What a beautiful drive through the prairie lands and badlands en route to the breathtaking Black Hills of South Dakota! 
Destination: Camp Judson, which is nestled next to the historic, small tourist town of Keystone. The retreat center is located just four miles from the world famous Mount Rushmore.
Reason: We got an invitation to speak at the Senior Adult SD A/G Ministries State Retreat. Hmmm...seems like just yesterday...okay, actually 50 years ago...the Lundstroms were invited to the Black Hills area to conduct teen camps and family camps. Back then we would receive invitations for women's meetings, family rallies and now the invitation was for a senior's retreat. I can hardly believe the years have flown by so quickly! Larry's line is "Life is like a roll of toilet paper...the closer you get to the end...the faster it rolls!"
As you ponder that thought, let me backtrack a minute. During our route over the 450 miles from Sisseton (NE corner of SD) to the Black Hills (SW corner of SD), we were blessed to see the beautiful fields full of corn and soybeans. The golden hayfields 
looked like a playground of giant gold cylinders. Then, as we neared the Missouri River, we were delighted to enjoy miles and miles of sunflower fields. If you have never visited the prairie lands of South Dakota, you must visit our great state. The sights of dancing deer and antelope, roaming buffalo, and thousands of pheasants and wild turkeys entertained us on the trip. I exclaimed, "This was truly a wonderful 'vacation drive' being able to enjoy God's beautiful creation and breathtaking scenery." The only downer of the trip was by the time we had gotten to the world renown Wall Drug, the mercury in the thermometer peaked at 103 degrees. Before arriving there, we read a billboard that said, "Wall Drug...Free Ice Water, Homemade Donuts, Pies and Ice Cream." Needless to say, the sign got Larry's attention and the suburban came to a much-welcome screeching halt. We got a 5 cent cup of coffee and a piece of homemade blackberry pie with some unforgettable homemade ice cream. We then took off again as HAPPY travelers!
When we arrived in Keystone, we were blessed to have our friends, Duane and Laura, provide a hideaway for a few days at the beautiful Rushmore Express Inn for us to study and prepare for the upcoming retreat. Thanks, again, for the haven of rest! You so blessed us!
On Wednesday night, we began the Seniors Retreat. Larry and I chose as our theme, "You're Not Old...You Are Gold!" We encouraged the seniors that they have so much to
offer. The younger generation and our families need our prayers, our Godly guidance, encouragement and seasoned advice. They need to hear the stories of our faith and of God's provision through the rough times.
David's prayer in Psalms 71, verse 18, is a great prayer for seniors, "Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come."
Just as gold radiates beauty, we, as grandparents, need to continually show forth God's righteousness to the generations that are following us.
It was a privilege to be invited by Rev. Nels and Angie Easterby to minister at the retreat. They are action-packed, vision-minded and have an 
overwhelming love and passion for the seniors. Their energy for ministry will never be forgotten. They poured their hearts and strength out to each one that attended. They shared the following regarding the retreat:
"The Lundstrom's had a wonderful message for seniors of 'getting busy' and enjoying the journey!"
"I am encouraged to deepen my prayer life."
"The retreat was refreshing. There was a good balance of down-to-earth teaching, music, and ministry."
"I was personally challenged to make new commitments to the Lord!"
"I loved the music, the ministry, the teaching and the food."
It was great to see Ron and LaVonne Masters from Rapid City, SD.
"My wife and I really appreciated your ministry at the S.D. Senior's Retreat in the Black Hills. Even though my wife and I are in our late 30's we enjoyed ourselves immensely. We brought 18 senior's from our church, and they all had a wonderful time. The ministry time was excellent, and the fellowship time refreshing. The messages you shared for the senior's ministered to my wife and I as well. Thank you for following God, and allowing Him to use you!"
The three days were action-packed. We were blessed just as much, or more, being there with this wonderful group.
Late on September 5th, we headed off again, 450 miles back to our starting point, arriving in Sisseton early Saturday morning. Saturday we tried to catch up on mail, do laundry and re-pack to board the tour bus on Tuesday morning with our friends who are joining us for our Fun and Fellowship tour to the National Quartet Convention in Louisville, KY. We will tell you more about that in the next update!
