Greetings, once again, from Missouri. I can hardly believe it is 92 degrees in October! What a gift! I am glad for the nice weather as I am still trying to recuperate from bronchitis. It really sucked the zip out of me these last few weeks. I am working on getting my voice back. Larry pulled the wheels off my chariot this past week and made me rest so I would get better. He has spoiled me with my morning coffee, toast and cereal in bed. I don't know...maybe I will take my time getting well so I can enjoy all this extra attention. HA! We drove into Branson, MO, which is known as the Live Music Mecca of North America. The population sign for Branson now reads over 6,000. What was once a quiet, obscure Ozark community is now a live music show capital attracting millions of visitors every year. Larry and I have hosted "Christmas In Branson" Fun and Fellowship tours for nearly 20 years. While I am sipping hot tea and lemon in our room, Larry is out and about scouting hotels, shows and restaurants for our next Christmas in Branson tour scheduled for late November-early December of 2007. You will have to plan early to join us for this fun-filled trip. A couple days ago, Larry and I went into a pancake house to eat. A young man waited on us and as is our custom, we began to visit. He is 22 years old. In a heartbeat, he began to unfold his life story of being thrown from one foster home to another. He was then adopted only to be abused and beaten by his adoptive parents. He shared how he and his little sister were locked for hours at a time in the attic. In desperation, he told us how he broke a small window, and he and his little sister would sneak out and run down the street into a little old Baptist church. He continued to tell us of how the people in the church sang and fed them and for a little while, he and his sister felt so safe. They would then run back home. He commented, "I never forgot the wonderful feeling I felt when I went to that little church. When I was about 17, immersed in a life of drugs and darkness, and at my wits end, I went back to that little church. I felt Jesus, and I got saved." In an unexpected turn of events, Larry and I were trying to encourage him, but he ended up ministering to us through his testimony. Now, he and his young wife, are expecting their first baby. Larry and I were so thrilled to know that this little church was filled with God loving people who cared and reached out to those kids. That is what the church is for--- not to meet and eat---but to reach out to the Lost and hurting. Pastor Mark and his wife, Kari, who at one time traveled with the Lundstrom Ministry are On September 30th, our son, Donovan, turned 29 years old. I can hardly believe it. I called him right after midnight and sang him a birthday song. Donovan is still working in Nashville. We sure do miss our son and my girls, but like my mother says, "Missy, I know you miss them, but be thankful they are well-bodied and have sound minds so they can be on their own, able to go out and work." So...I am. We pray that you have had a good week and that you will have another great week. May the joy of the Lord be your strength. Please remember us in your prayers for safety on the road and good health. Gloria NOTE: We will be on TCT Live television on Wednesday, October 11th, in the Marion, IL, area. If you know someone who is in that area, please let them know to tune in.
Speaking of being fed spiritually, Larry and I were able to visit Tri-Lakes Center Church last Sunday. Due to many mission's conventions that are being held in September and October, we were unable to schedule a service for that particular Sunday, but I guess God knew that we would be needing some recoup time. Sunday morning, we were privileged to visit this church pastored by our friends, Mark and Kari Shorey. Their beautiful church is also one of Branson's most prestigious theaters. It was originally owned by country singer, Mel Tillis, and through a series of events, it has now become a church. They rent it out during the week back to Mel Tillis, Dino (the famous pianist), and other various artists. 
doing a fantastic job of building a congregation. Pastor Mark's brother, Kevin Shorey, also helps with worship. Kevin is married to Cindy, Mel Tillis' daughter who handles the scheduling for the events in the theater. What a joy to see these young couples making a difference in people's lives in Branson. They have a vision for the Lost and at every service, people are getting saved. When Pastor Mark preached about reaching the Lost, I could hardly hold Larry in his chair as he was so excited about the message. It was so refreshing to sit and take in the Word under someone else's ministry.
Larry's Photo Pick of the Week
The trouble with the guy who talks too fast is that he often says something he hasn't thought of yet.
Unknown
CHUCKLE OF THE WEEK
DOUBLETAKE!
Recently, we were eating at McFarland's Restaurant in Branson, Missouri. I saw our little waitress running to and fro trying to wait on about 20 tables. When she brought our salads, I commented, "You need more help, don't you? You are trying to wait on all of these tables by yourself." She giggled, "My twin sister waits on those tables in that section." Sure enough, her identical twin worked at the same restaurant. I am sure I wasn't the first one to wonder "How could you do this all by yourself?"
