Getting Older

As I've gotten older I've enjoyed reading funny lists which share things that show you are getting older. And I usually laugh along and think, yes, I can relate to many of them. But today I've been doing some reflecting and I've developed my own list of twelve observations that make me realize how old I really am. I don't know if they are funny, but they certainly are true. So here goes. I know I am getting old ... (1) When my former high school students are now retiring ... (2) When I read that my physics prof who came to Susquehanna when I was a freshman is considering retiring next year - his 51st year at Susquehanna ... (3) When daily I read the obituaries in the newspaper (and not really to see if I am there) ... (4) When all the nurses and secretaries at our family medical practice call me by my first name - because I have been there so often ... (5) When people ask me if I am going to retire from an activity that I have directed for years - probably they think I should ... (6) When the daughter of a friend of ours is about to graduate from high school and I actually remember when the friend was born and said her first words ... (7) When I suddenly enjoy reading about history, especially local history, which I never cared for before ... (8) When my youngest son talks about what he wants as a gift - for his 40th birthday ... (9) When I purchase salt for the water softener knowing that our family is coming for dinner and I will have somebody to carry it to the basement for me ... (10) When the term "donut-hole" means medical insurance to me and not something related to a tasty food that I used to be able to eat - years ago ... (11) When my youngest grandson not only enjoys computer games, but is very good at playing them ... (12) When my family comes for a birthday dinner and two of the three family cars are driven by my grandsons. It will only be 13 more years until the third one is driven by a grandson - then I know I will be old! Getting older does have some disadvantages - your body no longer works like it used to, your wisdom and experience are no longer valued, younger folks have little time for you, you really aren't really needed anymore, and many of your closest friends have graduated to heaven. I guess that is why so many older people become bitter and critical. But there are also many advantages to getting older - you get senior citizens discounts and you get to support many different doctors. But in all seriousness, each day is a gift from the Lord and a chance to grow closer to Him. Each day gives you a chance to secretly intercede for others - and you now have the time to do it. We never know what a day will bring, but I am learning every day to say. "this is the day which the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it." Have a great day today!

The Horrors Of War

On Monday night I watched a one hour documentary on TMC titled "From D-Day to Berlin". The movie featured rarely seen color movies of the allied march into Berlin during World War II. The movies were shot by professional photographer George Stevens who was part of the allied team chosen to film the war in black and white. However, he also had his personal camera and took his own "home movies" throughout his time there. These undeveloped films were found by his son many years after his death and were used to create this stirring, one of a kind, documentary. (Incidentally the dvd is available for purchase through Amazon). The film followed the American troops from D-Day in June of 1944 until they stood in Berlin in May 1945. I saw the horrors of the war in a way which I have never been able to see or realize before. The film showed dead people lying along the roads, dead people in the concentration-camps, dead Wehrmacht-troops, dead civilians, dead Americans, and all the pain which was present during the war. Highlights included the Battle of the Bulge, refugees, crossing the Rhine, the largest underground factory at Nordhausen that made the V-1, the largest surrender of German soldiers, meeting the Russians at the Elbe, Dauchau concentration camp April 29, 1945, liberated POWs, Bertchesgarten in Bavaria, and ruins of Berlin. Despite all this horror, the film also showed the real joy of the people who were liberated from the Nazi-regime. You could almost rejoice with them as you watched them celebrate their liberation. As I watched this film several thoughts went through my mind. First, I thought of my uncles who were there and were so hesitant to even talk about the events which they experienced. They could probably never forget the horror they viewed in person. My Uncle John did tell me how he recited "The Charge of the Light Brigade" to his buddies as they prepared to storm the beach. Many of these men never came back. I was astonished to see the devastation of the country. But I was shook emotionally as I viewed the prisoners at Dauchau and the piles of human, nude bodies. That was a sight one can never forget. And as I watched, many age old questions flooded my mind. How could the world have allowed this evil to exist? How could one doubt that evil does exist? How can one believe that man is basically good? And to answer these questions, all we need to do is look around the world today. See what is happening in places like Iran and North Korea and the Sudan. Look at terrorism all around us. See how Christians are being killed and persecuted in many parts of the world today. And see how most of the world does nothing, except to try to negotiate with evil. Yes World War II was real and yes the world is no better today. The Bible reminds us that the human heart is desperately wicked. And our only hope is to know the Lord Jesus as our personal savior and to walk daily with Him. And while our road ahead may be filled with trouble, true believers know how it will end. And that is our hope.