May you have a wonderful month. Enjoy the change of seasons..it's so special!
In honor of Grandparents' Month....
YES, I'M A SENIOR CITIZEN
"I'm the life of the party-even if it lasts until 8 PM."
"I'm very good at opening childproof caps-with a hammer."
"I'm usually interested in going home before I get to where I am going."
"I'm awake many hours before my body allows me to get up."
"I'm smiling all the time because I can't hear a thing you are saying."
"I'm very good at telling stories-over and over and over and over."
"I'm aware that other people's grandchildren are not nearly as cute as mine."
"I'm so cared for-long-term care, eye care, private care, and dental care."
"I'm not really grouchy-I just don't like traffic, waiting, crowds, lawyers, loud music, unruly kids, Jenny Craig and Toyota commercials, barking dogs, politicians and a few other things I can't seem to remember right now.
"I'm sure everything I can't find is in a safe secure place-somewhere."
"I'm wrinkled, saggy, lumpy, and that's just my left leg."
"I'm having trouble remembering simple words like..well, like...like."
"I'm sure they are making adults much younger these days, and when did they let kids become policemen."
"I'm wondering, if you're only as old as you feel, how could I be alive at 150?"
"And, how can my kids be older than I feel sometimes?"
"I'm a walking storeroom of facts...I've just lost the key to the storeroom door."
"I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps."
Easy Fruit Cobbler
Layer the fruit in bottom of 9 X 13 baking dish. Sprinkle with powdered jello. Cover with box of cake mix powder. Drizzle with melted butter and water. Bake about one hour at 350 degrees.
Suggestions:
Mix fruits such as peaches and blue or black berries, rhubarb and strawberries, mixed berries or whatever you like. I use sugar free jello and the flavor depends on the fruits you choose. If using tart fruit such as rhubarb you may want to add a little sugar. I use yellow, white or pink cake mixes. This is a good pot-luck dessert dish to take.
If an electric plug fits too tight and is difficult to pull out, rub its' prongs with a soft lead pencil.
We were happy to be invited back to minister with Pastor Scott and Nancy Jans in Fairbanks, IA at the Lord of the Harvest Lutheran church. There were smiles and joy during the whole service as we sang and ministered...especially at the altar call when they float up to the altar to make decisions for Christ and reaffirmations of their faith. Scott and Nancy's hearts burn with great fervor to see the lost come to Christ. 
We've known both Percy and Perry since they were about 4 yrs old and their parents were pastoring in North Dakota. They are two great guys and both are wonderful pastors. 
Larry took of Dean and Maggie it shows what happened when they prayed. Look at the joy that glows forth from them. Dean said, "This was the day. This was the appointed time for Maggie and I. We loved the service, the music and the message. When Larry gave the invitation, we knew it was for us and it was the right time. Now when we die we know we will go to heaven." 
tenor drum for Rosemont High School. They marched and performed that day. Last Monday their band was requested to play for over 3000 of Minnesota's school teachers and they received an overwhelming response. Dante said their appreciation made their whole summer practice worth it. 
our ministry back to the area.
From Harlan, we traveled over to Palmer, IA, to the Faith Lutheran Church pastored by our long-time friends, Pastor Dennis and Joan Niles. Joan prepared us a home-cooked meal of BBQ ribs, mashed potatoes,
received new strength. Again, Joan and I appreciate the ministry of the evangelist and Larry and Gloria establish a clear standard in that gift area. We pray God will give them wonderful open doors and hungry hearts."
on the road. She told us, "I had forgotten how good your ministry was. I'm so glad I came. It was great."
have known them since....well...since Larry and I were newlyweds.
with a ministry that the whole family enjoys.
