Parades in Northern Ireland

Every year in Northern Ireland there are many different parades that take place here. Here are some pictures of a two parades (Seige of Derry and Black Saturday) that took place here in our city this year.  We try to use these parades that bring thousands to our city as an opportunity to witness.  Here are a few pictures.

Saddleback Civic Forum

I do not use my blogs for politics very much, but I did enjoy watching the Saddleback Civic Form on this website.  It gave me alot of good insight into what McCain and Obama believe.  You can also view the transcripts of the forum on that website as well.

Big Lesson

We learned a big lesson tonight about the importance of a Child Protection Policy.  For all the young people who come to our church, youth clubs, or activities, we always require a signed parental permission form for them to attend.  Tonight, we permitted a young man come with us without a form because he was with his friends, he said he was allowed to go, and we were in a hurry leaving for the young club and thought we would just go talk to his mother when we got back.

Big mistake!  When we got back, we were asking him where he lived, so we could talk to his mother and get a signed form, and he pointed out that his house was the one where the big crowd was gathered and the police were!  Understandably, the young man’s mother called the police when she did not know where he was.  Another mother of some of the young people who attend the church was there explaining that we were okay and would be back soon, which we appreciated, but nevertheless we made a very, very foolish mistake by not following our child protection policy. 

We were able to apologise to the mother and she accepted our apology, but we will make sure that something like this never happens again.

Happy Birthday to Our Pastor

I wrote the following on August 22 but just realised that it never got published, so here it is.

I am a day late with this post, but I just wanted to say “Happy Birthday” to our pastor, Austin Gardner.  He has been a great friend to us over the years.  For the time I first met him in 1999 until now, he has been a great example, inspiration, and encouragement to me.  Thank you, Pastor Gardner, for all you do for us.  Thanks for always being a phone call away, for travelling to visit us regularly, and for challenging us to do more for God.  We love you and Mrs. Betty.  Have a great day!

Below are some pictures that we took while he was here with us in May 2008.  In the one with Teri and I, you can see how tired he looks.  Also, thanks, Pastor Gardner, for running yourself ragged to visit us and help us.

Pray for Ed Dunlop

I got the following request from Vision News:

The following came in an email from Pastor Wayne Cofield. Brother Dunlop called me and asked me if we would be willing to take an offering for him. I want you to read this letter and then over the next couple of Sundays I would like to take an offering to help the Dunlops. There are lots of people hurting that need our prayers and help. I believe the Dunlops are very deserving of all we can do for them.

A very dear friend of ours needs your prayer support. Ed Dunlop is a Child Evangelist and Author, and is busy in Meetings most of the year. His wife, Janice, had breast cancer surgery in December of 2005. She has been on a very strict nutrition program and has seen some of the best Nutritionists in the country. Her body is very healthy, but the cancer is now in Stage 4. The doctors have told her that it is probably too late for surgery, and they have given her 1 week to 5 months to live.

God has used them for many years to win and influence scores of people for Christ (they have also been very influential in our own Ministry). Brother Ed has had to cancel Meetings to come home and take care of his wife. These Meetings are their basic source of income, so they are in great need at this time. We know that God is in control and He will provide according to His perfect will. Please join us in praying for these precious folks, that God would provide for their health needs, as well as their financial needs.

PS. If you would like to contact them you can send an e-mail to eddunlop@juno.com or you can send a letter to:
Ed and Janice Dunlop
342 Meadow Green Drive
Ringgold, GA 30736
http://www.dunlopministries.com/index2.htm

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ From Ed Dunlop Ministries Web Site ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We would ask for your prayers as we continue to battle Jan’s cancer. On December 21, 2005, she had surgery in which a tumor and 12 lymph nodes were removed. Tumors have come back. In June we visited a specialist in North Carolina for three days of testing. At the final consultation he told us that we are not winning the battle. He recommends an immediate mastectomy, which Jan cannot bring herself to do.

The second week of July, Janice had a bone scan and chest X-ray and then a consultation with our family doctor. Dr. Sherman told her that she is Stage 4. Please pray for wisdom as we seek the right treatment. May God be glorified as we seek His will.

August 6, 2008 Update

Janice has been accepted as a patient at the St. Joseph Medical Center in Mexico, just across the border from Del Rio, Texas. She and I will be traveling to Texas some time in the next 5 or 6 days. Please pray for wisdom as we determine whether we should drive or fly; Jan’s arm could be adversely affected if we make the wrong choice. Pray for God’s direction as the doctors determine the best course of treatment. Pray for wisdom as I decide which meetings I need to cancel. Pray that God will draw us close together as we go through this trial, and that He will be glorified
in all that transpires.

Update on Grant

Teri just called me from the hospital and said that he just has the croup.  They gave him some medicine and he is going to be fine.  His breathing is much better.  Thanks for your prayers.  God is good!

Please Pray for Grant

Please pray for Grant.  He was wheezing very badly and struggling to breathe, so we called the ambulance and Teri went with him to the hospital.  He has had these bouts before but this was the worst I have seen him to have.  I will let you know more of what is going on as we find out.  Thank you very much.