Here Are Our Teens At TI!

In yesterday's blog I talked about how exciting it was to see a talented group of teens ministering by sharing their talents and testimonies for the Lord. Aren't they a great looking group? Please pray for each of them that they will grow closer to the Lord and continue to develop a passion for loving and serving Him.

Teens Involved

It's called Teens Involved. It is part of the Word of Life youth ministry in which teenagers are encouraged to develop and use their gifts to glorify the Lord. There are three steps in this annual competition leading to the international finals during the summer at Word of Life in New York state. This year our teens entered the first level that was held in March at a church near Lebanon. Twenty-nine of them, competing in 21 different categories, qualified for the regional level that was held this weekend in Altoona. On Saturday all 29 of them qualified in 20 categories to go to the international level. This is the third year that we were able to attend the Altoona TI and it is a real thrill to see hundreds of teens gather to play, sing, preach, write, and act, using their talents for the Lord. If you ever get discouraged observing teens hanging around and looking like bums in your community, you would be greatly encouraged to see such a group of well-dressed, mannerly, and talented teens serving the Lord. Of course we had a personal interest in the day since two of our grandchildren were involved. Both were involved in puppet teams. Zachary also played guitar in the praise band. Taylor sang in the praise team and read both a poem and a story she had written for this year's contest. We also had teens qualify from our church in vocal and instrumental solos and in vocal and instrumental groups. Now I guess there are some who don't care for the competition angle, and I understand that. It would be better if these teens had opportunities to use their gifts to actually minister to others rather than to compete. But such opportunities are limited, even in the church. Over the years I have watched many of these teens grow spiritually through these experiences. I have seen them develop and refine their gifts through this process of practice and preparation. I have seen them come together as a group and care for each other. And these observations alone make me excited about this program. For if our teens wouldn't have this opportunity, their alternative would be the secular opportunities, such as county and district music events, where a Christian testimony would be limited. So Saturday was a special day for us, despite the long trip, and I was encouraged and proud to see such a fine group of Christian kids praising the Lord in such a variety of ways. My prayer is that they will continue to develop and use these gifts and talents for the Lord throughout their lives.

The Husband Store

This blog may get me in trouble, but here goes. Did you hear about the new Husband Store that opened in New York City? It is a store where a woman may go to choose a husband. Among the instructions at the entrance is a description of how the store operates. You may visit the store ONLY ONCE! There are six floors, and the attributes of the men increase as the shopper ascends the flights. There is, however, a catch: You may choose any man from a particular floor, or you may choose to go up a floor, but you cannot go back down except to exit the building. So, a woman goes to the Husband Store to find a husband. On the first floor, the sign on the door reads: "Floor 1 - These men have jobs and love the Lord." The second floor sign reads: "Floor 2 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, and love kids." The third floor sign reads: "Floor 3 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, love kids, and are extremely good looking. "Wow," she thinks, but feels compelled to keep going." She goes to the fourth floor and the sign reads: "Floor 4 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, love kids, are drop-dead good looking, and help with the housework." "Oh, mercy me!" she exclaims. "I can hardly stand it!" Still, she goes to the fifth floor and the sign reads: "Floor 5 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, love kids, are drop-dead gorgeous, help with the housework, and have a strong romantic streak." She is so tempted to stay, but she goes to the sixth floor and the sign reads: "Floor 6 - You are visitor 4,363,012 to this floor. There are no men on this floor. This floor exists solely as proof that women are impossible to please. Thank you for shopping at the Husband Store. Watch your step as you exit the building, and have a nice day!" Now I don't really understand this story, do you? But I am told that it is funny, at least to some men.