Celebration.
twice.
the realization that they have to get back there somehow. Unbelievably...Ripley's believe it or not...they had one oar. Yes, I said ONE oar. Someone had forgotten to put the second oar in the boat. Need I tell you they were in trouble? You'll never get anywhere with one oar, you'll just go in circles. Thank God for those men with creative minds! Alan took his huge fishing net, and crisscrossed the net with bungicords. That was supposed to be the second oar (chuckle). Thus began the five hour trek back to land. Well, thankfully they made it back okay, but they will all tell you they definitely had sore arm muscles. Of course, you know me, I chuckled because it wasn't happening to me. That experience was an unexpected, added adventure for them. 
This true story so reminded me of life in general. How many times are we just sailing through life and it seems the motor of our life stalls, or something happens to stop us. I call those "bumps" in life. When Plan #1 falls apart, we rush into Plan #2. Often times it appears that we are going in circles, not making any headway. It's like having only one oar. In a panic we cry out to God, thankfully he throws us an "oar" of faith or perseverance to help us to keep paddling on. In the natural there are moments that it doesn't seem like we'll make it...but if we hold onto God's promises in His word...we eventually come through. Maybe not the way we planned, and maybe not without scars or disappointments, but we make it! 
Can it really be mid-July already? It seems like everything goes so fast I can hardly catch my breath. 
our family together in one place. I continually remind my nine brothers that I truly am their "favorite" sister. Of course they chuckle and say, "Yea...because you are our 
how Mom handled our sibling squabbles. If we got in a disagreement or fight, she would pull us both by the nape of the neck, put us face to face, and quietly, but firmly command, "Say, I'm sorry." Ewww! That was so frustrating! That was the last thing we wanted to say, but she made us do it anyway. We ground out the words, "I'm sorry" to each other. She would then command, "Now give him/her a kiss on the cheek." This was a punishment worse than getting a spanking. Very unwillingly, as she held us firmly in place by our shirt collar, we reluctantly gave each other the fateful kiss. We then gave each other a look that emphasized, "No sale!", but as soon as our eyes met, we would break out in laughter! In just moments, we were friends again until the next squabble arose. HA! Ohhh...the lessons we learned.
always encouraging, challenging, and uplifting to the Body of Christ.
his "Sword" with all of his notes and reflections in it. I tried to encourage him, "Honey, hopefully, if there is anything left of it, wherever it fell off or if anyone finds it, let's pray that person has the heart to send it back." Years ago, I had written in his bible, "If lost, please return to (our address). We would deeply appreciate it." We gave the problem of the lost bible to the Lord and Larry borrowed my bible for the service. 
orship leaders at Christian Life Center for nearly twelve years. Back in the mid-80's, Scott and Nancy, both single at the time, traveled with us in ministry on the road. Scott ran sound, sang and drove bus. Nancy sang and did whatever needed to be done. They went on to be married after they left Lundstrom Ministries. We are so proud of them and their ministry. I chuckled at what Nancy said, "Wow...you guys are ageless!" Whatever that means! HA! She continued, "You guys have been so faithful to stay out there all of these years touching lives. We had a lot of great memories being with your ministry."
eat impact in our communities. Tim was also a great help with helping set up and tear down at the park. This couple had the following comments regarding the service:
walk with the Lord. It was a beautiful evening and a wonderful day that the Lord blessed us with. We so appreciate Larry and Gloria and their heart to reach the lost and be a blessing to the Body of Christ. On a personal note, our family is always blessed by the time we get to spend with Larry and Gloria. Thanks again for coming to Glenwood!"
Last weekend, we were invited to minister at the Wadena Evangelical Church in Wadena, MN, with Pastor Jeff Heisler. I remember being in Wadena a few weeks after Larry and I were married in November 1965. Wow..my memory still works! Yea for me! We have returned several times through the years.
trimmings including a yummy birthday cake. That was so kind of them! Jack said the following about our time of ministry in Wadena:
Pastor Jeff has a burning desire to reach the lost for Christ. Many churches and pastors express that they want to reach the lost...but often it doesn't seem to get much further than the expression. Pastor Jeff set a goal for 2008 to reach 24 people for Christ: his heart is to reach the unchurched and unsaved, not transplants from another church As of last Sunday, before we came, he had 18 people make commitments, and he was believing God for another 6 by the end of the year in order to reach his goal. Then, Jeff said, "It is only June 29th and we have almost reached our goal. There is still a half a year left. We need to believe for a lot more!". God is definitely pouring out His blessings and giving Pastor Jeff the desire of his heart. As you can see by the altar response in the photo, God drew many who were searching and hungry for Him. 
