow.

here is Ted at door, doing what he can, just like us, except he's been doing it longer. This is a funny pic, because I didn't think the sprinkler was shooting water everywhere, thought it was just hitting part  of the area. Ted didn't complain, and the sister with him when they came back to car, squeezed the hose so Ted didn't get soaked.

  


Here is Ted heading back to car. Now he isn't perfect, I know, but in my eyes he will always be the man who most influenced my life, and kept me on the road to fulltime service, where I enjoyed Bethel, pioneering, met my wife, and went to serve where the need was great. He wasn't alone in helping me, I needed a lot of help. But he was always there, and his wife & family that made room for me, at a crossroads, that helped guide me
to a destination that I couldn't see, but hoped for.

We had a nice time in service. Then the next day we had a good time too, here are some of the pics we saw.

 Right out of the 60's, were these slogans.
I just heard from the brother & sister who took over Miguel's study, that they are going to their 1st DC in Sept!!!!!!!!!!! Ecstatic would be too mild my feelings. Several friends in spanish cong, and our friends in Eng Dolores have offered to assist them, is this a great org or what?
Never ignore Jehovah's ability to deliver us from any situation we find ourselves in, or in his desire & ability to direct affairs so as to find & deliver those in our ministry we come across. Its not us, it is Jehovah, Jesus, and the angels, FDS, directing us in his work. We can have joy, as we just "keep on Keepin On".

Just heard from a friend in Dolores, that is studying with Miguel that the way has been made for his family to attend the DC in Leon, in Sept.!!!!!!!I'm ecstatic. Some spanish brothers, and some of the friends from the eng. Dolores cong. have got together to assist them to get to convention. Ron laid it out for them, and they accepted. So he & Marlene and family will be able to go to their 1st convention!

 Outstanding love shown by those to help ones to find Jehovah.

Love to all,

Tom & Elaine

Winds of change

With only a few days left in month, and our DC this weekend needed to start early today, with a 108 degree day in store, started at gas pumps, with a little circuit near our condo, the down to Eureka to do a loop from north side of hwy, then back to south side of hwy. 1st 3 gas pumps men took the invitation, next 4 didn't.

Had lots of traffic to choose from, but as is the case we try to just do 1 or do at each station, then move on.
1 thing with doing pumps, you definitely don't have any not at homes.




So that kept me going from 7-9, then headed to KH to see what other crazy people would join me on this hot day.
We had 6 all together, 2 bro & 4 sisters.

Ted had 3 sisters go together, and he, an Ted & I joined a sister to do a driving territory to help us deal with heat.