Sue Them All!

If you watch television news, listen to the news on the radio, or read the newspaper you hear so many unusual stories that often are very hard to believe. You wonder if people make up some of these stories. But, we really do live in a strange world where little should surprise us anymore. Today on the radio I heard of an interesting incident in a pentecostal church. It happened in a service where people were being "slain in the spirit". One lady who was "slain" fell backwards and the usher failed to catch her before she hit the floor. I don't know how seriously she was hurt but she has hired a lawyer and is suing the church and the usher for failing to catch her. Now I have four questions about this incident. First, if "miracles" were really being done there, why couldn't she also be "healed" of her injuries immediately? Second, if this event was real, why didn't the Spirit arrange to rescue her before she hit the floor? Third, if she expected to be slain and fall, why wasn't she wearing a helmet or some protection? Fourth, if she was really slain or filled by the Spirit, why would she now have the desire for revenge? Somehow I just can't see a Spirit filled person suing to get revenge over an event where they claim that the Spirit came and filled her. I'd love to be at this trial and hear the arguments from both sides. Unfortunately, I'll probably never hear how this case is settled. Well the two outcomes that I am sure of are that some lawyers will get rich and famous and that once again followers of Christ will be the laughing stock of many. I wonder if she will also name the Holy Spirit in her suit.

The Big Toe Mystery

The day before we left for Florida, I had an appointment with my foot doctor for my diabetic foot check and to have my toenails trimmed. That morning, while taking a shower, I was surprised to see that the bottom of my big left toe was black and blue. I could not remember having bumped it or doing anything which would have caused this bruising. I showed it to my doctor that morning and he didn't find anything wrong. He guessed that I had just broken a blood vessel. The next day we traveled to Florida, followed by two days of extensive walking at Disney. On the second day at Disney, I bumped my foot against a cement wall and my foot really hurt. Later that day I began to have a stabbing pain in my toe that would hit suddenly every 30 seconds or so. I took some Tylenol, but that didn't give me any relief. I tried to sleep that night but the stabbing pain kept me awake. I got up and rubbed it and walked around and nothing would give me relief. Finally, about 4 am, Dianne got awake and I told her that I thought I needed to go to the emergency ward to get something for relief. I knew there was a hospital about a mile from our motel. So we got up, dressed, and drove there. Fortunately, we were checked in very quickly – earlier they had had a very busy Friday night but when we arrived there was nobody waiting. Finally, after all the insurance forms were completed, they took me to a waiting area. Then a physician's assistant showed up and, without even looking at my foot, he informed me that I had an infected ingrown toe nail. I informed him that this couldn't be the case since my feet had just been checked by my foot doctor. Again, without even looking at my toe, he guessed that it could be gout, a guess which he later reversed. He then guessed it could be broken and sent me for x-rays. Actually, he never ever even looked at my toe. Finally I had an x-ray taken and a male nurse then appeared to tell me it was broken. He taped my toes, gave me a boot to wear, and gave me instructions to stay off of it for two days. He gave me three prescriptions and released me. I felt that it was a wasted adventure, except for the pain pills, and decided to leave. On the way out, the physician's assistant, knowing that I didn't believe the diagnosis, asked me if I wanted to see the x-ray. I said sure and he showed me something I couldn't interpret anyway. So we left to prepare for our trip to see the Phillies play later that day. The one prescription helped (I didn't try the other two) and three days later the pain was gone. The great boot that they gave me fell apart the next day. I imagine that my insurance was probably billed $150 or so for it. I thought of going to see my family doctor when we returned home, as they suggested, but there was no longer any pain or discoloring or anything that indicated I had had a problem. I have heard stories about Florida doctors and hospitals. I now believe most of them. But the physician's assistant and I do have two things in common. First, neither of us wanted to be there at 6 am Saturday morning. Second, neither of us know what was really wrong. And that, folks, is the big toe mystery.

