Gayla's Magazine

Bridge Builders

Today I served as a Bridge.  What is a bridge you ask?  Well the day started with one of our staff members calling in sick.  Now her job is to handle all of the donations that have come into the RMA store over the weekend.  And today was extra full with the donations spilling over even outside the building!  So I was ask to carry out her duties and Bridge the gap!  So I head to the RMA store to tackle this mountain on her behalf.  Which made me think of all the bridges that we saw on our recent trip out West.  Between Texas and California there are some really unique bridge designs that I happened to snap some pictures of.  Here .... you be a bridge viewer too.

Some bridges are lower than others and it makes me wonder as instinctively I duck my head going under it.  This type of person maybe a little low profile and you are not sure if they can really carry the weight of a project - but they do!  And they carry the job off without a hitch.

And other bridges  are mighty and large and carry on well in front of everyone else.  They love the limelight and the show and enjoy the attention of others.  They are quick to say I can do that - and do it well. And when the job is done - these kinds of bridge people need no thank your's they have plenty of confidence. 

Still others might not be the public showy type but their faithful behavior to carry the weight  is one that can be trusted quietly to perform as a good bridge. And these don't require attention - just give them the job and go do what you need to with assurance they will get it done for you. What a wonderful way to be a good bridge without adding more weight to the project, or the leader by their involvement.   

  Some don't know how to be a bridge and stand in for others - I can't I can't they say, but with careful building and training they can be taught to fill in any gap needed for those who are coming and need that bridge.  And with time - and effort and lot's of encouragement they timidly step out to do something that others need from them.

  Sometimes a bridge is needed over and over till the strength of passage can happen in another way for people.  The patience of a good bridge is one that does not complain with a dramatic sigh saying I just did that for you, now you want me to do it again"? But as a good bridge, agrees to show one  time and again, as often as needed to  carry the weight, to be dependable again.

Now here's the kind of bridge I want to be.  Strong, dependable as a lighthouse giving strength and maturity as well as being trustworthy  to light the way for the weary traveler coming across my life.   

What kind of bridge are you?   

Surprise in the Garage

Okay so we get home and I am in a hurry to get some things done before my grandson's birthday party this afternoon.   So I go out to my car - my  Chrysler 300 and jump in...... then get right  back out -as in the corner of my eye I noticed my back tire seemed a little low.  Now my car has the big tires - Pirelle's, which are special to me and I am careful to look at them each time I get in.  But somehow I guess I didn't see something that ended up driving around with me and my wheels (dismay) its not just low - it's flat! 

Oh no..... I know it was not low before I left - 2 weeks ago.  But obviously I am not going anywhere fast until this is taken care of. So it's a trip to the Tire Repair shop.

I know I know  .......this looks like some places I have show you (not in America) but this man 'Manuel' has been our tire repair man for 12 plus years.  He is good, fast, reliable, will fix a tire while you wait, and his rates can't be beat. ( 3 bucks!)  So after airing the tire up - by  I am ushered to Manuel's Shop for repairs.  He is so kind to stop what he was doing and take care of my tire immediately!

And without hesitation he gets under the car to see what has caused my tire to go flat.  As a kid in Liberia West Africa, a flat tire was called, 'no air in the car's foot'!  I am reminded of this funny memory while setting in my car and my car's foot is operated on! And while I wait, the offending nail is surgically removed and a little plug implanted all in a matter of minutes. Wonder where that little carpet tack came from???  It had lodged between the treads inside and needs a pair of needle-nose pliers to pull it out.  How about some tweezers - it's so small!

Now I don't think that any fancy dancy car dealership would take care of this little pesky problem all in 10 minutes max!  Am I happy with this low image but highly productive shop?  You bet! 

And if this happens again - my car will drive right back here to renew 'the air in the car's foot'  for service and a smile!  Now .....  on to my errands and the Birthday party.  And keep a eagle eye out for carpet tacks along the road!

God Bless America..... My Home Sweet Home!

To be a pioneer in the early days of American history, meant that one had to be resourceful, bold, courageous full of energy and vigor.  Why? Because there were all kinds of challenges to overcome, like mountainous terrain to be traveled across, thick brush and valley forges to climb over or through. Rivers and streams to be forged as there were no roads, no bridges and no maps or GPS systems.

