Friday Morning on the Coast

Yesterday I ate lunch with Al Sturgeon at La Fiesta Brava in Gautier. For those who do not know, Al Sturgeon is the minister for the Ocean Springs Church of Christ - still active in hurricane relief in their community. In the old days (pre-Katrina), we met every Thursday for lunch. I am unsure how many years we had enjoyed this ritual. When the storm hit and our days became filled with new adventures, we couldn't maintain this weekly meeting (although I'm sure it would have been beneficial to both of us). Four months after the storm, in January, we decided it was time to start meeting again. And we met once. Yesterday we met the second time. It's always a joy to spend time with Al. We are alike in enough ways that we are comfortable talking to one another about the important issues of life, and we are different enough to keep things interesting! He's a good friend and that is always a gift from God. I think we can start those weekly meetings again. We'll see. I also spent a few hours making some visits with one of our elders, Jim Ingram. Since Jim retired, he has spent a good deal of his time working with the church. We meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays to visit, and we have a great time. On at least one of those times, we usually end up at Dough Joe's for extended conversation and beverages. He usually gets a smoothie (which he drinks too fast and gets a 'brain freeze'). But I'll lose my visitation partner for a month as Jim heads to New Zeland and Australia with his brother for an extended trip. I wish them well and they will remain in my prayers as they travel. Around Central. Thanks for any prayers offered for Mike King. He is now out of the hospital and healing up pretty good from that spider bite. Robbie Woods was helping out around the church yesterday and put together a filing cabinet I had bought for my office. Jeff Campbell is set up in the office next to mine, attempting to put together a travel itenerary to speak to churches about the relief effort. One of our newer helpers is Sherry Betts. She stepped right into place as Karen Potter stepped out. I'll try to get a picture of her soon. She is a wonderful volunteer and friend. Speaking of Karen Potter, I hear through the grapevine that she may not be a "Potter" very long. Tonight a group from Nashville will arrive to work for a few days. We look forward to this return visit from the Hillsboro Church of Christ. Paul and Elsie England are back in town, and it's always good to have them back. Both of them have struggled with the health concerns of their parents, and it seems have made some progress in that regard. Please remember them in prayer. Today is Elaine Kilbern's birthday! Happy Birthday Elaine! I really think one of the heroes of our effort has been Elaine. She has been a steady volunteer, an essential part of the team making things happen. This has not been easy for her, but she has shown exceptional strength. Before the storm, Elaine spent her time caring for the elderly and sharing Jesus Christ with strangers through our correspondence course ministry. After the storm, she found ways to care for the elderly affected by Katrina and to minister to them in the name of Christ in a beautiful way. It is her leadership that has kept the kitchen going smoothly now for months. At times when it is down to just a few people, Elaine is always one of those people. Her steady devotion and love for David, her husband, is a tribute to what the partnership of marriage is all about. I am often inspired by the tenacity of Elaine Kilbern, and I hope she has a wonderful birthday! WHERE HOPE REMAINS Bobby Valentine writes on how to use Scripture as Prayer. Bobby and Tamie Talk About The End. Wade Offers Tulsa Workshop Audio for IPods. Ernesto Has Now Moved Inland. We are thankful that at neither landfall had Ernesto reached hurricane strength. 46.6 Million US Residents Do Not Have Health Insurance. Evidence in Oklahoma City Bombing Goes on Display. Casinos Bringing In Almost Same Revenue They Did Pre-Katrina.