August Newsletter - Lufkin

​July came. July went. August is here.

EMPLOYMENT REPORT:

• New jobs-3
• Still working-3
• Part time-1

Praise the Lord!

The month started with a new copy machine delivered, set up and programmed. I am slowly exploring all the possible jobs and tricks this machine has to offer.

Our guest cooks did not let the summer heat keep them out of the kitchen. Let me tell you what delicious, delectable treats we ate: pork chops, a spaghetti casserole, baked potatoes and the trimmings, and month watering tacos.

In between the guest cooks’ visits, we have Dolores as our on sight cook. When we receive  50 lb. bags of vegetables, which we do in the summer time from local gardens, Dolores goes straight to her cook books. Carrots become a most tasty dish with butter and a little brown sugar or steamed along side a green vegetable. Cabbages are steamed or cut and fried or made into sauerkraut. Potatoes, also, come in big bunches. Oh, the wonderful, remarkable, versatile potato. And onions-you can’t go wrong with an onion as just the perfect finishing touch in any dish.

We don’t want to forget the yellow and green squashes that show up in our kitchen ready to be mixed into a casserole. And the black eye peas or purple hulls. I guess this is the long way around to let you know how blessed we are in our community and how thankful we are for God’s provision.

Dolores and Christi had a week off each. Not at the same time, thank goodness. Dolores was waiting for the library to open, but alas, that was not to be. She found new places to explore. Christi was in charge of the lunch meal while Dolores was gone. Warren stepped at dinner time. Both were glad to see the return of cook.

Christi, also, had a stay-ca-tion. She explored new shops (yes, she wore her mask) and treated herself to a few “away” meals. And, boy, I was glad when Christi returned to the office.

Our resident population has maintained a low count. We got as low as two men and one woman. Even so, Barbara got a job at Subway and Claude not only got one job, he got two jobs! He had his days off and slept, but he still volunteered for chores and attended our required Bible Studies.

Roy Rogers checked in. He left the next day. We do not know where Silver or Tanto were.

“Alice” (from last month) turned 19 years old July 26th the day before her baby was born on the 27th. Christi took her, very, very early that morning, to the hospital. She was induced and by mid afternoon Grace was born.

Christi and I waited anxiously for the call to come and get her and the baby from the hospital and bring her “home”. Alice took a little detour for a few days before returning to GODTEL. They are both here now. Grace is two weeks old and capturing every heart on the place.

Alice has a good support team involving several local ministries and agencies. There is plenty of formula for Grace through WIC. Diapers and clothes are, also, in bountiful supply from some giving folks and several agencies in town. Please pray for Alice and Grace. They need a home of their own with hope of the future. They need Jesus.

We had planned a trip to Spring to visit our daughter and granddaughters, but that was cancelled due to a Co-vid 19 scare. It was very disappointing, but our concern was for Martin’s mother who lives with us. She is 89 years old. I am not divulging any state secret here, mom is quick to remind us of her age, just in case we forgot. We are blessed to have her with us.

Our  tomatoes and asparagus are still hanging in there. The peppers, too. Time to put the sprinkler on, though.

With an Impact Grant from St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church we are completing our kitchen fix-up. The wooden floor cabinets have been removed and wheeled cabinets and work counters and tables have been purchased, assembled and put in the kitchen.

One Saturday a group from City Church came for a day of work. They tore down the last of the wooden cabinets. After the old cabinets were pulled down, the walls were painted. Tiles were put down by Warren. Joseph has come in and put the baseboards up. And he will put up the protective aluminum backing on the walls, too.

Once again, Martin and I had the opportunity to fellowship with dear brothers and sisters in the Lord on July 4th. We missed the singing of the patriotic songs and prayer but there was plenty of delicious food and fellowshipping to be had. Folks, our “favored” country is going through troubled times. We must be on bended knee or prostrate on the floor and pray for God’s mercy and revival in this country. We must!

As the summer continues and the virus hinders us don’t grow weary of being safe. Step outside and get your vitamin D and exercise. While you are enjoying the sun, thank the Son for the amazing world around you.

Remember the “Needs” box is on hold for awhile. God is good and He is faithful to supply all our needs at GODTEL. Thank you for your prayers, encouragement and support during these challenging times.

​Because we serve a Living  God,
~Martin and Mary Baker