To live in a open air wagon – or a mud dabbed grass hut for a long time.  Maybe years. No cars, buses, or planes to go from place to place. To eat only what you had gathered and hopefully preserved safely. And eat the same things day after day without variety. No grocery stores or corner convenience shops.

To work all day in the hot sun and up into the evening EVERY DAY just to survive the rigors and wilderness of nature.  No Air Conditioning or fans.

To become your own doctor and nurse. To find the right herbs to ease pains – and the right amount to not cause complications.  Childbirth was especially dangerous and life threatening, as a proper doctor or hygienic care was nearly non existent.  No HMO's or hospitals, or ambulances around.   

And to be your own friend as there were few and far between visits from other human beings as they also were struggling to survive. No TV, Cd's, Dvd's, MP3's, or IPODS or Cinemas.

To take care of your animals in a special way as they were your lifeline to any value of  life such as traveling anywhere, or providing any sort of aid to your life such as milk, and fur and eggs. You were responsible to take care of them one hundred percent.   

Protection and the survival of the family took the husband and the wife working together. Keeping the wild beasts away from your own family, as well as your animals.

To value each and everything you had and take care of all things carefully because it was the only one you had and would never be able to replace. To survive without money, credit cards or loans. Or the great shopping malls in this land.  

                                                                                                                           

I am talking about STRONG PEOPLE –  STRONG MEN AND WOMEN! America where are you?  This great nation was built by such people - and the maintenance of such a wonderful country will only survive by the continuing passage of men and women who were born in the fire and know how continue building for the future generations to come. Arise strong ones, arise..... and continue to build this great nation with all the modern joys of life!  And as the song whispers in my heart .... God bless America ..... my home sweet home!  

An Adventure a Day

Once in a while as travelers we come across people that have another agenda other than the welfare of others.  We came across one such person on this trip.

We were ready to rest so we found the usual 'Camp Walmart' to park at.  Why Walmart?  First they welcome RV'rs, and their parking lots are large enough to park large vehicles.  And they are usually located very convenient to freeways for travelers on the road.  Plus it's easy to park and go inside to do a little shopping when needed. Which gives the little yellow smiley face inside it's smile!

So we park and get set up.  This 70 foot long rig is a dream to park with a few buttons to push to settle things for the night. We're done in a little bit and while we are making plans to go inside this Super Walmart and pick up some supplies, I happened to notice a woman parked a few feet away standing outside a older model red car looking at our RV.  She keeps looking at us.  Now she can't see us inside, but we can see her clearly.  So I mentioned her to my husband.  He is a street smart guy who is very alert to everything around him. 

While we are watching her, she starts walking over to our RV.  She looks around - she is middle aged it seems, she is dressed nicely and she has a large purse with her.  She keeps looking around and then comes right up as to reach for the door handle.  My husband opens the door right in her face.  'Can we help you?'  She was startled and surprised and starts backing away stuttering that she was to meet someone here. He ask her a direct question, 'who'. She couldn't give us a name or who it was she was waiting on.  So he tells her we are not expecting anyone and she starts backing off.  She gets on the phone and we can't tell who she is talking to, but she goes back to the car she was standing next to. 

She looks behind her to see if we are still there.  We were.  We just stood there looking at her in our doorway.  She keeps looking around and we kept standing there.  So she finally got in the car and left. 

What was that all about?

Later on in the evening another fellow RV'r tells us that in this same location - while sitting in their RV, a woman did open their door and tried to come inside.  They were convinced she was a thief looking for RV's that were unlocked that she could quickly rob.  Maybe she was working with someone else - because of the cell phone use, who knows.  But anyway she was thwarted at ours.

Don't worry we never leave our RV unlocked.  Even when we are inside.  People are not always at Walmart for the low low prices.  And I am sure that the happy yellow smiley face inside wears a sad look about this issue.  Buyers and Rv'rs beware.      

So Much to See - So Little Time

Let's go get something to eat!  Our friends love international food like we do and together we enjoyed a couple of meals together from different parts of the world.  One day we went to 'Italy' and the next we made a  trip to 'Greece'! We reminisced together about our past trip to Eastern Europe and the grand time we had in Romania. 