RECIPE OF THE WEEK
As the leaves are turning and the air has a bit of a nip telling of a change in seasons, we thought this recipe would be a perfect way to use some of the fresh produce from the garden.
Autumn Mashed Potatoes
2 lbs small red potatoes, skins on, quartered
1 small butternut squash (~2 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cut into small cubes
½ cup heavy cream
1 stick unsalted butter cut into 8 pieces and softened
2 tsp salt
Place the potatoes in a medium saucepan with water to cover by 1 inch. Place the squash in another saucepan with water to cover by 1 inch. Bring both to a boil, lower the heat and simmer until they are soft (approximately 15 minutes for the potatoes and 10 minutes for the squash.)
Warm the heavy cream in a small saucepan. Drain the potatoes and the squash and return to a clean saucepan. Over very low heat, coarsely mash the vegetables, gradually adding the cream and butter. Stir in the salt and serve piping hot. Serves 8.
HOUSEHOLD HINT OF THE WEEK
If grease floats on top of gravy, add a pinch of baking powder and the grease will disappear.
~We drove into Branson, MO, which is known as the Live Music Mecca of North America. The population sign for Branson now reads over 6,000. What was once a quiet, obscure Ozark community is now a live music show capital attracting millions of visitors every year.Larry and I have hosted "Christmas In Branson" Fun and Fellowship tours for nearly 20 years. While I am sipping hot tea and lemon in our room, Larry is out and about scouting hotels, shows and restaurants for our next Christmas in Branson tour scheduled for late November-early December of 2007. You will have to plan early to join us for this fun-filled trip.
A couple days ago, Larry and I went into a pancake house to eat. A young man waited on us and as is our custom, we began to visit. He is 22 years old. In a heartbeat, he began to unfold his life story of being thrown from one foster home to another. He was then adopted only to be abused and beaten by his adoptive parents. He shared how he and his little sister were locked for hours at a time in the attic. In desperation, he told us how he broke a small window, and he and his little sister would sneak out and run down the street into a little old Baptist church. He continued to tell us of how the people in the church sang and fed them and for a little while, he and his sister felt so safe. They would then run back home. He commented, "I never forgot the wonderful feeling I felt when I went to that little church. When I was about 17, immersed in a life of drugs and darkness, and at my wits end, I went back to that little church. I felt Jesus, and I got saved." In an unexpected turn of events, Larry and I were trying to encourage him, but he ended up ministering to us through his testimony. Now, he and his young wife, are expecting their first baby. Larry and I were so thrilled to know that this little church was filled with God loving people who cared and reached out to those kids. That is what the church is for--- not to meet and eat---but to reach out to the Lost and hurting.
Speaking of being fed spiritually, Larry and I were able to visit Tri-Lakes Center Church last Sunday. Due to many mission's conventions that are being held in September and October, we were unable to schedule a service for that particular Sunday, but I guess God knew that we would be needing some recoup time. Sunday morning, we were privileged to visit this church pastored by our friends, Mark and Kari Shorey. Their beautiful church is also one of Branson's most prestigious theaters. It was originally owned by country singer, Mel Tillis, and through a series of events, it has now become a church. They rent it out during the week back to Mel Tillis, Dino (the famous pianist), and other various artists.
Pastor Mark and his wife, Kari, who at one time traveled with the Lundstrom Ministry are doing a fantastic job of building a congregation. Pastor Mark's brother, Kevin Shorey, also helps with worship. Kevin is married to Cindy, Mel Tillis' daughter who handles the scheduling for the events in the theater. What a joy to see these young couples making a difference in people's lives in Branson. They have a vision for the Lost and at every service, people are getting saved. When Pastor Mark preached about reaching the Lost, I could hardly hold Larry in his chair as he was so excited about the message. It was so refreshing to sit and take in the Word under someone else's ministry.
On September 30th, our son, Donovan, turned 29 years old. I can hardly believe it. I called him right after midnight and sang him a birthday song. Donovan is still working in Nashville. We sure do miss our son and my girls, but like my mother says, "Missy, I know you miss them, but be thankful they are well-bodied and have sound minds so they can be on their own, able to go out and work." So...I am.
We pray that you have had a good week and that you will have another great week. May the joy of the Lord be your strength. Please remember us in your prayers for safety on the road and good health.
Gloria
NOTE: We will be on TCT Live television on Wednesday, October 11th, in the Marion, IL, area. If you know someone who is in that area, please let them know to tune in.
