6.25.2012

Summer Travels: Week 2

When I was about thirteen, the grand opening of the factory outlets in Newton, Kansas included a concert by none other than Johnny Cash.  It was the first and only time I got to see my favorite singer in person, but it was just the beginning of a strong connection with this little city near Wichita.  I am fascinated by this area that has a strong Mennonite influence, an impressive number of solid churches, and a zeal for missions.

And so June 17 found me rising early and making the two-hour drive again, to spend the day at Newton Bible Church.  NBC has been faithfully supporting my ministry in Utah since 2009, and it was high time to reconnect.  I wasn't scheduled to speak until the evening service, so I got to just enjoy the Sunday school hour and worship service.  The preaching was spot-on and the music, while not quite Johnny Cash: outstanding.

That afternoon, Marisa and Ginger hosted me for delicious pork chops and good conversation.  Oh, and a perfect caramel latte from the coffee house which is practically in their backyard.  Totally jealous of that.  Many thanks, ladies!

I'll be back at NBC this Wednesday-Thursday for their kids club and vacation Bible school.

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The following Monday began four days of Bible clubs in Hoisington.  Two CEF-trained young ladies came to lead the two clubs, so my involvement was minimal.  They did a good job teaching, and the twelve-or-so boys who attended had a great time—especially on the last day when they got to put a plate of whipped cream into Miss Kris' face as a reward.  I like this picture of the kids engrossed in a story about John Paton.


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Over the weekend, I helped my folks host a reunion for my mom's cousins.  Here we are modeling the t-shirts that everyone got to take home as souvenirs ("Hoisington, Kansas: the heart of Cheyenne Bottoms").

All eighteen of us visited the nearby Kansas Wetlands Education Center, and some also toured Ellinwood's Underground Tunnels.  It was my first time at these two local attractions and I highly recommend both if you're looking for something to do in central Kansas.
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How hot is it here?


A few degrees warmer and the thermometer would be useless.
How would you like to be dressed as a fireman on a day like this?  Oofdah.
Hats off to these guys who responded to a call
a couple houses down from my folks' this afternoon.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I like the boy's hair cut at the end of the pick-nick table. It must help him in the 120 degree weather! Wow, that is hot. Also, I hope Johnny Cash is in a better place. He had a good and clear testimony...I hope it was real.

Anonymous said...

Wow, that is hotter than here but we have about 12 wildfires in different stages. No homes burned in Eagle MT/Saratoga Springs fire but several in a fire in Sanpete County (Mt Pleasant/Fountain Green) fire. Thousands of acres burned. Miss you too. Will be praying for you in VBS. Evelyn had one little girl yesterday in MH park. Will meet 4 more Mondays. CB

Karisa said...

Anonymous: For some reason, mohawks are all the rage here. Don't ask me. As for Johnny Cash, I hope to meet him in glory. God is good to save people like him—and me!—who bumble through life and make heaps of mistakes. It's only by His grace that any of us escapes the flames of hell.

CB: Thanks for keeping me in the loop, and for praying.

Jason said...

NICE comment about forgiveness. Jesus is the only one that claimed that he can make people right by HIS own merit.
Luke 24:45-47 ""Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures,and said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead,
and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations"".
As a chief "Bubble Bee", I needed to be forgiven. As you said, we are all making mistakes. The Lord said, "Therefore I tell you, {JASON'S)sins, which are many, are forgiven--for {HE} loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little." And he said to {JASON}, "Your sins are forgiven."(Luke 7:47-48) *{ }denotes anyone one who is willing to come to Jesus. Just insert your name. Yes, it is that easy :)

Karisa said...

Jason: Preach it, bro. Preach it.