e someone makes a commitment to Christ, he buys a special candle and places it withing a glass globe. The glass globe has their name etched on it along with the date they received Christ. He places them on the altar and lights them every Sunday morning. He has 18 candles burning representing the 18 who have given their lives to Christ this year thus far. What a moving sight! It is a great testimony and also a great motivation to bring in the lost so they might be saved. At the end of this year, he will present each convert this beautiful candle as a symbol and reminder of their commitment to Christ. He will be placing many more on the altar as a result of Sunday's altar call.
marriage went by slowly and was filled with many challenges...each year since has raced by like speeding bullets. I remember thinking that anyone 25 years old was...old, 35 years of age was... older, 45 years old was... ancient, and 55 years and up was... over the hill - HA! So where does that put us now!! Please be kind with your thoughts!
no matter what walk of life, age or race, he will take out 3 coins and share the simple plan of salvation - and 9 out of 10 times will lead that person to Christ." I love his heart that is sold out for Christ. Larry has been on the road for 47 years (he was on the road four years before we got married in 1965), and his love and zeal for ministry is as fresh and fiery today as when he left for ministry on the road in 1961 with his brother Lowell and Lowell's wife Connie. 
On June 8th, we had the honor and privilege to minister at New Life Assembly of God in Ellendale, North Dakota. The church meets in the Trinity Bible college chapel. We had a wonderful service. Our hosts were Pastor Dave Bennett, his wife Rose, and Dr. Lavonne Larson. Pastor Dave is an Evangelism teacher at the college, along with holding many other positions. After the service he told us, "Larry and Gloria, when you gave the altar call, I bowed my head and thought, 'Wow Lord, that was a great message on soul-winning, we needed to hear that.'" Then added, "When I looked up and saw all the people who responded to the altar call...I almost fell out of my chair! It was really great." Among all those who made decisions for Christ, was a
couple that David and Rose have been praying for and loving on for several months. Praise the Lord!
have to agree "they musta' done me well", as I'm still out here on the road in ministry after 42 ½ years. We had great teachers who were excited about preparing us for ministry. I am ever-indebted to them.
there,
of God. Their love for God and souls reverberate through them. They have a wonderful congregation and are making a difference in the Kingdom.
Evangelists Larry and Gloria Lundstrom. Their ministry here at Calvary Assembly of God Church was a tremendous blessing to our people as they shared both in music and the Word of God with conviction and boldness, yet with a spirit of humility.
helps, and that they are always in the middle of what God is doing - what a great blessing. Randy and Juli's daughter, and her husband drove back from the Milwaukee area on Father's Day. They attend my brother, Pastor Jerry Brook's church in Oak Creek, WI. I had to chuckle because she said to me, 
God, in Sisseton. It is always a joy to connect with our friends and family. This time our ministry took place at the same time as graduation and Memorial Day weekend. With this in mind, Larry built his sermon around the question, "What is your belief system?". He addressed the graduates and since it was Memorial Day weekend, he also honored those that had "graduated" from this world into their heavenly home. 
each one had made on our lives. Then, we noticed many graves with markers that bore the names of believers that had faithfully prayed for Larry and I as young people. They were seniors when we were teenagers. They challenged us through their examples of living godly lives as well as their faith-filled prayers to believe for miracles and answers to prayer. We cherish each one who had a part in our lives...pastors, staff, children's pastors, Sunday school teachers and youth leaders. We were always reminded of Ecclesiastes 12:1, "Remember thy Creator in the days of thy youth." We were taught and encouraged to make a commitment of our lives to Christ while we were young and that God would always be there to direct our steps and pathways of our life. It is because of the prayers of many of these saints and role models that Larry and I are in ministry today. We are grateful to all of those who took time to invest in our lives.
