I don’t remember any previous move over the past nearly four decades (while in the military or during my ministry) that has proven to be as difficult and personally taxing as Bonnie’s and my move to Winona, MS. Speckled with bruises, both of us bear the battle scars of packing, loading, unloading, unpacking and attempting to put away our household. We parted with several items through a yard sale and giving away several things (some of it spontaneously simply because it would not fit on the truck, e.g. couch, grill, table, etc.). Still other items that didn’t make it to the truck are in a sister’s garage back in West Virginia (e.g., table saw, power tools, etc.). We still haven’t found the remotes for the TV, stereo and VCR (little loss, I know). For awhile, we couldn’t find my dress shirts, and we still do not know for sure where some print shop equipment
pieces may be. Doubtless, this move has been harder on us because we are a little older than we have ever been before.
Now, we are playing catch-up with the aspects of our prior ministry that are ongoing (i.e., Gospel Gazette Online and religious printing). In addition, we are beginning to acclimate ourselves to the work of World Evangelism (i.e., Voice of Truth International and Global Harvest magazines, massive literature distribution, foreign radio and TV, missionary training school, Bible class curriculum, etc.). Saturday, October 20 we will set up tables at Magnolia Bible College Lectures, and Sunday through Thursday we will set up table at the Spiritual Sword Lectureship.
The scariest part of our acceptance of the invitation by J.C. and Betty Choate to labor with them in world evangelism is the financial uncertainty of raising our monthly living (and working) expenses. Bonnie and I have the utmost confidence in the providence of God, but have less confidence in our ability to adequately ferret out the personal application of God’s providence. Nevertheless, we have launched out on faith for the purpose of glorifying God and edifying ourselves and as many others as we possibly can.
Important! At this writing, we still need a sponsoring congregation, a church willing to receive and disburse funds for evangelism. Important! We need to raise a minimum of $3,000 monthly as immediately as possible to sustain ourselves, meet the obligations on the printing equipment and possibly obtain hospitalization insurance. (In addition, our car has 220,000+ miles and is dying [again] I fear.) Please speak to congregations and Christians about our labors for Christ and our financial needs. We are willing to visit as many congregations (especially Sundays and Wednesday s) as we can to acquaint them with this good work in which we are involved. Please pray for us!
Our new contact information is: 705 Devine Street, Winona, MS 38967. (662) 283-9946. [email protected]. We remain yours, zealous of good works (Titus 2:14).
Addendum: J.C. Choate is seriously ill, hence explaining the urgency of the addition of the Bates and Rushmore families to the 45-year-old and ongoing evangelistic effort of J.C. and Betty Choate. Brother Choate returned home today (Friday, October 19, 2007) from the hospital, and medical treatment is ongoing. Please pray for the health of J.C. and Betty.
