March Newsletter - Lufkin

​From presidents and hearts to March Madness and leprechauns we went from February to March. That leaves only ten more months in this year.

EMPLOYMENT REPORT:
New jobs-7
Still working-8
The Fieldhouse-4
Praise the Lord!

February was busy. We packed 59 people into 28 days.

Health update. Christi’s doctor visit resulted in the removal of her cast. Cheers were heard far and wide. However, a brace was put on. But she can take it off to bathe and air out. This has not slowed her down a bit. We are thanking God for His goodness.

Dolores and her Bell’s Palsy are slowly parting their ways, which is a good thing. She doesn’t have to wear sun glasses in the building anymore. And her smile is showing up more often. God is good.

Not to be left out, Martin and his mom, each, had yearly check-ups with their doctors. And both received good reports, too.

Cora has been a resident several times. The last time she checked in was July 2018. She has a job. With the help from Burke, after many months, Cora now has a home of her own. She has a one bedroom apartment. Her rent is based on her income. The city bus runs close to her street for transportation to work. Plus she has a bicycle to ride for exercise and exploring her new neighborhood. Pray for Cora, she still has many problems to overcome. God is faithful.

Linda chooses to do her life her way. She is someone who has come and stayed at GODTEL a few times through the years. When she is not living here she comes to eat. In the summer she broke her leg and was hospitalized. She returned to the streets, using a walker to come eat and bathe at GODTEL. The cold of winter set in and she asked if she could check in. We said yes.

She spent her time getting her Social Security started. Linda was able to move out in February. She is living in a motel. This is not a real home but it seems to work for her. She does life her own way. She needs Jesus.

Gail (not her real name) came from the Family Crisis Center. She had a baby with her, a little girl. It didn’t take long for the drama to start. We don’t know the details of her story. She has an open case file with Child Protective Services (CPS). The next day her child was removed from her by CPS. Gail is still at GODTEL. She is going out daily to pick up the pieces of her broken life. Gail needs Jesus. He IS the ONE to make her whole, again. God is merciful.

Martin and I drove to Nederland one Saturday for the annual shareholders meeting of our son’s business, juxtapose, inc. The business is doing well and our shares are sound and solid. We know that most meetings involve food somewhere in the timeline. This meeting did not disappoint. After business was completed we ate barbequed chicken cooked and sold by our grandson’s Boy Scout Troop.

After the eating was done we went to Paul’s house and visited with him and Blaine. Kristen was in Austin for dance competition. Have you noticed that no matter what you say or do grandchildren  grow up anyway? Kristen will be graduating from high school next year. Blaine follows in two years. The two younger granddaughters (5 years & 21/2yrs) will reach that rite of passage in no time. I say ”NOOOOO!”  God is in control and His timing is perfect.

Chicken, pizza and chicken spaghetti were on the menu from our guest cooks. Mike, who comes on the 2nd Sunday, is known for his salads. All sorts of garden fare is seen in the big stainless salad bowl. Then there is salad dressing, bacon bits, croutons and tortilla strips to top off the salad extraordinaire. The crowds show up on the last Tuesday when The Last Tuesday cooks come. The meal is always filling and the desserts-always plentiful and yummy.

Thank you for the toilet paper and facial tissue. Your response has been so very generous. Cold season turns into allergy season and there is no break from the need of a tissue. Achoo! God bless you.

Ahh-winter in Texas. Even though we do have cold days and ice on the roads sometimes and temperatures fall below 10 degrees Fahrenheit, I am glad to have a warm, safe place to be. Dressing in layers is usual around the south. It is cold in the mornings and warms up in the afternoons. This past year and, even now, we have received an overflowing amount of rain. What amazing weather wonders God created.

We look forward to the warmer temperatures and the colorful array of the arrival of spring.

There is no madness in our thanks and appreciation for you this past month. Thank you for your partnership in God’s ministry on Moody Street. Thank you that we were able to help Gail, Cora, Linda and all who passed through our doors. Thank you that we can share God’s love another month.

Prayers needed for our President and Vice-President and their families. Pray, also, for the accountants who prepare our tax returns. Pray for military personnel and first responders. Pray for the Supreme Court justices as they make decisions that will have lasting effects. Pray for families.
 
Because we serve a Living God,
Martin and Mary Baker