While driving in the territory, I received a email from one of my friends in Dolores, on a call I turned over to him. A young man who has a wife and a newborn child. Before leaving Dolores I had taken the Bro. with me on the call/ study. We had not got into BT book, but I had placed a Bible & BT, and had been only able to read a scripyure or 2, after going thru the Tract. But the brother related how yesterday he had a "great" study with the young man, and he asked about going to KH! He had to tell himself afterward not to get ahead of himself, so as to not be too excited. In Mexico, many initial calls look promising, only to fall thru later on. Either you can't find them again, or on next call they won't show same interest. So you let yourself enjoy the moment but not project to far ahead. After reading his email while driving, I had extreme emotions for a bit. It was bittersweet feelings, 1st off I was so sad, because of not being able to be in Mexico, to continue our ministry there. It was such a "high" to be able to find so many people(men) who you could at least start a study with. So felt sad that was no longer the case. I really feel like there will be an english cong. eventually in La Paz. The CO last visit thought as much. To the point that he said that we could start planning forming a group, and hold a talk & Wt there and see how it is supported. I had hoped to be part of that exciting prospect. But that wasn't the case with the medical situation. I was very happy for my friend to get the study actually going and into the BT book.
Thus bittersweet.
Then almost at the next door, it was my turn and I took it, a beautiful home with a waterfall that we have always dreamed of having one just like it that fed into a small pond with some coi. So after knocking a man came to door, and before I could invite him to the DC, he invited me in to get out of heat. Gave invite, he said he was Baptist. So I asked him about the rapture, if he believed in it? Kind of like Paul did, as Acts book has highlighted last week. He told me his beliefs, and I was able to agree with some of them. Then asked him of course, what was the future for the earth? Were all good people only going to heaven? Read Ps 37 to show him what some good people were looking forward to. So the discussion went along those lines. He has some strong opinions on how neither political party seemed capable of solving the issues. He was a retired school teacher, and I had him read 2 tim 3. In his lifetime has he seen conditions change? All the normal things we bring out. Then asked him why things had changed. He had asked what political party we favored. When I told him we were neutral. He made the comment that Islam was the devils religion. So I let him know that my family was Lutherans at 1 time, and that the ministers of both sides claimed God was on their side, even as they attempted to kill each other. So it just wasn't non christian religions that were responsible, Read Rev 12 then to show why in our lifetime things were so much worse than when we were children. Decided to end it there, and asked him if he would read some material from a book that used the Bible to answer some of the things we talked about in more detail? So I asked him to walk out to car, and gave him BT bo, and arranged to call back. He said if it was in the Bible, he believed it. Thats a good sign.
So Jehovah gave me a nice call, to offset my sadness in not being in mexico anymore. Sheep are still to be found. Witness is still needed to be given. Opportunity still needs to be extended. even here in Missouri. So it was a nice pick me up. The house before Ted had a good call on a lady he gave to our sister to return to. We stayed out til 12:30 or so, so was a good day. Try for a replay tomorrow.
Love to all,
Tom & elaine

District convention & more

Took our oldest grandson with us on a day trip, just always looking for some land, with a creek, pasture & woods, if we ever want to buy some land. We almost bought some, found a beautiful peice of property 45 acres or so, down below Lebanon, MO. that had 5 natural springs on it, formed its on creek, and that is the 1st time Elaine ever approved a piece of land I showed her. But house didn't sell, before land sold, so we missed it.
But in our checking out a place in the county next to ours, we saw this smoke going up in the sky, and i had my grandson take some pics, and as we got closer, it turned out to be right on the road we were on!

So Noah took some pictures, traffic was all stopped so I gave Noah camera, and he walked up as close as was safe, to document the fire. Elaine of course was telling me this is a bad idea, but Noah did good. Then I honked at him to come back when the traffic started moving. It was just outside New Melle on D. So that was some excitement.

Then we reached Lake Sherwood, where there are some lots for sale that allow you to use lake, and fishing, and swimming beach. We looked that over, and saw this house in foreclosure, It was massive!

this house was huge, I called realtor friend and it had a contract on it. was 260,000 sold for 164,000.
Was brand new never lived in, and needed some finishing, but oh my what a place.

I have to remind myself of this is what we walked away from when we started our planning for going to where we could afford to retire. It sure wouldn't be simplifying would it? But the dream of having a place with some land is hard to give up. 

Then we attended the district convention and had a spiritual shot in the arm. My what a well thought out program. Hitting all the right areas, and supplying us with new tools, and helping the family.

I particularly liked the demo's that were very real like, and showed how even spiritual persons can get caught up in dangerous thinking, that left unchecked, could bring spiritual ruin. 

I won't go over any particulars for those who haven't seen the program, but the FDS sure followed Jehovah's spirit in realizing what the brothers are facing. Whether your an elder, pioneer, or publisher, teen young child, infant, or grown adult, there was much for all of us. We actually have our assigned DC next week but got a preview this weekend.

Saw some old friends we hadn't seen in a long time.

Denis Becker has back to us, and Mary Becker is at his side, next to another sister. Pioneered with Denis in late 60s, then he joined us at Bethel in 72.

