October Newsletter - Nacogdoches/Livingston

I am preparing and mailing this newsletter prior to the celebration of the Feast of Trumpets/Rosh Hashanah (September 30—October 1 this year). If Jesus has returned, fulfilling this prophetic feast, we will no longer be here on planet earth, (neither will anyone else who is truly God’s child). For those who have been left behind, this is an explanation of why you will no longer be hearing from us. We are in Heaven.

If Jesus did not return this time, we will still be here and I plan to prepare and mail another newsletter next month. We shall see.

Meanwhile, another Christian friend has entered Heaven “early.” George Cammack was taken by cancer. (Bro. June performed the marriage ceremony for George and his wife Loretta 39 years ago out at Millard’s Crossing.) So glad we will soon see him again in Glory.
 
And This is How It’s Done
 
     B.A. checked into our Nacogdoches mission on July 15, 2019. He had previously lost his job, which led to losing his apartment. He  pursued several jobs before coming to us, but none of them panned out. After he checked in here, he started registering with all temporary agencies in town. In less than two weeks, First Choice Personnel connected him with a job at American Timber & Steel located on FM 2864. He rode a bike 13 miles there and 13 miles back every day.

He was saving his money and planning on purchasing a moped to ride back and forth, until his boss took him to a car lot (because he knew the owner) and pleaded with the owner to make him a good deal on a decent vehicle. He told him, "this man has $1,000.00 in hand. He is a great employee with perfect attendance." The dealer agreed to help and B.A. purchased a small four-door car with low mileage.

With winter coming on, it will be a blessing to be inside an automobile protected from the elements as he travels to and from work. As soon as he saves enough money, he plans to get his own place to live. (Meanwhile, he is contributing a small portion of his income to help defray the cost of his room and board.)

For as long as he is here, B.A. will be hearing God’s Word taught twice daily, the lessons from which we hope he will take with him, enabling him to make wise choices in the future.
 
Nancy’s Birthday
 
On September 19th, I reached the age of 77. My daughter, Greta, commented about the date and my age being an interesting set of numbers: 9-19-19 (the same numbers forward and backward) and my age being God’s number of completeness or perfection doubled (seven two times). I truly had a wonderful day and appreciate all the cards, gifts, well-wishing and pampering I received.

When June and I arrived at the 7:00 a.m. Bible study at the Livingston Mission that morning, my chair had a red balloon attached to the back and two strings of balloons festively adorned the sides of the large television at the front of the room. There was also a ”Happy Birthday” card, which everyone signed, hanging in the center (see photos below).

I can tell I am getting older because my knees are starting to give me trouble. In fact, I have been diagnosed with Paget’s Disease of the Bones which means the cells in my bones are getting very “creative” and building bone where it should not go, making spurs and curves and a “shepherd’s crook” on my left femur. In addition, new bone is not being built where it should be, producing weak areas in my bones. (I like to think I am more delicate than before.)

On a sad note, I just learned that my baby sister has been diagnosed with cancer so, more than ever, we are looking forward to Christ’s return. In all this, I know God is in control and will provide us with the grace to face the future, whatever it may hold—even if Jesus does not return this year.
 
Look Who’s Mowing!
 
Our Nacogdoches groundskeeper, Fred, recently took a brief vacation and we managed to get photos of the two men who replaced him during his absence, Bro. June (our Executive Director) and Richard Silva (the Nacogdoches Mission Manager). They were delighted when Fred returned.

God Bless our Supporters
 
~Nancy Gentry