We had a lovely time with them. Prior to that Sunday we had never had the opportunity to be around the Gunstanson's, except for Youth Camps and Camp Meeting. At those times everyone is hurrying here and there taking care of "duties" and we don't have a chance to "talk", so we looked forward to being with them in church and having Sunday dinner with them.While sitting in the adult Sunday School class I looked at the familiar surroundings. We had been in the Ranger church many times through the years so we felt very much at home. As I looked around I noticed a sign hanging at the front of the church, and liked it! It said, "Revival Continues". I loved the positive statement of revival! But, what caught my attention was the couple sitting by the sign. What I saw spoke volumes to my heart!
Bro. and Sis. Barnhill have been in the Ranger UPC church for as long as I can remember. They have been faithful through the years and have been friends to every Pastor and his family who have been there. They have helped raise Pastor's children, including our own granddaughters, Savanna and Scarlet. During the seven years Jonathan and Brenda were in Ranger as the Pastor they could count on Bro. and Sis. Barnhill to help them with the girls at any time. The Barnhills have stood by every Pastor and been an encouragement to them along with all the other saints. I have great gratitude for these lovely people. So, as I sat there looking at that sign and looking at the couple who was sitting in their familiar pew, my mind started working.The reason REVIVAL CONTINUES in any church...is because there is a Pastor who loves his people and the work of God, and there are FAITHFUL SAINTS who love God, their Pastor, and their church! They have given their lives to keeping the doors of their church open year after year. They have supported their Pastor through the years, standing with him through every situation with love and support. They love each other and want to see the lost come to know Jesus. They never get tired of living for God. God, is their LIFE! They know when things do not seem to be going "right", they take it to the Lord on their knees, praying until the windows of Heaven open and God's blessings are once again poured out on their church! Yes...REVIVAL CONTINUES because faithful saints and men of God who work together to see it happen!
Bro. and Sis. Gunstanson...thank you for inviting us back to a very special place and allowing us to worship with you. You are doing a wonderful job leading your church into Continued Revival. The worship and praise, the depth of prayer, and the presence of God we felt while there in Sunday Worship will not be forgotten. You were a blessing to us!
