Thursday, December 4, 2003

9:18 PM Andrew Irvin reports that all systems are GO for “Two From Galilee.” He also says that we’re completely sold out for all three performances, but there are always tickets turned in by people who can’t attend for one reason or another, so if you come and don’t mind waiting, you’ll probably get a seat. Most likely time to get a last-second seat: 4 PM Saturday performance. 9:16 PM The second layer of subfloor plywood has been installed in one end of the gym. It looks like we’re only a few days from putting down the permanent surface. 9:14 PM A little while ago Marlene and I shared some eggnog with nutmeg—a wonderful Christmas treat. Cold and rainy tonight, snow on the way. 5:12 PM Billy Speer is in town for a concert tonight at a church in Park Ridge. When I called to say hello, his wife Paula answered the phone. Billy is a gifted singer who spends most of the year on the road, performing concerts in local churches. It’s been my privilege to minister with Billy and Paula on three occasions—once at Word of Life in New York, twice at Living Waters Bible Conference in Maine. Billy is a big man with a big personality and a hearty laugh that makes you smile even when you hear it over the telephone. They flew in from Florida, will do the concert tonight, and then fly back to Florida tomorrow. Billy said he was thinking about putting together an Alaskan cruise in 2005 and would I like to be the Bible teacher? Sure, why not? Don’t know if it will happen or not, but I like the idea. 9:14 AM Received a nice note from Helen Skaanning in Massachusetts. She writes asking for another shipment of “An Anchor for the Soul” for use in a nearby prison:

On Sep. l7th I requested a supply of “An Anchor for the Soul” books for the women’s prison in Framingham, Mass. You sent 150 books there and they have been a tremendous blessing. The women come into the chaplain’s office constantly asking for a copy of the little purple book. There are many good reports about them. The chaplain asked me if you would be willing to send another 150 or 200 books. There are approx. 600 inmates, so it didn’t take long before they were gone. She has been very happy with the reception of this evangelistic tool. Thank you so much! We have them on the book table at our church and people are using them to reach out. May God bless you as you minister in so many effective ways.

We are happy to fill this request. By God’s grace, we will continue to give away copies of Anchor for prison ministry at no cost as long as there is a need and we have copies to send. 9:13 AM Only 2 more days till “Two From Galilee.” I’m hearing wonderful things about this production. If you have tickets (we’re nearly sold out), come early to get a good seat.