Then it was back to Valley Cathedral to see the church.  This is a beautiful facility and it seemed like we walked and walked just to see the whole place.

They also have a School in full operation everyday  with 300 plus students- so they are busy Pastors!

We stroll down one of the outside park areas that is here on campus.  And we are introduced to various staff members who are excited about being in service tonight. We were ask to join in a Staff meeting already in progress and say a word to them.  Sweet people.

And we also  are looking forward to the service  tonight at Valley Cathedral. And it was worth the wait! Many needs were met and the church family was encouraged and strengthened. Already before the last of them had left the service it was questions such as, 'when are you coming back'?

This is a beautiful Church with a glorious future ahead! We promise we will come back and spend a little more time with you.

And we enjoy a cup of tea in our Coach after church, just a few minutes more before the night is over and we say goodbye.  May the Lord bless and keep you both till we meet again. 

A Day of Special Sights

Look at the innovative way that some of the States in the West are doing  - new inventions to generate electricity!  These are gigantic windmills that are positioned to catch the strong wind currants that are blowing down from the huge mountains just behind them. 

You might want to enlarge these pictures to see what this is all about.  (Put your cursor over the picture and click it - it will open up into a larger picture) This is really impressive to see up close!

Stopping for lunch at a rest stop in Arizona - we decided to make ourselves a proper meal.  The weather is perfect and we are hungry! 

So we take out our little grill and get it set up to do some little grilling! Some chicken, some garlic, some lemon pepper.

Under the watchful gaze of a hungry man!

This little grill does a great job cooking up great meal in no time.

Make a little fresh salad and we are ready to eat.

Later on we have arrived in Phoenix Arizona at Valley Cathedral and our dear pastor friends, Charles and Mary Combs. 

And after dinner we are taken to see a very special event.  The Gaither Vocal Band is here in Concert hosting one of their Homecoming Concerts with different quartets and trios. What a wonderful treat for us!

Of course you know the Arena was packed! And the music was so good!  I loved every gospel song that each group sang.  Oh the privilege of living in America and being able to attend such a heavenly songfest!

The Gaither Vocal Band has been together many years and the fruit of their faithful commitment to singing gospel music shows in the attendance of their fans.  Everybody in the stands loves the songs they sing and most join right in and sing along.  It was a very special evening for us and one we will treasure with our friends.    

Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow!

Time has passed so quickly and it's time for us to leave.  So I am going to take a quick walk around this nice RV park.  Too bad we didn't get to enjoy any of the amenities here. Like golf or swimming, but I can't leave without at least seeing some of it with my eyes.  This is a restful place and one I want to visit again and again. 

Pastor Darrell and Barbara Owens  drive down from Modesto,  and Pastor Doug and Susan Young drive over from Los Banos and we all meet up in Chowchilla, the city where we have been staying.  Together we had a great time discussing ministry options.  The future is bright with promise and the vision of each ministry!

After a bite to eat (salad and vegetarian pizza!) we all climb on board for a private prayer together.  Everyone is wiping tears and hugging goodbye - and we pull out for a long days travel.  One last wave - promises of phone calls and future visits we head out for another church - The Valley Cathedral Church, and the Pastor and his wife, waiting on us in Phoenix Arizona.  Our church in Los Banos is about to break open into a new realm and we are happy for them.  Our support for the Young's  ministry is a lifeline - and we will be here for them whenever they need us.

Look at the beautiful palms lining the road.  They have planted tall ones in intervals along with a different variety of a shorter palm.  Now they are matured and it looks so nice.  Someone had a vision many years ago and now everyone who travels this road enjoys their hard work. 

Hmmmmm ......sounds like the ministry to me.  Someone has to plant, someone has to water, someone has to cultivate to get the Word of God developed in the lives of people, and to build a strong church.  It takes lots of time, hard hard work and the dedicated sacrifices of a man of God and his family to reach a community.  If only people could become stable and grow into strong community building Christians - we keep trying to get them to this place that their lives look like this tree lined road.  Full, mature, strong, beautiful and authentic!  Real! Faithful!

We head out and plan to spend the night somewhere in a Camp Walmart on the other side of Los Angeles.  And our adventure continues....   

 

Not a Moment to Spare.