Link Fixed

The link concerning our special vacation posted on April 1 has now ben fixed. I apologize for the problem. Please visit that special page now. fbfawana.com/trip.html

He Arose!

Happy Resurrection Day!

Low in the grave He lay, Jesus my Savior,
Waiting the coming day, Jesus my Lord!

Vainly they watch His bed, Jesus my Savior;
Vainly they seal the dead, Jesus my Lord!

Death cannot keep its Prey, Jesus my Savior;
He tore the bars away, Jesus my Lord!

Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o'er His foes,
He arose a Victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever, with His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose!
Hallelujah! Christ arose!

Giving Up Facebook

This morning, an article in the newspaper drew my attention to the subject of Lent. To learn more about this, I went to Wikipedia and here is what it says. "Lent, in Catholic tradition, is the period of the liturgical year leading up to Easter. The traditional purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer — through prayer, penitence, almsgiving and self-denial — for the annual commemoration during Holy Week of the Death and Resurrection of Jesus, which recalls the events linked to the Passion of Christ and culminates in Easter, the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Conventionally, it is described as being forty days long … This practice was virtually universal in Christendom until the Protestant Reformation. Some Protestant churches do not observe Lent, but many, such as Lutherans, Methodists, Presbyterians, Anglicans, and Episcopalians, do." That is interesting … through prayer, penitence, almsgiving and selfdenial … self-denial of what? Chocolate? Desserts? Or, as the morning newspaper says … Facebook! Now I shouldn't question anyone's motives, but giving up Facebook and getting public recognition for it doesn't seem to me like great preparation for celebrating the death and ressurection of Christ. But then, in my mind, neither does giving up chocolate. But the newspaper and area college students think it does. We had a very meaningful Good Friday service last evening and we were reminded of the unbelievable suffering of the Lord Jesus, for us. Nothing can begin to measure up to that event which changed history. And nothing we can give up can adequately prepare us to celebrate that event, certainly not giving up Facebook for 40 days. Not that giving up Facebook isn't a good idea. I still remain a member, but I tire of reading things like … I feel lazy today … I can't wait for the weekend … What can I make for supper? … I scored 500 points today in Farkle … I slept in this morning … I'm bored … and all the other extraordinary comments which frequent the wall. And I don't think giving up this time-waster is that great a sacrifice … especially for Lent … unless you use that time to spend with the Lord, thanking and praising Him, for the wondrous sacrifice and free gift of eternal life. And maybe making a sacrifice for Him would be more appropriate to done for 365 days rather than just 40. Oh well, that isn't for me to judge, is it? It is a personal matter between you and the Lord. So, last night we remembered and celebrated His death. Friday was here, but Sunday is coming! He is Risen! PTL!

A Special Trip

We recently had a very special opportunity to make a quick, unexpected trip. It happened so quickly that most of you were not even aware that we were gone. It was a very unique experience and we haven't had the opportunity to share it with you since our return. I know how we really don't enjoy looking at other people's vacation photos and videos, so we've shared just a couple of special photos and details on a special webpage. We hope that you will take a few minutes of your time today to look at this special page fbfawana.com/trip.html If this link doesn't work you may need to type it into your browser. We wish that all of you could have joined us in this once in a lifetime experience. Thanks for visiting the page.

(Hint - Picture looks like England - could be!)