Larry's Photo Pick of the Week
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
The trouble with the guy who talks too fast is that he often says something he hasn't thought of yet.
Unknown
CHUCKLE OF THE WEEK
DOUBLETAKE!
Recently, we were eating at McFarland's Restaurant in Branson, Missouri. I saw our little waitress running to and fro trying to wait on about 20 tables. When she brought our salads, I commented, "You need more help, don't you? You are trying to wait on all of these tables by yourself." She giggled, "My twin sister waits on those tables in that section." Sure enough, her identical twin worked at the same restaurant. I am sure I wasn't the first one to wonder "How could you do this all by yourself?"
RECIPE OF THE WEEK
As the leaves are turning and the air has a bit of a nip telling of a change in seasons, we thought this recipe would be a perfect way to use some of the fresh produce from the garden.
Autumn Mashed Potatoes
2 lbs small red potatoes, skins on, quartered
1 small butternut squash (~2 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cut into small cubes
½ cup heavy cream
1 stick unsalted butter cut into 8 pieces and softened
2 tsp salt
Place the potatoes in a medium saucepan with water to cover by 1 inch. Place the squash in another saucepan with water to cover by 1 inch. Bring both to a boil, lower the heat and simmer until they are soft (approximately 15 minutes for the potatoes and 10 minutes for the squash.)
Warm the heavy cream in a small saucepan. Drain the potatoes and the squash and return to a clean saucepan. Over very low heat, coarsely mash the vegetables, gradually adding the cream and butter. Stir in the salt and serve piping hot. Serves 8.
HOUSEHOLD HINT OF THE WEEK
If grease floats on top of gravy, add a pinch of baking powder and the grease will disappear.
handle the thought of being left out so I pleaded with Larry, "I'll just come in when the service starts, run the sound and maybe talk some, but I won't sing a note." He knows me well enough to know that I don't talk some.....I talk much! Anyway, God gave me the strength. I walked in just before they introduced us and God gave us a wonderful service. The altar was filled with people coming to Christ. How precious a time it was! At the end of the altar call, I walked back out to the coach and went right to bed. Through the years Larry has always said, "If Gloria goes to bed....she's seriously sick." He's right! 
On Monday, Dave Slyter took the challenge to go up on top of our coach to try and seal the vent that Larry thought he had fixed when he fell and broke my leg.....remember!!!! Our children have forbidden him, along with me, to go up on top of the coach again. He fusses about it, but he knows if he tries to go up a ladder, I'll pull him down. Anyway, thanks, Dave, for taking the vent challenge! We hope it's fixed. I'm tired of streams in the aisles. HA! 
Family Farm in Star Light, Indiana. It reminded Larry and I of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. A family has turned the farm into a "Gathering Place". There are acres filled with fresh vegetables and fruits. They have farm markets with homemade goodies, baked goods, jellies, gifts, plants, and much more. Oh my...the mum plants and pumpkin displays were beautiful! I would have loved to have taken what 
they call a bushel basket mum plant with me. We ended the farm experience with a scrumptious dinner they served our group consisting of delicious home-cooked southern fried chicken with all the southern side dishes. To top it off, they served us fresh berry cobbler with ice cream. Oh, was Larry ever happy! 
After all that, we rushed into Louisville to the big expo center for the National Quartet Convention. Nearly 40,000 people attended. With the massive number of people, there were not any up-close seats available except for the VIP's and singing groups. Each night at the convention they had people sign up for an opportunity to sit in the Winner's Circle which consisted of special chairs located only 5-10 feet from the stage. Gene and Pat Ellis from Lenexa, KS, walked up to me just before we were seated for the evening concert. He told me that he had put their names in the drawing for the Winner's Circle and added, "With thousands of people here our chances are slim, but I signed up anyway."
later a VIP came up to our section, motioned to Gene and Pat, and informed them they had won a spot for two in the Winner's Circle. Ecstatically, they bounded down the steps and were seated literally a stone's throw from the stage where all the artists performed. We were so thrilled to think that out of thousands of entries, their name was pulled out of the box. I love it when God gives people extra blessings and bonuses. Gene and Pat were so deserving of it. 
dozens of quartets and groups including Gold City, Florida Boys, Legacy, Hoppers, Crabb Family, and so many more just about sang us up to heaven. HA! The concert went from 6:00PM to almost 1:00AM. Several of our guests were seniors. Who ever said seniors are too old to party? Our entire group was so energy-filled they acted like people fueled with high octane. HA! We finally got back to the hotel about 2:00AM. I was like a dead duck, but some of them were still going strong. Wow!
