Greetings from the road! We just pulled up stakes and are heading towards New Mexico. I always tell Larry, "When you see plants and weeds growing up around your motorhome, birds trying to nest in your awnings, and people know your name as they walk by, it's time to get a new address! HA!"
that have been given to us straight from the trees/vines by friends and family. Larry has definitely received his daily dose of Vitamin C the last few months. We will miss seeing the Saquaro cactus, a trademark of Arizona, along with the beautiful palm trees that are scattered about. We are leaving it all behind, but what we are taking with us are the memories of the unforgettable church services, the hundreds of new friends we have made and the joy of getting reacquainted with all of the friends we 
have met in years past that have been wintering in Arizona. Most of all, we take with us the fragrance of the glorious altar calls, remembering those who made decisions for Christ. Altar calls never become mundane or grow old for us. Every time we see someone come to Christ, it is like a life-giving transfusion to our body, soul and spirit.
friend, David Iverson. He's always so kind and gracious as is the congregation he is pastoring. We were greeted with such great hospitality and open arms. The altar call was precious and it is exciting to see what God is doing at Fountain Hills Christian Center. 
"Larry and Gloria, thank you for another great service. Your heart and ministry is so appreciated! The songs and message are both comforting and challenging. May God give you strength and finances to continue. Praise the Lord for the first time salvations. I told the congregation the previous Sunday that 'If they would get the unsaved to the service, that their chances of getting saved would be very good!' Fortunately, some listened!"
My mom and dad, Clair and Julie Brooks, started wintering in Arizona in the late 70's. They began attending Pastor Lowder's church and as our family began to migrate to Arizona during the winter months for vacations and extended stays; Pastor Bill and Linda Lowder became their Arizona pastors. They have been 
so faithful to walk with us through many trials and valley experiences. They have been such a blessing and encouragement to our family. Thanks, Pastor Bill and Linda.
for Larry to come and take a look at this one lonely daisy that had pushed its way up into the sunlight against all odds. How beautiful it looked as the late afternoon sun dropped its golden rays on its face. I thought, "Wow! What a lesson for us to learn! No matter how boxed in we may feel by the problems and cares of life, when we feel pressed on all sides like crushing concrete-if we trust God and are determined that we won't allow life to suck our joy and beauty-He will allow our lives to be as beautiful as that brilliant orange daisy."Pondering that, I am reminded of all our family and friends who have faced pressing challenges in the last weeks or months. In the last "On the Road" update, I shared about my sister-in-law, Marvelyn Brooks, who has so courageously been battling breast cancer. Larry and I, along with my brothers, Larry and Jack, and their wives, Terry and Angie, have had the privilege to have been close to Glen, Marvelyn and the family at the hospital to be a support and to pray with them while here in Arizona. My brother, Glen, and his family remind me
of the desert daisy...no matter how discouraging the situation is with bad reports and seemingly hopeless assessments, their strong faith in God and their love for God absolutely radiates through each one of them. The doctors, nurses and staff of Banner Gateway Medical Center where Marvelyn had been for two weeks said they had never seen an entire family like theirs show so much love, faith and belief for miracles of which God has given them many. Each one of them have been a testimony to everyone they have met. This family has literally trusted and stood on the Word of God and it's promises.
For many of you who are also going through deep valleys, I would also like to leave with you the following scriptures, Isaiah 40:28, 29 & 31, "Hast thou not known? Hast thou not heard, that the Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the end of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? There is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increaseth strength....But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
May God be your strength and joy until we connect again!
Gloria
"It was absolutely refreshing to be part of your service that focuses specifically on reaching the Lost
and fulfilling the Great Commission. In youth ministry, we often experience services and speakers with plenty of excitement and energy. Not to discredit these experiences, but their focus is usually inspiration for believers. In your service at Faith Assembly in Phoenix, we were thrilled to have 12 youth respond to the salvation message.
Also, two years ago, at your service at our church, my mother and father-in-law were visiting from Montana. Upon hearing your message, they made a total commitment to Christ. They now have recently gone on a 10 day missions trip to India with my wife sharing God's message. Thank you for the part you had in their lives!"
"In this day and age, with all the teachings that are being taught, it is wonderful to see a ministry who had a passion for leading people to Jesus. I felt so honored to be a counselor and to follow up on those that made decisions for Christ."
"What do we live for, if it is not to make life less difficult for each other." -George Elliot
"Be still, my heart," thought my friend, "My daughter wants to follow in my footsteps!"
Then the child spoke into the instrument; "Welcome to McDonald's. May I take your order?"
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A mother was teaching her 3 year old the Lord's Prayer. For several evenings at bedtime, she repeated it after her mother. One night she said she was ready to solo. The mother listened with pride as she carefully enunciated each word, right up to the end of the prayer.
"Lead us not into temptation," she prayed, "But deliver us some e-mail."
Spicy Rice Casserole
In a large skillet cook sausage, cumin and garlic powder, stirring often. Drain. Add onions and green peppers; saute until crisp-tender. Dissolve bouillon in water; add to skillet. Stir in jalapenos, rice and rice seasoning packet; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, 5-10 minutes or until the water is absorbed. Makes 4-6 servings.
When preparing a casserole, make additional batches to freeze. Then, when there isn't time to plan a meal or when unexpected guests appear, simply take the casserole from the freezer and pop it in the oven.