July 2010

Home in Glory

We planned to move Daddy home with Hospice care today (Monday), but . . .

Daddy lost consciousness around 10:10 and we couldn't move him. Before he lost awareness, he called all of us to his bedside. We all held his hands praying, crying and expressing our love. Pastor Harris led us in singing dad's favorite song (There is a fountain filled with blood). It turned into a singspiration and a mutual sharing of laughs and memories. God is good.

‎At 10:20 pm Our pastor, daddy and friend went home to be with Jesus. We are thankful that God took him with such grace and mercy. He didn't suffer. As we sang, his heart would strengthen, but as time drew on it continued to weaken until Jesus carried him home.

Psalms 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.

We are especially grateful to all of the area pastors who have come by to visit with Daddy and our family during the past 2 weeks. Just think, he is experiencing now what he has preached about for the past 40+ years. Truly an awesome reward.

Thank you for your support of prayer at this time.

Singing His praises, Paul Sudbrock‎

The universal Delusion

It is ironic how much of our life we spend in the delusion that we are in control. Only in the face of mortality are we awakened to God’s incredible grace wherewith HE has so patently dealt with our conceit.

Paul Sudbrock

Home in Gloryland

I've got a home in Gloryland that outshines the sun!

A big thank you to all who have been praying with us through this trial. Your notes have meant so very much to us. Two weeks ago, Paul's dad was admitted to the hospital for bleeding ulcers. Unfortunately though, his body has declined rapidly since then and he has grown very weak. Paul's brother, Joel, called this morning to let us know that Oma is ready for Paul to fly home. From all appearances, Opa will be moving on to his home in Gloryland very soon. Paul will be flying out for Newton, Iowa, on the first available flight. As I type this, he is on the phone with American Airlines trying to make the arrangements necessary for purchase of a breavement ticket. Paul will be flying alone this time.

Please pray for our family, the church in Newton, Iowa, and the church here in Wittenberg, Germany. Newton Baptist Temple is in need of a new pastor to walk with them through this transition. Paul's dad started the church there 42 years ago. The church here in Germany will be left for an unknown period of time without a preacher for Sunday Services.

Thank you for your prayers and support!

Chelli

God's hand of protection

Praising the Lord for His hand of protection this morning! An abandoned factory, just two doors down from us burnt to the ground this morning, but the Lord kept us safe. The garden is covered in ash and my clothes on the line aren't looking so fresh any more, but we are safe. And, the great thing about it is - that building is gone, which makes the neighborhood so much safer. Homeless drunks tend to hang out there and always made me leery of letting the kids go to the bus stop or the store alone. I imagine they are the ones who started the fire. They lit it up once last year, but it got put out before any real damage was done. This time the fire department wasn't so quick. Praising the Lord for his all around hand of protection.

Blessings,

Chelli

To each their own

Ooops! I guess, I should let Paul do the picture uploads. As you can tell, I didn't quite do that right. To each their own - and my own is definately not digital photography. I will get him to repair it for us soon though. Right now, he is busy with the clean up and maintainance neccessary after such a big day like yesterday. Thanks for loving us despite our human quirks.

Blessings!

Chelli

4th of July

Since the beginning of June, we have been advertising and inviting for today. This week, we passed out over 500 invitation for our summer activities starting with our 4th of July picinic today.

We had 30 people in attendance today, 7 of which were 1st time visitors. We started off the day with a song and worship including the Skyler and Samantha playing The Star Spangled Banner on their violins. Paul's sermon title today was of course "Independance". The kids enjoyed crafts and games -especially the water balloon battles, considering the temp. was well over 90° which is not very common for Germany. The hot weather kept a few people from being able to come for our picnic, but those who did make it, had a great time and were granted an extra reward from the Lord when He sent a cool breeze in the afternoon. We enjoyed introducing our German friends to American foods like cole slaw, ranch dip, french dressing, and root beer as well as a game or two of bolo.

Among our visitors were some with great musical talent, which lead to a great round of singspiration as the evening set in. We had a great time and are praising the Lord for His awesome provision.