  

Light was not good for pic, But you can make out Mike Byers on left, and Charlie Stone in middle. first met them in 64, when we moved back from california to St. Louis. In the old Riverview cong,  and Jennings cong. Went with Charlie family in 65 or 66 to Minneapolis, Mn, for a DC. Mike's and Barbs 2 sons are doing great in Des Peres cong, where Jeremy & Miranda attend. We raised our kids at same time and spent many a saturday or sunday afternoon hitting the baseball to them. All for now, can't give away too much from convention. Going to try some FS early morning this week, to make up some FS time, month is slipping away.
All for now,
Love Tom & Elaine

7-17- Heat & Horses

Wow what a hot day! hit 100-101 today, We planned on early FS to get time in, before it heated up too much. Had 5 out at FS mtg- We stepped out of condo at 6:45AM to get started doing gas station pumps.
But we didn't make it, Walked out to see this.

So I went back in, changed clothes, got out my stop leak, never leave home w/o it. Went and aired it up, then had to go and get a 4-way tire tool, couldn't find mine, 1 of the hazards of moving too many times I guess. Came back on with tire at Firestone, and spare on, washed up, changed back into FS clothes and left for FS, 1 1/2 hrs later than we wanted, but at least we stayed with it.


Elaine & I worked together, the other group headed out west. We wanted to stick a little closer to civilization with spare on. It is original spare, I have 294,000 miles on car, but wasn't sure if spare had rotted or would hold up. So we headed back to finish up a street we started with group 2 saturdays ago. Driving territory with gorgeous homes & more beautiful scenery. Didn't have  a lot of hope in finding sheeplike people, I know a little judgmental,  But the scenery made up for the not-at-homes, and lack of interest, and the "no trespassing" signs.
Horses everywhere.

 Didn't find much interest here, but sure saw a foregleam of what Jehovah may provide us with in the future.

This small lake is spring fed, and shallow, but the ducks & swans didn't seem to mind.

This horse was huge! kind of a grey with blue gray spots, and was a good 18-24 inches bigger than other horse it was with, Did get a good close up or Tom Lipperd or 1 of you horse people may be able to tell me what it was,.

And here is, I think, a true Missouri mule. I don't think these folks would settle for just any ass.....








After we finished this street, called my group overseer, and asked if he had anymore territory we could work, So he gave us another section, It was about 10:30 then. Couldn't work several of the homes in this section because of No trespassing signs.
So we headed to a less prominent area, with smaller homes. WE met 1 man, who was working on his boat, with granddaughter, getting ready to go to a lake. Had a nice talk, and found out he was related to Jean Gettemeir. Used to live in north county, so I left the invite and a set of mags with him.
Then saw a sign at 1 driveway, "fresh eggs". so was hoping to get some to give to kids, but no one was home but a lady was leaving her $$ for eggs in a cooler. gave her invite.
Then on last street, met an older woman, who let me know she was Lutheran. I told her I was baptized lutheran, I think,  And asked if she was German, Yes. So we had a little conversation, and I mentioned how I heard Lutherans were "educated Methodists" from a "River runs thru It". (or was it the other way around?) She laughed at that. Was able to read 1 scripture to her.

Then a few homes down the street, Invited a man to convention, but he said he worked 2 jobs, and worked 7 days a week. Asked what he did, and he was a machinist, who lost his job in the downturn in 2008. So shared my work hostory welding and now doing welding inspection, He said that he thought about getting his license. So shared a bit on that, and will write him down a a possible RV if I can catch him. That finished us up, It was 12:30 and we were cooked. Went & got some salads at STL Bread, and then took Elaine shopping for knick nacks. Picked up tire that was repaired, and that was our day.
So we didn't get all the time in we planned, but didn't let our set back stop us from doing something.
Thats kind of like life. Heard a good illustration from a friend, that applies to all of us.
Love,
Tom & Elaine

Sights in FS today

So we headed out thIs to try the invite work for dc. Joined the Lees & went out to Labadie area. I knew a little of area, driving territory, do here was some of the sights.

so there was a mix of types of homes, this 1, Maggie & I walked down a 35-40 degree driveway, of course no one was home, but was a gorgeous looking pool.
Before this we ran into indian country we were sure.

