Where do I begin? I will say from the very beginning that Easter 2009 was a very special day for us! It had been 9 years since we had last celebrated Easter with Jonathan and Brenda and the girls, and we looked forward to this year with them. Because of the call of God on their lives they had moved away from us, and moved on in ministry and was the Pastor of the church in Ranger, TX for 7 years, then moved to Beaumont 2 years ago and now Pastor The Apostolic Church there. WE were pastoring Life Tabernacle so there was no way to go and spend Easter Sunday with "the kids". Thankfully, Andrew and Mandy were with us at Life Tabernacle for 5 years, so we got to be with them on Easter and see all the beautiful dresses Mandy made for the girls. So, this year, since we are now full-time with the district and do not have our own church we were privileged to spend Easter in Beaumont. Of course, we missed Andrew, Mandy, Alayna and Ashlyn, but one of these days we'll all get to be together forever. I still haven't had the opportunity to see pictures of Alayna and Ashlyn on Easter, but I will soon. I do know they were gorgeous, even without seeing them!!!
I want to say thank you to all the saints at The Apostolic Church for making our first Easter without our own people very special! You blessed us beyond measure in your worship and praise, and every handshake given. You blessed us abundantly in your "giving" unselfishly to us, and you blessed us by "just being our friends". Thank you for "loving us" and letting us "be at home" with you. We love you and we LOVE your PASTOR and FAMILY!!!! :)
I want to give a little update on three churches that are dear to our hearts: On Easter Sunday...
Greater Apostolic Tabernacle - Pastor and Mrs. Andrew Elms - had 94 in attendance! 23 visitors! They are growing and the spirit of the church is excellent!!! We are so thankful for what God is doing!
The Apostolic Church - Pastor and Mrs. Jonathan Elms - had 442 in attendance, plus their Spanish Church had 140. Making a total of 582! To God be the Glory!!!
Life Tabernacle - Pastor and Mrs. Gene Holley - had over 400!!!!!! We are SO EXCITED about the church in Wichita Falls growing and having GREAT REVIVAL!!!