observed artists bringing fluid pieces of glass to life as art. After that insightful adventure, we scurried off to the Belle of Louisville steamboat for a cruise down the beautiful Ohio River. We were served another southern dinner of chicken and steak with all the trimmings. The weather was almost 90 degrees and picture perfect making the cruise spectacular. By this time, it was already time to rush back to the Expo Center once again for the Quartet Convention. As was the case the night before, we listened to many hours of Gospel music and were heaven bound. It was so refreshing to be able to sit back and let someone minister to us through music and testimony. Everyone in our group was thrilled with the Quartet Convention.
On Sunday morning, we began our long journey back. All day Sunday and Monday we talked, sang, and our guests gave their testimonies of how they came to Christ. We laughed, we cried, we prayed, and we encouraged each other. Like one of our guests said, "I loved the whole tour, but my favorite time was in the coach when you and Larry shared and everyone gave their testimonies." Larry and I felt like this tour was just a taste of what heaven will be like. 
On Saturday we drove over to Owatonna, MN, which is about an hour from Minneapolis and set up our equipment at the Cornerstone Evangelical Free church. It was a such a joy to be with our special friends, Pastor Doug & Deb Jones. We've known them since they were teenagers. We saw them get married, raise their three sons and pastor churches in several states. We've been honored to be with them at each of those pastorates. It's been a personal thrill to watch this couple grow in Christ and to see how God has blessed their ministry. Pastor Doug is on our Board of Directors, and Debbie is on our Advisory Board. They had the following to share about our ministry:
for everyone. Their anointed singing, along with ther gifted speaking and preaching were powerful, yet tender, reaching each heart from young to old. God was in our midst doing His work until at the altar stood a group of people representing precious souls coming to Christ for the very first time. Others also were recommiting their lives to Christ. In a nutshell, when Larry and Gloria come and minister, you can be assured of a few things: a couple who is friendly and concerned for all, a ministry that is totally anointed of God, and a harvest of souls for the Kingdom of God. Thank you so much for your continued faithfulness to Christ and for coming to minister!" 
On Sunday, we had an awesome service at Cornerstone with many making decisions for Christ. Several came up to us afterwards and thanked us for being faithful in ministry. They assured us, "Because of your faithfulness we are serving the Lord today." I wish I could have had time to get all their photos and testimonies of what God has done in their lives since they were saved. 
Patti Ivance and her 2 children, Katie and Rachel, bounced up to me and bubbled, "Gloria, I was one of those young kids who came to Christ at your Lundstrom Crusade that you held here in Owatonna in the mid 70's. My parents took me every night. I loved it. And now that I'm a parent, it was a joy bringing my children here this morning. They loved it. You really blessed us with your ministry this morning. Thanks for coming." 
Since Cook is nestled in a resort area, we had several visitors who were on vacation attend the service. A precious lady from the Sydney, Australia, area hugged me and said, "Oh this was so wonderful! I loved the music, the message and especially the altar call to see so many saved! Please come to Australia!" 
is known as the Hull Rust Mahoning mine. The Hibbing taconite open pit covers 3, 075 acres with the maximum length being 3.5 miles. More than 800 million tons of iron-ore have been shipped from this location. Of course, Larry wasn't nearly as interested in the big hole as he was in the monster truck, better known as the King of the Lode. This haul truck was the world's largest 240 ton diesel electric haul truck. Larry was mesmerized! He scampered down the path and when he stood by it, he looked like a toddler instead of a full grown man. I think he felt petite standing by it. He loved every inch of that monster truck. 
Lutheran church in Fairbanks in the early 80's. They wanted to get a photo of the four of us so they asked the next tourists coming down the sidewalk if they would please take the photo. This couple chirped, "Sure. Hi Lundstrom's! We have followed you for years. We are from Madison, SD." At that moment, another couple walked up to all of us and exclaimed, "The Lundstroms...what are you doing way up here in Hibbing? We are from Prairie Lakes, SD." By this time, there was a group of eight of us visiting. It was a sweet time. They thanked us for staying in ministry all of these years. Wow! As tired as we were with 400 miles yet to go, their kindness and testimonies infused us with energy. Of course...it took several coffee stops along the way to keep us both awake. After meeting all of those precious people, I realized God allowed them to be there to encourage a weary couple...Larry and I! Isn't it wonderful that no matter where you go, God has some of His people there. When you meet, an immediate bond takes place. You are no longer strangers but friends.
were in Cook, MN, a precious senior in her early 80's, walked up to me and hugged me. She said, "I've been following you and your ministry for over 40 years. We drove all over Minnesota to see you and we bought all of your record albums. I still have them all. A few weeks ago," she continued, "my granddaughter who is in her teens picked up one of your Lundstrom 33 1/3 long play record albums...she took it out of the cover and gasped, 'Grandma, where did you get that big CD? I've never seen one so big!'"
