This appears to be another beautiful cover by Gary Bell. I love the birds. I suppose they are illustrating the coming of the heavenly dove, the Holy Spirit.
The lead article is written by Clay Ford. He is dealing with the question of why bad things happen to good people. If God loves us, why do these horrible things happen. He writes that God shows his care by sending Jesus to love us, heal us and ultimately to die for us. Clay then moves on to state that Jesus continues to demonstrate his care of others through the life that he gave us. We are now his representatives on earth. We have a responsibility for demonstrating God's love for others.
Bobby Dyal wrote "Tired of Running." I remember Bobby, but really don't know a lot about him. I don't know where he is currently -- or if he is even living. But, here again, is an illustration that OLT was written by the people of the body. Yes, Ken, Clay and Larry were the chief writers, but articles came from many people within the community.
Larry discusses the "Here's Life" campaign. Clay and I were the chairs the campaign for the church. I remember going door to door during the training. I remember leading one man to the Lord and was overjoyed. Then I never saw him again. Did he really convert? Did he go to another church? Was he just tryng to get rid of me by saying the little prayer? Over the years, I have driven by his house and these questions come to mind. Don't get me wrong, I am not opposed to witnessing, but I have become convinced, that effective follow-up -- preferably very personal follow-up is absolutely necessary. We do a real disservice when we fail to do this.
McFoone knows that he has been forgiven. He doesn't need to accept condemnation. Way to go McFoone!
The Fall Festival was rapidly approaching. These festivals were an important part of the church for many years. They were called different names at different times. Some times they were strongly aimed at outreach, other times for children and their families. They were always successful. Of course, the flyer was a product of Brenda's artwork.
I see by "In the Family" that Ken and I were in Omaha -- actually it was Lincoln, NE. I remember that it was game day for the Cornhuskers. Nothing moved in town -- everyone was at the game. They are real football fans there. This was the only trip that I ever made alone with Ken.
Clay finishes his article on this page. He moves on to the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit not only gives us power, but he brings about community and a desire to help those in need. We are the instruments of God's love in the world. He closes with the sentiment that it would be good if we could say with Jesus, "If you have seen us, you have seen the Father."
Marilyn Baker presents a nice little piece on how we minister to others. Marilyn is still a part of Fifth and E. She is also still friends with my wife -- the Linda in the piece. I spent time talking with her just this last weekend at a Memorial service for one of the members of Bay View Baptist. This really fits in with Clay's article in that it is the kindness of others that ministers the love of God.
Prophecy is always important. We want to hear the proclamation of God's word. I vaguely remember this Prophecy Class -- although I wasn't a part of it. Bob brings out the importance of worship, particularly singing in opening us up to the gifts of the spirit. This worship helps us to let our barriers down and flow with the Spirit.
Gwen is of course Brenda's mother. She is a very talented woman in her own right, but I don't remember much that she wrote for OLT. She is still living locally. I actually ran into her at Costco a few months ago.
The truth expressed by Maureen Brians about the needs around the world hasn't change with the possible exception that it may be worse now than then. She mentions Marian Boehr in the article. She came to the church and spoke many years later.
Eleanor Burger celebrated her 87th birthday last week. She and her husband, George, live in Oregon. They were special friends. She was quite a leader for our women.
I don't know why we were announcing this wedding. I do remember Denis Costello but don't remember how much he was involved. I also remember when his father became a deacon at St. Pius. The Costello's were a large family.
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