Yesterday was a strong day here in Los Banos California with every moment used up! We are with Pastors Doug and Susan Young at Dayspring Church.  So many different things happened - we left our Coach at 9:15 in the morning, and did not come back until after 10:30 at night - needless to say we come back to our Coach tired and ready for rest each night. We must make every day count wisely while we are here.  From pastoral advice to legal issues with the Church, the Bishop's days are full serving the Pastors! Where we are staying is about 25 miles away so we have a little drive to get there.  Sunday morning was wonderful with their Church family.

The praise team here was well prepared and the set of music they chose all flows together seamlessly.  I think the way they have found to use the full orchestrations through technology is truly a blessing.  Other churches that don't have capable musicians should do this.  Their congregation responds as if the music is all live!

Pastor Susan leads the worship team and we all feel her sincerity before the Lord. 

Pastor Doug is preparing to put Dayspring on-line through streaming video.  So he has all of the equipment set up and the technical support team works with it every service learning to manage the details that go with it.  After service today they are going to show the Bishop their plans to do this.

One of the ladies that was here last night in the Anointing service gives her testimony about what happened to her after that service.  So far several miracles are reported from healing to miracle financial blessing are coming in! I know many lives are going to change as a result of that wonderful service. 

In the course of the service a special Ordination was held.  One of the Elders here that has served Dayspring Church faithfully for 13 years is recognized and dedicated to the service of the Ministry Pastoral Staff. We have known this man all the years we have served this Church and he truly has been a servant  here. People like this, I believe will receive special crowns in Heaven for their faithfulness in their local churches. Pastor's need more men like this!

I sing again here in the House.  This bi-lingual church loves it when I sing music in English and Spanish.  And their support is vocal while I sing, I always enjoy singing with responsive people!  Solo No Estoy!

And then it's time for the Bishop to preach.  Everyone is ready and the attention upon him is palatable. 

He spoke on ' Friend of the Faithful'  and we all enjoy his various funny statements and serious teachings.  He holds the audience in his hand and the people respond openly to his ministry.  The Bishop is a Master Preacher and it shows again.  I am the luckiest woman in the the world - as he is my husband!   I have not shown you the two Young-est children.  Two are grown and two remain at home still.  This is Lauren - a real sweetheart who is growing up into a beautiful 'young' lady! 

I have known this child since she was 2 years old.  And she needs a little of my attention while I am here. She has made a candle just for me - so we get to talk about crafts.  She shows me see some of her creative projects she is working on and I am proud of how much she has grown up just in one year!  

She has worked in the ministry every night while we have been here.  And I want to encourage her as a young leader - she needs me to speak into her life, every moment counts as our time is so limited.

And this is Anthony!  He is one of a kind kid - who has always loved the Bishop and he needs some attention too. He loves music and can't wait to show me what he has learned to play.  This kid is talented and we will need to watch him because one day he will be his parents musician thats for sure.  He sets next to me and in whispered tones we talk about his involvement to help in the ministry.

He looks up to the Bishop and wants him to pray for him.

And so the laying on of hands - the time honored function of the Body of Christ is done and he is anointed to be set apart for the work of the Lord.

Mom and Dad watch and I know the prayer of their heart is that each of their children will live for the Lord and be used greatly in the Work of the Lord. 

It's Anthony's turn to ride with us after church, and so he gets his private time alone with us - and I know it means alot to him! We head for a quick bite to eat, and then to another meeting with leadership issues with Pastor Doug back at the Church for the afternoon.

And then we arrive at the home of one of the families here.  She is from Nicaragua and they have been patiently waiting for us to arrive - and they fed us a wonderful meal and we enjoyed being in their home.

They have a unique water feature in their home. Look at this.  It's a sculpture of Jesus setting down and the woman who was reported in the Bible washing his feet.  The water comes from the little jar she is pouring out and it washes over His feet and down the little steps.  Isn't this special!

And much later all of us tired puppies go back to the Young's home for some moments alone together as a family.

A knock at the door  comes- and one of the precious ladies who works in the almond industry comes over to bring us a bag of almonds.  Now this physical labor that she does in the fields is hard work - and her gift to us touches my heart. Out of the kindness of her heart she brings the man of God a gift - and we will remember to pray for her by the gift she brought to us and we will enjoy the nuts very much.  (Almonds are my favorite nut!)