Trust The Radar

A few days ago we flew home from a vacation trip (details to appear here in a few days). The flights were great – on time and without problems. Most of the time we were high above the clouds where the sun was shining brightly. But on the last leg of the flight we didn't go as high and for most of the trip we were flying right through the thick, gray clouds. Looking out the window it appeared that we were speeding through a thick fog. That was all that we could see. I imagine it must be difficult for the pilots to fly and not be able to see where they are headed. But because of the radar, they flew confidently and we rode feeling at ease knowing that the radar would bring us home. And it did. But I sat there thinking how much this experience illustrated our lives here on earth. So often we can't see where we are headed, especially when the problems and worries mount and we tend to feel overwhelmed. But we know that Jesus is our "radar". He guides us through those situations when we can't see what is ahead. And knowing this, we should be able to rest in Him, with confidence, knowing that He knows our ways and that He will bring us safely home. This morning we talked to a friend whose job will probably be eliminated in the near future. He doesn't know for sure, but He is trusting in the Lord to guide him through this uncertainty. He made the comment that He knows that the Lord knows what is ahead. He just wishes that the Lord would tell Him. How often we all feel that way. I know He holds my future, but it would be easier if He would tell me what it is. But maybe it is good that we don't know what tomorrow holds. We might be fearful. It is better to face today, in His strength, realizing that He will provide the wisdom, strength and peace that we need to face tomorrow – when tomorrow comes. I'm not preaching, I'm just talking to myself – the world's best worrier. But if you are listening in, maybe the message is for you, too. One of my favorite verses, Psalm 139:2 (KJV), "Thou compasseth my path, and my lying down, and art acquainteth with, ALL my ways." So, let's just follow the "radar".

No Tomorrow

Last night we learned of the sudden death of a 24 year-old father whose parents attend our church. He leaves a wife and four children. I think that there are many difficult situations in this life that could happen to a person. The most difficult is probably the death of a spouse. The pain and loneliness of that separation is beyond description. But close behind is the death of one of your children, especially a sudden death. We don't know what tomorrow may hold for us. Death is inevitable. Our days are numbered and we should learn not to put off doing important things such as telling a loved one that we love them … or apologizing for something you have done … or visiting a parent or a loved one… or resolving a dispute with someone, especially a family member … or sharing the gospel with a co-worker … or giving a friend a hug or a complement … or thanking somebody who has done something for you. So often when a friend or loved one dies suddenly, we live with regrets … if only. Tonight I also found out that one of my aunts died. Even though she was in her 90's, her mind was clear. The last time we visited her she shared all sorts of interesting stories that I had never heard about my mother and her family. I was eager to go back and learn more and identify folks in photographs. So much of my mother's background was lost 17 years ago when my mother was killed in an auto accident. But I waited too long to return to visit Aunt Anna and now many family stories are lost forever. If only … Nobody like to talk about death, but unless the Lord returns, we will all face death. So first of all we need to be sure our lives are right with the Lord, that we have accepted His free gift of forgiveness and new life. But then, secondly, we should make sure our lives are right with our loved ones and our friends. When my mother was killed, we were so thankful that the night before her death we visited her, not even thinking it would be the last time we'd be with her on this earth. And so the death of my aunt and the death of this young father challenge me not to put off until tomorrow what can, or better yet, what should be done today. For tomorrow on this earth may never come.

Excuse Me, But ...

