A Thank You From a Simpler Time

Dear Grandma,

This is Lois writing. We are sitting at my little table (that) daddy made. I got a rocker and dolly and dishes and silverware. I haven't broke any dishes yet. I wore my little coat and bracelet to church. I am going to bed now. Your loving Lois Jean. (1938)

A Year of Exits

A stream of friends have exited life this year, beginning with Lois’ brother Rodney Reyman in the closing days of December. Rod was honored by his many friends and even some of his critics came to his funeral. The church building was full and many spoke of the great impact that he had on them. He was tired of life and found the increasing limitations burdensome. He collected on the hope that he had taught others including this writer.

Fellow San Jose Bible College graduate Ray Weideman came to the end of life’s journey. Even in the closing months of life, he won another person to Christ in the assisted-living home. It was not possible to see Ray without a smile on his face. He lived in the present, rarely discussing the past, even though he could remember it.

Dean Grammon graduated to glory with many, many friends and relatives coming to pay final respects in Stayton, Oregon. Dean leaves behind children and grandchildren who follow the faith and love the Lord.

Church leaders came from afar for the funeral of Harold Buckles in Salem. The funeral was conducted just a few steps from the Brunk House, gathering place for Oregon’s pioneer preachers. While Harold was not a pioneer, he certainly qualified as a veteran gospel preacher. He was 98 at passing.

Tony La Fond moved on to better housing this spring. Tony was widely known among youth for directing recreation at summer camp, but also for being able to preach the Word when the need arose.

Stacy Marriott, graduate of Boise Bible College, gospel preacher and long-time elder passed from this life after a bout with cancer. The high respect for Stacy can be seen in the larger number of friends that made their way to the memorial service.

Larry Kubow died with little warning this spring. We share grandchildren. Lois had just recently fixed him one of his favorite meals and he in turn played the old hymns of the Faith so we could all sing together.

Evelyn (Smith) Coloff has been in declining health and the Lord finally took her. She loved the Lord and her family, including her daughter, Julie Barker.

Finally on our list is Dorothy Snelson. She has been praying for the Lord to take her for several years. She is a veteran member of the Minnehaha Church in Vancouver. Did we mention that she was 102?

This Should Make Us Happy

Over the past two months, veteran preacher Gary Strubhar in Roseburg, Oregon has made very good progress in recovering from Parkinson’s Disease. He says this is due to diet and the prayers of the saints.

His voice is stronger all day and into the evening hours. He walks quite normally and no longer shuffles. His posture is straighter.

The tremors are almost gone and his is getting back his motor skills.

His writing is almost back to normal and is quite readable. Gary gives God the credit line.

Scriptures says to rejoice with those who rejoice. Here is a reason to be happy today.

Paul and Karen Reyman Visit States

Because of the death of Karen Reyman's mother, Paul and Karen have returned to the states for a few weeks from South Africa.

Karen's mother, "Ned" Fulleton, died at home in her 84th year. Her obituary is posted on the Internet and a guest book is available to sign. The site does not work consistently, so try another time if it is not currently working.

The Reyman's excellent website is here.

Now You See, Now You Don't!

During the mid 90's, my optometrist hurried me to an expert in macular degeneration because my eyes had gone into that condition. The expert examined extensively and then explained what he saw in great detail. Sadly, the condition cannot be reversed. Just live with the diminished eye capacity.

Many of my friends prayed that I would be able to continue seeing.

In recent years, I have asked my new optometrist about the situation and he said that he could not see any macular degeneration. I thought he may lack the skills.

Recently, in preparation for an lens implant, I visited a highly skilled surgeon who doubles as a professor at the local university. When asked, he also said that I did not have any signs of macular degeneration.

I can only conclude that the Lord reversed the condition and healed my eyes.

The A.D. 30 Test – Part 2

Peter spoke to thousands of pilgrims at the festival in A.D. 30. The Spirit of God was so convincing that about 3,000 obeyed what Peter said: They repented and were baptized to have their sins removed from God’s records. Peter had an 11 man support team that endorsed his teaching. The 12-man jury rendered a unanimous verdict. Faith in the resurrected Jesus, repentance to change attitudes toward truth and baptism to identify with the resurrection story and to be “in Christ.” Uncomplicated.

As the crowds returned to their Jewish communities across the Roman Empire, they took this unique plan for pardon home and repeated it over and over. People obeyed these steps to peace with God.

The “New Testament” had not been written. Not the four gospels, not any writing of Paul or Peter or James. The teachings set forth by word-of-mouth from the inspired Apostles stood unchallenged. This interlude continued for at least 15 years. The believers experienced a real war with the world and enjoyed real peace within the body.

The A.D. 30 Test – Part 1

The remarkable story of Jesus was told over and over again during and after his lifetime. His teachings and miracles made lively conversation. The culture was oral-based rather than text-based culture like ours because making documents was expensive. Writing materials were even used a second time to keep down costs.

So the greatest story every told was indeed told and not written for more than twenty years after the resurrection. Jesus said, “He that has hears to hear, let him hear.” We could have sung “Tell Me The Story of Jesus” and have been right on target.

The story of the risen Jesus was presented officially by the men whom Jesus had tutored during his ministry. He had promised them perfect recall in John 14. Peter and the other 11 used this treasure when they addressed multiplied thousands at Pentecost in A.D. 30.

Their written authority was the inspired men of times past and their current authority was their own experiences with Jesus, perfectly recalled. It was this verbal story about Jesus that spread around Jerusalem, Judea and out into the Roman Empire. The believers were united and the cause of Christ spread without the hindrances of internal dissension.

Harmony was a key ingredient in church life in A.D. 30. Oh, that our generation could recapture that mountaintop experience.