On the brighter side, we have had wonderful soulwinning rallies on our Northern Minnesota tour. We had a service at Mora Assembly of God in Mora, MN, with Pastor 
James and Linda Paydon. It is always a joy to minister at their church. They are so sweet! We had a precious service and altar call where many prodigals found their way back home. 
Another testimony shared was from Richard & Eileen Harrison who attended the Mora rally---We have known you for over 25 years and we are continually blessed by your ministry. We enjoyed your service in Mora, MN, and we were thrilled to see people come to Christ. 
Jaythan. They just moved from Florida to Minnesota! Yes, you heard me right. It would have to be God calling anyone from the sunny beaches of Florida to the chilly winters of Minnesota. I chuckled and told the pastor, "Well, Pastor, we will be praying for you! You can exchange your year-round summer clothes for arctic survival wear." This young couple has a deep burden for the lost and hurting. Their zeal for ministry literally spills out of them. This church and community will be blessed by their ministry. 
We had an 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM service. The altar was packed with people making decisions for Christ. Afterwards, I was bombarded and hugged by many family members telling me how delighted they were to see their loved ones come to Christ. There were also 
many who shared testimonies of coming to Christ under our ministry in past years. Here are some testimonies that touched our hearts! 
Jim and Cher Benson, Hibbing, MN---Thank you both so very much for your ministry in Hibbing. My stepfather gave his heart to Christ today for the first time. Praise God! Yo
ur words reached his heart and he received it. Thanks, again, and God bless you!
David & Ida Machart of Hibbing, MN-We thank you for coming to Hibbing to minister in our area. We appreciated the clear word of salvation from Larry. It was a unique way of bringing the message of salvation. Thanks for your dedication. We also loved your music.
anything about my struggle, walked up to me and said, "Grandma, Mark 11:24 says, 'God answers prayer'." My mouth dropped open as she added, "Grandma, it says that when you pray, believe." I wilted and asked where she came up with that. She chirped, "Out of the Bible!" and then she repeated it. 
McGuire, his wife and family. As always, they treated us like family and we had a wonderful time of ministry and fellowship. They are such a warm loving family! 
xclaimed, "Wow...I know a lot of these people. I just didn't know where they stood spiritually, but now I do!" He continued, "I met one gentlemen in the hallway after the service who responded to the altar call. He said to me, 'Pastor, now if I die, I know where I'm going.'" There is no greater joy in this life than to know without a doubt where you will spend eternity. 
receive Christ for the very first time. I have been praying for him and this morning God answered my prayer. Dad is 71 years old and has terminal cancer. Will you please pray with him?" A few moments later she brought her father and step-mother, along with the pastor's wife, for me to pray with him. I first asked him, "Now that you have made a decision for Christ, where will you go when you die?" He smiled, "I know I will go to heaven and I'm not afraid to die." We prayed for God to heal him...as God is still the God of miracles. 
Shortly after, Seth and Jenny Erway, an adorable young couple married just one week and one day, approached me and said, "Thank you so much for this morning's service. We loved it! It was so refreshing. It was great to feel the presence of God through your music and ministry. Thanks, again, for coming." 
the video entitled, Left Behind. This was the second time we had watched it together. The grandkids sat spellbound. It is a story of the rapture and it emphasizes of what the Scripture says in Matthew 24:20, "Two men will be in a field, one will be taken and the other left." It showed scenes where people disappeared and their clothing was left on chairs, in beds, in cars, etc. The next morning, as we were having devotions around the table, we discussed the seriousness of being ready at anytime to meet the Lord as we never know when the rapture will happen. It was a precious time of sharing. The next morning, the grandchildren walked by the lower level bathroom and saw Grandpa's clothes lying on the floor by the washing machine and kiddingly shouted, "Did the rapture happen? Where's Grandpa? All we see are his clothes on the floor." They giggled. Quickly I assured them, "That's not the rapture...that's a failure to put the clothes in the dirty clothes basket." The kids just chuckled. 
on August 5th, we boarded a cruise ship for a three day cruise to Nassau, Bahamas, Co Co Cay, Bahamas and Key West, Florida. It was short and quick, but action-packed and great fun. What a relaxing time we had without phones and office work accompanying us! We slept, ate breakfast leisurely on the 11th deck of the ship, disembarked at each port of call, returned to the ship to eat, visit, eat, visit and eat some more. Isn't that what a cruise ship is all about! It was such a treat to be together with family. We sailed out Monday evening and docked back into Miami on Friday morning at 7 AM. 
