A New Week Begins

The beginning of summer has arrived and we are furiously working at the creation of a new project that has been a long time coming. We are constructing the framework of "Harvesters International" to implement here at Central Christian College to help our alumni be prepared for the mission fields in an all encompassing way. Including training, resources, fund raising and increasing member care while on the field for all alumni to a whole new level, Harvesters International will be an innovative way to utilize the strength of our Bible College to enhance virtually every aspect of our almuni missionaries, from recruitment to life on the field. It's exciting!!!

One Week Later

One week ago we buried my mother-in-law. It was a beautiful ceremony out in the countryside in southeast Ohio just a stone's throw away from their home. She was only 64 years old. Three doves were first released at the grave site, one for the Father, the Son and one for the Holy Spirit. The fourth one represented the spirit of Dezi's mother as it most assuredly was just settling in to rest in the hands of God. Instead of flying up and out toward the wooded area like the first three, this one first flew up and hovered over their property for a complete circle as if saying one final good bye or taking one last glimpse at the dream retirement home they had been building together. But knowing there is a better home waiting elsewhere, the dove then glided away to be with the others. It was a memorable moment. And a moment of release and joy for all who saw the analogy. The entire family was present. Some who haven't seen each other for years. Some who haven't talked to each other for years. Funny how a death in the family brings the family together sometimes. I guess it is the one thing we all will share in some day ourselves. However, I wonder how many of our families would be better if we really understood what it means to die to ourselves while we live. Why do we wait for a funeral to bring us together?

Sharon Rose Bennett Goes On To Be With The Lord

It's with great sadness that we ask for your prayers, especially for Dezi and her father and siblings as her mother passed away this morning at 9:20am CST. She had been suffering for quite some time with dementia and Parkinsons disease. We had earlier assumed it was Alzheimers. She had been in the care of hospice for the past week and Dezi left on Tuesday with Raena to be with her during her final days and was with her when she passed away. Sharon no longer was recognizing anyone and was in pain w/ labored breathing.

The funeral will be on Friday with an earlier visitation on Thursday evening near Belpre, Ohio. I will post more details as they become known. I'm with the boys in Moberly and will travel out on Wednesday to be with Dezi and the rest of her family.