June Newsletter - Nacogdoches/Livingston

Creation and May Flowers
 
      Almost daily I find myself amazed at God’s creation, which in turn, declares His glory. When I consider the amazing size, shape, and color variations of flowers, from the giant Rafflesia and large Magnolia blossoms to very tiny bluets (wildflowers growing in our lawn), I am amazed that anyone can believe they all simply evolved. I am especially blessed by the flowers I see blooming at the end of a wispy stalk growing out of a crack in pavement. And have you ever viewed the variety of hydrangeas known as Lacecaps? Wow! As I view the loveliness of each type, I smile and thank God for the beauty He incorporated into His creation.

This marvelous variety is just one more evidence of God’s magnificent creative power. In the Old Testament, Job 12:7-9 ends with, “Who knows not in all these that the hand of the Lord has wrought this?” Psalm 19:1 states, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.” To attribute God’s glory and handiwork to chance is foolish in the extreme and reminds me of Psalm 14:1 which says, “The fool has said in his heart, There is no God.”

Bro. June and I have been enjoying God’s creation as we view the many flowers planted along the Banita Creek Trail in Nacogdoches. As some varieties of flowers die out, others begin to bloom. During our walks there, we enjoy hearing the creek as it splashes and gurgles along its joyous journey to the sea and listening to the birds singing in accompaniment. Not only are our bodies benefitting but our spirits are being revived as we exercise. P.T.L.!
 
The “Joe Update”
 
Last month I announced that our “Livingston Joe”  had moved out. However, the V.A. was unable to find him space in one of their homes after he left the hospital, so they sent him back to us. He is again helping us greet people bringing donations. We are delighted to have him back.
David Joe Martinez (our “Nacogdoches Joe”) is still a resident at Lexington Place Rehabilitation Center in Nacogdoches. We are delighted to report that he is off the ventilator and able to leave his bed for physical therapy.
 
Blueberry Pancakes and More
 
The Nacogdoches mission welcomed a team from the Kiwanis Club and their “cooker on a trailer” one evening in May. We were providing a “test run” of their equipment as they were preparing for the Blueberry Festival. Our residents greatly enjoyed the supper served them consisting of blueberry pancakes and sausage. There was also orange juice in abundance which had been received as a donation from the Women’s Shelter in Lufkin.

We continue to be blessed by many other volunteers—individuals and groups, such as the one pictured below, who come to cook and serve meals or carry out needed projects. Our sincere thanks to all of you who give your time to volunteer and/or pray for us, as well as those who are faithful to contribute financially.

Gospel Goodness
 
GODTEL has a variety of Christian literature, C.D.s and Gospel music available that can help you or someone you know in their Christian walk. You can find a listing of available C.D.s by going to our web site (www.godtel.org) and clicking on Productions. At that location you can also listen to the song, “It Takes More than a Hat to be a Cowboy” from Bro. June’s most recent album.
 
A Voice from the Past
 
Every once in a while, we receive a letter, email, or phone call from someone who previously stayed at one of GODTEL’s three homeless shelters, thanking us for the help we gave them in their time of need. Such was the case early in May when I received a call from a woman who had stayed at our Lufkin mission on several occasions. She called to tell me how much she appreciated all the help we had given her and her three children.

At one point she had told Mary Baker (assistant Director at the Lufkin mission) that she did not always understand Bro. June and she did not always agree with him but she trusted and loved him.
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It is interesting to note that about two-and-a-half years ago, her daughter (then 18 years old) came to stay at the Lufkin mission and was surprised to learn that she had been there before when she was a small child. Since leaving GODTEL she has married and, at last report, is doing well.
 
Until next month ...
 
Walk in the light because “No good thing will God withhold from them that …” Psalm 84:11. (Look it up — or Google it.)

​~Nancy Gentry