… I don't normally brag about my grandchildren. It bothers me to be with folks who are always bragging about how "bright" and "talented" their grandchildren are. It seems as though every grandparent thinks that they have the only "gifted" grandchildren. But after having taught thousands of such "apparently gifted" grandchildren for 39 years, I am fully aware that this isn't the case. So while I am very proud of all seven of mine, I seldom share that with anyone but them. But even so, every once in awhile there are situations that one must share (or brag about). For example - my oldest grandson, Zachary, just completed three nights playing lead guitar for the musical at another area high school. Last weekend he spent time as a member of a select Governor's Youth Council tagging bears that were hibernating in their mountain dens. He also qualified for the Word of Life Teens Involved regional competition at Altoona in April. So far he's been accepted by two universities, Susquehanna and Millersville … His sister, Taylor, also qualified for the Teens Involved regional competition in several divisions, including puppets, praise team, poetry and short stories. Last week she also won a position as a goalie on the Hempfield Junior High varsity soccer team. Hempfield has one of the top soccer programs in the state, so this is quite an accomplishment … Our second oldest, Joshua, a member of the Warwick High golf team, recently won first place in a competition sponsored by the Pennsylvania Academy of Science. He hopes someday to be an engineer, like his father … His younger brother, Noah, plays French horn in the Warwick Elementary School Band and he recently completed four years of work in Awana to earn his Timothy Award. I will have the honor of presenting this to him next Sunday in our second worship service … Our granddaughter, Chloe, recently won first place for her project and display in an elementary history fair in the Conestoga Valley School District. She and her sister, Lexie, were named Respectful and Responsible Students of the Month at their elementary school. Our other grandchild, Brodie, is still a little too young for such accomplishments. Now while I am proud of what they are doing, my greatest desire and prayer is that they continue to love and serve the Lord. I pray daily that they would develop a passion for growing closer to the Lord. I also pray that God would be preparing godly spouses for each of them so that they could serve the Lord together and possibly even rear great-grandchildren who love the Lord. Earthly accomplishments are nice, but laying up treasures in heaven are eternal accomplishments. So while some grandparents wish for their grandkids to become rich or famous, the goal of serving the Lord is one that lasts forever. And that is my prayer.

Family Announcement

Mr. and Mrs. Barry Kauffman are proud to announce the "joining of the lives" of Grandma, of Millersville, and Dr. Foo-Ling-U, of China. In the future Dr. will just be called Gramps. Future appearances of Gramps are not dependent upon his learning English, because he actually "knows" English better than Chinese. Future public appearance depend upon his ability to "acquire" a voice. Grandma is next scheduled to appear in public on March 27 at the Easter Egg Hunt at Faith Bible Fellowship in Lancaster.

A Very Tough Puzzle Completed

This one was tough. The pieces were all one inch wide and all the same shape! This wasn't really much fun but it was another challenge met. The next one is easier!

Financial Tunami

The Lancaster newspapers beat me to it. For three weeks I had intended to write a blog about the soon coming financial tsunami involving pension funds that will hit us all in Pennsylvania. But they beat me to the punch and even "stole" my title in their major articles on Thursday. When this tsunami hits, we teachers and retirees will take the blame as taxes skyrocket and school programs are gutted. The first misinformed letter to the editor, blaming us, was published last Saturday in the local newspaper. More will be on the way. And it isn't even our fault. It is very serious. It has been coming for years and politicians have passed the buck and done absolutely nothing to head it off. What is the problem? Our pension fund, guaranteed by the state constitution, has been drastically underfunded by the state and local school districts for several years and now it is facing billion dollar deficits. Where the districts contributed 12.7% yearly up to 2001, the state legislators allowed it to drop as low 1.09% to keep taxes down. This, with the economic downturn, allowed what was one of the most secure pension funds in the nation to suddenly be billions behind. If the rates had stayed the same, there would be no problem. In the meantime, the teacher's rate was increased and they continue to contribute 7.3% of their salaries each year to qualify. State legislators and boards have seen this debt skyrocketing and have ignored it, allowing future elected officials to face it. Our governor, for example, is doing nothing about it. His term will be over when the tsunami hits. It won't be his problem. The prediction is that the school district rate will need to jump to 21.41% over the next three years – that will be an average of $500 more per family in Lancaster County, including mine. The problem was even made worse in 2001 when the state legislature increased their pensions by 50% and to cover their actions, they added on an increase in the teacher's pension plan of 25% for new retirees. We teachers didn't even ask for this, but it was the only way the legislators could get their huge increase passed. These same legislators have unbelievable salaries, perks, and pension plans and many think the teachers have the same thing. While I admit that right now I have a good retirement salary, PTL, there are some things that the public doesn't realize. First, I receive no cost of living increases and probably never will. What I received when I retired in 2002 is the same as I will get 20 years from now, should I live that long. Incidentally, in February of 2002 I filled up my oil tank for $185. This February it cost me $515 for the same amount and my salary has not changed in that time. Second, the state legislators who created this problem have great health benefits for life. Retired teachers have none. We do get $100 per month if we purchase their recommended plan. But above that $100 it cost us $6,500 for health insurance last year and that insurance didn't even cover $7,510 of our medical expenses. And the cost of the insurance climbs each year when the pension stays the same. Now, I'm not complaining. I new this would happen when I retired but when the tsunami hits, we retired teachers will get the blame and will be publicly chastised by angry taxpayers. Those who caused the problem will escape because most of them are no longer in office and many of them are now enjoying their fat pensions with free health benefits. What will happen? Attempts will be made to cut our benefits, but they are guaranteed by state law. Taxes will need to go up, but that probably won't happen. Some of the candidates for governor have already pledged no tax increases – I love their promises, but they are really out of touch with what will hit during their term of office. What will probably need to happen is massive staff reductions, elimination of elective programs such as art and music, elimination of extra curricular activities such as bands and choirs, and introduction of "pay to participate" athletics. This will come because the public will never allow sports to be dropped or reduced. Schools will never be the same. And the other growing possibility is that school districts and eventually even the state will go bankrupt. And if you think that couldn't happen, just look at California. Times are bad and I believe the worst is yet to come. But thankfully there is one sure solution – the return of Jesus Christ. That will create a real tsunami for those left behind on this earth. And I believe, and hope, that this event will happen very soon. Keep looking up!