did I agree to? Mom is 92 ½ and is getting a driver's license???" (Not that she isn't capable to be driving, but we do not think it is wise or safe at her age with the traffic she would encounter) Still flabbergasted, I wondered what I had agreed to. The next morning, I called her, "Mom, why do you want a driver's license?" Jokingly I asked, "Do you plan on driving the Senior Citizen Transit Bus?" To which she chuckled, "Oh Missy...don't worry. I'm not getting a driver's license. I am getting an ID card for traveling identification." Whew...was I ever relieved! 
don't want you to fall. I would feel so terrible and responsible if you ever got hurt." She sweetly complied as she took the cane that my dad once used and away we went. Just as we were about to enter the building, she stopped, looked up at me and firmly commanded, "Missy, you take the cane...I don't want them to think I'm using the cane." I broke out in laughter, "Oh, thanks, Mom. You are 92 ½ and I'm 64 years old and you want them to think it's mine." She just laughed. 
and they all gave me beautiful Mother's Day cards with heart-touching verses. Often I don't feel I'm worthy of all those "flowery" kind words...but I'll gladly accept them! Often times, while parenting, we feel inadequate in how we're raising our children. We ponder and wonder if we did the right things in the right way. So, I need those verses of love and appreciation to keep me going. I was so happy to have our granddaughter, Myanna, with us on Mother's Day. She is such a joy to us. 
"Wow! Our church is still beaming with excitement and joy at seeing nearly half in attendance on Sunday respond to the altar call, many committing their lives to Christ for the first time. Thanks Larry and Gloria for your anointed and outstanding Gospel ministry!
was a guessing game as to how much to trim. Of course, Larry and I had a lot of laughs. One thing we know for sure - pruning is not our calling! The bushes looked like they got a haircut from a first-time barber student..that's okay, they'll grow out again. 
and Mary Arehart. 
Little did we know that was just the beginning. For the next nearly 40 hours, the temp dropped from 73 to 27 degrees and it turned into an old-fashioned, nasty snow blizzard.. We nestled in the motor home all day Friday and waited for the storm to pass. Unfortunately, we had to cancel our Friday night service as there was no travel advised, because of the blowing and drifting snow creating zero visibility. On Saturday, April 26t,h the sun came out and the snow started to melt allowing us to have our Fun and Laughter Marriage Seminar at the Wagner Community church. We had a great evening of sharing with couples about what makes us "tick or ticked" and ended with a session on forgiveness. God did a wonderful work of healing in the lives of the couples who were able to attend. 
us to minister, he said, "I believe in your ministry. Every time you and Gloria have come to minister many have come to Christ for the first time, and gotten plugged right into our church as members. We love your soul-winning emphasis." Sunday morning was no exception. Again, when the altar call was given many responded to make decisions for Christ. Praise God! 
It was a personal encouragement to see Scott, who gave his heart to Christ a couple years ago in our service, and his wife who came to Christ one year ago in a service, actively involved in the church. Every Sunday, Scott does a one-man illustrated sermon or drama as to whatever Pastor is going to preach about. It's great! It thrills Larry and I to see people get saved, walk right into the church, and get actively involved. Scott owns Boom's Family Restaurant in Wagner, SD. 
stood holding up the gift bag. I announced, "Happy Mayday!" as I set the gift bag by his feet. He picked it up, peeked in, saw the blizzard (he hadn't had one in months due to his "food cop" -me), he grinned that look of "oh yea!" I interrupted his thought by motioning to him and exclaiming, "Hey it's Mayday- you have to chase me and give me a kiss! Come on, let's go!" I turned around and began to walk quickly down the sidewalk and driveway... there was Larry trailing me in stocking feet and gaining ground like a speeding bullet. He grabbed me, swung me around, hugged me and plopped a big kiss on my lips. We both laughed and laughed. Just then a car drove by. Having witnessed the chase and the embrace and I'm sure they thought, "Aren't they too old for all of that?" NEVER...