Greetings! What an action-packed two weeks we've had. On Feb 28th, Larry and I flew from Orlando, FL to Houston, TX. We were picked up at the airport by Pastor Richard Amador. Talk about Texas hospitality, he and his beautiful wife, Joyce were wonderful examples of it. They took us to an authentic Mexican restaurant - talk about delicious…and a good heartburn too -Ha! Pastor Richard and his wife are so filled with zeal and excitement to win the lost. On Sunday morning we ministered at Son Harvest Church in Crosby, TX where he pastors.
It's a beautiful sunny, Florida day! Coming from the frigid Midwest, Larry and I don't take this nice weather for granted. Last week we had a wonderful Sunday morning service at New Hope Church in Winter Haven, FL with Pastor Dennis and Delma Gipson. We've been coming to this church nearly every 2 years since about 1995. The church continues to grow with lots of children, teenagers, and young couples. When Pastor Dennis introduced us he said, "Larry and Gloria Lundstrom really don't need an introduction…when they are in the area I always invite them to come to our church because I know they will give a clear salvation message and an altar call."
Valentine's Day is almost here. Every year when this time comes, it takes me back to when Larry and I were in our "dating days". Yea….I know… that was waaaaaaaay back! Regardless, I vividly remember our first date, our first kiss, and our first Valentine's Day together as a married couple in February of 1966 in the state of Texas. We were young newlyweds and we were just beginning our hearts' journey.
We have been blessed to have celebrated 43 Valentine's Days together and we pray that God will allow us many, many more. I learned long ago that what drew us together was passion---but what has kept us together all of these years is compassion.
We have been blessed to have celebrated 43 Valentine's Days together and we pray that God will allow us many, many more. I learned long ago that what drew us together was passion---but what has kept us together all of these years is compassion.
Greetings from Florida! How blessed we are to be in a nice warm climate right now. The sun is shining, the palm trees are waving gently in the breeze and we are soaking in the 81 degree temperature. The setting is quite different than when we wrote the last "On the Road" report from South Dakota a few weeks back.
Happy New Year… blessings on you! The curtain of 2008 has dropped and 2009 is ahead of us with all its joys and challenges. December rushed by so quickly. On January 1st I began to de-Christmas the house. That was emotional. We prepare, decorate, bake, wrap gifts, cook, and BOOM, Christmas comes before we are ready and is over before we are ready. We were so delighted that our family all made it home.
We have just passed Thanksgiving and the Christmas season is now in full swing. The month of December will whiz by with all of its Christmas festivities. Speaking of events and festivities, Larry and I made a trip to Minneapolis to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday.
Brrr! It's a cold windy day! One week ago we were in Orlando, Florida. The temperature was a balmy 81 degrees. A church in Winter Haven was so gracious to allow us to park our motor home there until we return in January to begin services in Florida. The morning we flew out, the birds were singing, flowers were in full bloom, and there was a clear blue sky with the sun's brilliant rays shining down. While loading the last suitcase in the car, I told Larry, "Honey, do we really want to go back to the Midwest leaving this beautiful weather?" We both chuckled, "No, but we are going. Only family could bid us back!"
A week ago Sunday, we held two morning services at the United Brethren Church in Hillsdale, Michigan, with Pastor Les Smith. What an energetic pastor with a vision for souls! He had just hosted the Power Team for the youth a couple weeks ago and they saw over 300 make decisions for Christ. Then, we came and ministered to families. The altar call was precious with the decisions totaling over 40 from people of all ages and walks of life.
En route to Shell Lake where we had the privilege to attend a Missions? Conference, we stopped in Spooner, WI, and held a Sunday morning service at Cornerstone Church. We were warmly greeted by Rev. and Mrs. Tom Kelby along with a loving congregation. There were many young families in attendance. We loved seeing young couples bringing their children to Sunday School and church. The church was definitely filled with expectation and excitement. God fulfilled their desires and many responded to the altar call. Some of the responses included those making first time commitments to Christ.
We are currently home in Sisseton. I am sitting in my chair and the rain is softly falling. The fall breeze is gently shaking the leaves off the trees. It is a beautiful sight! I love this time of year...except...living in the Midwest, we know what is soon to follow....a long, cold winter! Well, today, I am not going to dwell on that. I am going to enjoy every day of this scenery and weather.