Is Dad Smiling?

When we purchased the property for our new church it included an oval for riding horses and a large building that had once been a stables for the horses which were raised and trained there. The oval was where our new building was built. The stables was dirty and in bad shape, except for the walls and foundation. It was suggested that someday this would be a good place for a youth center. Many volunteers shared in gutting and cleaning up the inside. A new roof was put on to protect it. An architect was hired as was a former missionary who was to head up the construction. The big problem was how to finance this since over $500,000 would need to be raised. The congregation was encouraged to start when a number of businesses and a foundation made large donations for the youth center. Work was begun and a magnificent building emerged. The finished product contains a large meeting area with the very latest in sound and projection equipment, a kitchen and a large eating area which is even equipped with booths from a former local restaurant, a large classroom, a fully equipped game room, modern bathrooms, large storage areas for church and children's ministry supplies, and a huge garage for storing our vans and doing other maintenance work. Many churches would love to have such a building for their church building, not just a youth center. Because of what it was originally, it has officially been named the Stables Youth Center. It is now used for all youth events as well as receptions, parties, meetings, and all sorts of gatherings. It is beautiful, modern, and very functional. But there has been one major problem – finances. The campaign to raise money from businesses faltered and fell way short of its goal. As a result, the church had to take out a large note to pay for it and this placed a very heavy burden on the congregation with the already heavy mortgage for the new church. But my father had the vision and fully supported this project. His one desire was to see this note eliminated as quickly as possible so that the congregation could concentrate on reducing the mortgage. Presently we owe $1,846 each week on the church principal and $2,200 each week on the interest. So over $4,000 is needed each offering for the mortgage. The Stables note is in addition to this. Well, dad didn't live long enough to see his desire fulfilled – elimination of the note on the Stables. But when he died we tried to honor his desire by designating that all memorial gifts received would go to reducing the note on the Stables. There were numerous gifts received the first month after his death but several others have continued to come in during the past year, including three last Sunday. This brings the total of memorial gifts in dad's memory to $20,270 and this reduces the note on the Stables to less than $2,000! PTL! And, with either a few more memorial gifts before the end of the month, or with the next payment from the church budget, the note will finally be retired by the end of March. This is so exciting. Dad would be thrilled. The Lord has been so good and we are so thrilled that, even in death, the Lord has used my dad's life to provide another landmark in the history of our church. His influence continues to impact the ministry at Faith Bible Fellowship Church, in Lancaster, that he helped found in 1950. I wonder if dad knows about this new development and if he does, I am sure that he has a big smile on his face.