Saw this big old brute and wondered if I had dozed off and was dreaming of a previous life as an Indian! My grandmother told us we had indians in our background, great grandma Pace was full blood, sioux or cherokee.









Then saw the rest of his clan.

There was 2 young ones born this year. talked to an 83 yr old farmer that owns 1 of the 3 farms that we saw Buffalo on. He just butchers a few each yr for his use. There is a wild game meat store not too far away I thought he maybe sold to. But according to him,"if I did that I'd have to let the gov't get involved" and he didn't like that idea.









WE worked with Maggie(12 yrs old) and her Mom, Heidi Lee, and enjoyed the morning and getting to know some of our new friends at KH. Wherever we go, you or us, isn't it marvelous to have a brotherhood, that the 1st time you meet them, or go in FS with, you have met a new member of your spiritual family? What a privilege to be a part of, an earthwide brotherhood, that is happy to meet you as you are to meet them. Even tho you just met them 5 minutes ago. Now you are going to doors together.

Elaine Plank & Heidi Lee at door together.
We had 3 of our grandkids coming over to spend the afternoon, so we ended up at noon. But here was the best pic of the day. The Bull of the family, No not me!
  

Upon closer scrutiny, he is missing a horn, and has some age on him, but he has protected his family, and sired a new generation of his family. Kind of like some of us. We were Bulls in our day ( some would say full of Bull........) we shouldered a heavy load, raised families, protected them as best we could, maybe lost some to poachers, disease, rustlers, or the ruthless enemy satan. But we are still here, doing whatever we can to protect our spiritual family, and trying to see to there welfare, by teaching them, and going in FS with them, and learning from them too. What a great privilege we have had, and continue to have serving with such a flock under Christ's leadership.
Love to all.
Tom & Elaine

Old country- New beginnings

Well as you all know we made it back to Missouri, and got straightened out medically with heart. So far so good.
Went in FS with our new congregation Saturday, and joined them in doing the invite work, DC in 3 weeks. Had an excellent time, went in FS with some friends that we have known for 45 years, and 3 of the 6 are regular pioneers! And the rest are fully invested in PGN.
How strange it was to see GREEN thigs. Trees, grass, weeds, and the variety & beauty of Missouri. That is 1 thing we missed in mexico, was how green this state is. We worked down a lane that had a minimum of 3 acres with each home, with many that had anywhere from 3 to 20 acres I'd guess.
While we loved almost (won't miss the sidewalks) everything in Mexico, we are enjoying the beauty and tranquility of the territory that makes up a part of the territory in Pacific, Mo where we are attending. We did 4 hrs Saturday, this was before my cardio conversion on Monday, so I was still out of breath and tired feeling, but it was a driving territory and that was perfect for me.
  Then today was a Big day. went to early morning service to meet small group which ended up being 5 of us, and did car lots, parks, gas stations etc. I left 4 mags with those we talked to as well as invited to DC. Was nice to be out again. When we were in Dolores it was FS if not every day, then every other day. And between having to work in April and May, the when we got back to the high desert, I had the arrthymia start, then the last 3 week dealing with that, I finally had some energy to get back out in the service.  So we got 5 hrs in today, then Ted took us out to lunch. I was pretty good, got a salad, Elaine had a beautiful fruit plate.

Doesn't that look great. I wished I had ordered that instead of my salad, She took 1/2 home with her. That was a lot of fruit.

Then we came home about 3, took a nap, because thus cong has WED mtgs. No fun after a long day already. But the parts were good, and got to meet & greet the friends after mtg. But you all know Elaine, she is an early bird to bed person, so we may have to adjust ministry to different days with mtg that night.
Ted made some of his returns, and they were in spot close to Meremac river, saw a deer, several bluebirds, cardinals, a red fox, wildlife everywhere.
Well that is all for our 1st post in new congregation. Jehovahs people no matter where your at are loving and appreciative. The talks were good, after being in Dolores with such a high level of spiritual people, there wasn't a drop off in parts or talks, so that was nice.
We'll see if we can fins some sheep here and encourage & be encouraged by the friends.
Love Tom & Elaine