Triplets!

Today started off with a mini-crisis at the Dobbs house! After my shower I couldn't turn the cold water off. I turned and turned the knob, until finally it came off and water was shooting through the bathroom like a fire hydrant. I finally got it back on enough to curb the waterspout! We all got washed up and I turned the water off at the curb. Paul and Jason England came over this afternoon and fixed our problem in about five minutes. This morning I drove the bus to one of the FEMA lots, along with JR and Robbie. However, none of those who had asked for rides to church were ready to go - except Roy and Mona Lisa. These two folks are delightful to talk to. They have a great humor and they love the Lord. Today I did not do what I planned during services. I offered a communion meditation based on the story of the ten lepers that were healed. I encouraged us all to be the one that came back to thank Jesus. Then after communion I directed our thoughts to Luke 15 and encouraged us all to be the one that comes home. I referenced Brennan Manning's term, 'ragamuffins', and how we all should be amazed that God wants to dust off the robe and shine up the ring and accept us fully as His children. And that's just what Roy and Mona Lisa wanted to experience. So this afternoon they were baptized into Jesus Christ. Mona Lisa is a niece to Mrs. Ruth. If you have been to any of my presentations, maybe you remember my story about Mrs. Ruth. Also Henry was baptized as well. And here's their picture, along with me and Maggy.

Henry is hispanic and does not speak much English. He has a great heart and is a hard worker. He is always happy. One day he mopped and swept our entire church building ... a tough job. Through a mixture of broken English and hand gestures Henry made it clear to me that he wanted to be baptized and be a member of the Central Church. Perhaps when Tammy and Ramona Matthews get here, they can sit down and have a good Bible study with Henry, since they know how to speak his language. I am going to make an effort to learn some conversational Spanish. I've been wanting to, but this gives me more motivation. I also would like to offer some English speaking classes, but I'm not sure how to get started. I've written Dennis Mitchell for some information. He teaches those classes to international students at University Church of Christ in Monroe, LA. Anyway, I believe Henry is my brother in Christ. We communicate in smiles and hugs mostly. A J Olivares is one of our hispanic teens, and he talked with Henry for a while tonight. I should have gotten a picture of that, but I didn't think about it at the time.

Tonight we had a Super Bowl party at the church building. Since we have a crew here from Pennsylvania, they had a great interest in the game. We had a great time visiting and enjoying the game together. Our new brothers and sister were with us, giving us even more time to enjoy getting to know them. Tomorrow the crew from Hope Missions will get started on a week of intensive work. I can't wait to see what they accomplish.

This morning a brother offered to pay for my radio program if I would go back on the air. I will begin making those arrangments asap!

I think tomorrow we are going to address a problem we have in the fact that our seating is too limited on Sunday mornings. A great problem to have, yes? Yes! We've never had that problem in the 14 years I've been at Central!

We continue to keep needs lists updated as well as work crew reports at our church website: www.123Jesus.com . Any of you who have the ability, we would love for that website addy to be published in church bulletins and other places where Christians might access it. Thanks for your help in getting the word out!

Hope your week and mine will be one spent with our eyes wide open to the opportunities provided by our Father.

Below: Heather has a new security job and had a humorous moment with David Kilbern this morning!