Well...immediately wasn't coming fast enough! There were 3,000 people on the cruise ship with close to 10,000 pieces of luggage of all colors, sizes and shapes. Two and half hours later, we were still searching for our luggage, but it was not to be found! Now we were facing the threat of missing our flight. I whimpered, "Why us...out of 3,000 people's luggage???" I was reminded of what my mother often jokes about. She chuckles, "Missy (Gloria), if anything crazy or humorous is going to happen, it usually happens to you!" Reality was beginning to set in that the two black suitcases with gold ribbon tied on them were lost after 2 ½ hours of searching. The terminal authorities assured us, "They can't be lost. They just came down a conveyor belt off the ship to the carousel which is on the dock next to the ship. So they aren't lost!" I kept thinking to myself, "What is it that I don't understand about the statement ' They are not lost.' They are simply not here so how can they not be lost?" I know I am getting old, but I'm not so senile that I don't comprehend that I don't see them and they are not here. 
From Minneapolis, we hurried to my (Gloria's) family reunion in Fargo, North Dakota. There were more than 60 of us that attended for two days. All nine of my brothers were in attendance along with their mates. The giggles of the grandchildren and great grandchildren 
Hurricane Chris would get exhausted and just fizzle out before it reached land. Can you imagine the stress the bride and groom were going through wondering if their wedding would be washed out? Many of the wedding guests flew in from Minnesota and Paola had many guests fly in from Peru which is her home. She has been attending the 
University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, MN. In answer to our prayers, Hurricane Chris fizzled out, was downgraded to a tropical storm and then headed in another direction. The wedding was magnificent, and the bride was beautiful. Of course, we all love weddings. It was special having most of Larry's family all together. It made it so much fun. After the splendid reception, we finally retired to our room about 1:30 AM. 
unbeknownst to us, we were about to embark on another adventure...finding a church to attend Sunday morning worship. 
said, "A little more ways." "But," we exclaimed, "We were told it was only 4 ½ miles away!" Again he smiled and said, "A little more ways." The fare clicked $45.00....$47.00....we all gasped and at that moment he announced, "Here!" We looked out and saw the church. We all sighed as we looked at the meter that registered $48.10. I think the fare meter needed to cool off and we needed encouragement at that point. We thought the price of fuel was high, but to pay $48.10 one way to go to church... "Come on, God," I thought. "I sure hope this service is worth it." We handed him a credit card to which he bluntly announced, "Don't take credit cards-cash only!" Panic registered in our hearts once again. We had credit cards and checks, but between all of us we only had $33.00 cash. Bless that cab driver as he said, "I go to your hotel many times a day. I will come back and get you and you pay me the rest there." I guess what else could he do as he didn't have too many options. He must of thought that if we were that determined to go to church, he could trust us for the rest of the money. Needless to say, we were all quite embarrassed about the situation! We then piled out of the taxi and strolled into the church. Again, I thought to myself, "Lord, I sure hope this service is worth the $48.00 and another $48.00 to get back to the hotel." 
We had a busy "catch-up" week in our home office after Larry arrived home from Latvia. His body clock is finally getting back to normal. When we drove back to Sisseton last week, Myanna giggled, "Grandpa, now you can give me rides on the scooter...right?" Her dancing brown eyes melted him and he readily acknowledged, "Yes!" In a snap, she had her helmet on and was perched on the scooter. Off they went for a short ride. 
On Saturday, Larry and I drove to Elk River, Minnesota, to the Twin Lakes Christian Center. We have known the pastor, Percy Kallevig, since he was a young lad, 4-5 years old. We have had the privilege of watching him and his identical twin brother grow up. Percy married a wonderful girl, Debbie, and entered into full time ministry. What a great couple! They started a new work about three years ago and it continues to grow. They are blessed with many young families. Pastor Percy is so charged and electric! Oh how Larry and I love to see that zeal for Christ. 
