Blessed Night with Friends

On Tuesday evening, April 10, we had a wonderful gathering of 24 from the old 4th B youth group days. It was a blessed evening and went by all too quickly. We met first at the Old Country Buffet in Maple Grove for dinner, fellowship and some sharing. David Gouldin and his wife came down from up north along with a number of others from the Cities.

We enjoyed seeing Judy and Wes Brask, who had just returned from Florida. It was the only time we were able to see them during our week long visit, but we took the opportunity to catch up on their comings and goings. They were leaving for Denver later in the week and so we were glad they could come.

It was good to see Dallas Cain after many years, and to recall old times at Headquarters West. Here he is with his wife.

Duane Gilbert was a great help in setting up the arrangements with the OCB. We appreciated his work so much. This is a very nice pic of Duane and Barb!

Ron Powers and Jim Ostlund came and were fun to hang out with all of us. Wes got into the act with them.

Dick and Loretta Jensen were able to come, and Loretta's testimony was a real blessing. After we finished dinner we went to Joan and Paul Kroehnert's house and had a great time of testimonies and singing. I didn't get many good pictures at the house -- but, we sure had a great time! Thanks so much Joan and Paul for allowing us to stay out past midnight at your place! We understand that Sharon Hedges (pictured here with Loretta and Barb Gilbert) has had a heart attack since the gathering. Pray for her!

Loretta told us that two weeks previously she had been too sick from her cancer treatments to have attended, but she was praising the Lord for the opportunity to be there that night and she gave a ringing testimony of God's goodness through trials.

Ed and Marilyn Gritton were able to come and Ed wound up giving some excellent summary thoughts at the end of the evening. He was the last to give a testimony and he noted how encouraging it was to hear all of the stories of God's workings in our lives that each one gave during the testimony time that evening. It truly was a blessed evening!

The next night Connie and I were able to attend the Midweek Service at Fourth. We saw more friends, and especially had a nice visit with Jim and Virginia Martin, and Terry and Ann Veth.