A long day ends with a laugh together and our private time  is special to each of us - as we all know tomorrow it ends and we will be back on the road headed out.  We are looking forward to God's best for Doug and Susan, Lauren and Anthony.  It's been a really great time together!  Everybody is tired and we all hug good night and drive back through the dark night fighting to stay awake and get safely to our home - our blessed Coach!   

   

The Anointing Oil

Pastor Doug has the most beautiful sculpture in his office!  It's a bronze cast of Jesus touching the blind man's eyes.  Wow!  I love this and could spend a long time just looking at it.  The details are really realistic!

It sets on a gold and marble pillar and it draws my eyes as soon as we came into his office.  We are here to minister to the Dayspring Church tonight, and this sculpture depicts what we have prayed all day that the Lord Jesus would do tonight.

Worship begins with the praise team here and everyone gets to their feet and begins to sing.  This team does a great job tonight.  They are unique in that they play live music sometimes and then they use tracks at others.  Tonight they are singing by sound tracks and the music is full and lively!  The congregation is used to this type of worship music and so they all respond eagerly in worship. 

Pastor Doug handles the service and his voice is soothing to his people as he talks to them about the special plans for this service.  The Bishop had ask everyone to bring some things in the service last night.  He ask them to bring a cloth from home, a prayer request in a sealed envelope and pictures of those they are praying for.

And the eyes of the congregation move to the table that has been set up just for this special night.  It has a large crystal bowl, a 3 liter container of oil and some fragrant oil also on it.

And then I sing a song, Tu Nombre Levantare and the Spanish people in the audience love it.  They stand to their feet and join in with me!  What a great crowd!

And then the Bishop takes the podium and everyone sets on the edge of their seats waiting to see what he is going to do.  I noticed during the service that everyone had a cloth of some type lying on the seat next to them.  They came expecting!     

He taught the people about Anointing Oil and what it is for.  How the Scriptures show at different points down through the years the tremendous value of using it.  The Scriptures are used on the big screen and the words jump out and seem even more powerful seeing them!  He gives the Old Testament instructions and the New Testament uses of this important miracle action. 

While he was teaching them, I was reminded of the hundreds of churches he has preached in, and performed this sacred rite for.  That there is an untold number of miracles that happened as a result of his ministry.  Only when we get to Heaven will we see what transpired as a result of the Bishop using this all over the world.

And then it was time!  And the people came out of their seats- carrying cloths and sealed envelopes.  The needs were many!

    As they came one by one and dipped their cloth into the Oil, and laid their envelope down many of them were weeping.  And I could see their hearts were so moved and the sincerity of their prayers was very touching.

From men and women to young adult guys and teenage girls, they all brought cloths and stood patiently waiting on each other as the lines moved slowly.  There was such a spirit of prayer in the House.

  I tried to take some pictures so you could see what was happening here.  It was so special!

A lady in a wheelchair comes forward with her cloth.  We pray the miracle comes! Her faith and obedience is so precious to see,  it brings tears to my eyes.  Pastor Doug beside me is already weeping for the needs of his people.  The Bishop was kneeling and praying for the sealed envelopes as they were bringing them to his hands.

  Another lady brings someone forward in a wheelchair.  Together they dip their clothes in the oil.

Overwhelmed she reaches out for the answer to come! 

Sometimes they would dip both hands in the oil! In the line are people  sometimes couples together praying for some specific need, others come alone. 

And still they came!

  The worship music is playing and everyone waits patiently for their turn to come forward.

The Bishop finally has to stand up after being on his knees for over an hour praying over the prayer requests. 

And then the service is over.  We are expecting great reports from the Anointing cloths and prayer requests!  I KNOW God answers prayer. What will tomorrow bring!   

Another Pastor Another Heart

We have arrived at The Lakes, the RV and Golf Resort here in Chowchilla California.  This is where we always stay when we come up this way.  It's a nice quiet place just a little ways from Los Banos.  With a beautiful setting to look at, and a restful place to come back to after everything is done - it's usually after midnight before we get back - but the view is great here!

There is a large bird waiting to greet us right in the front of our Coach, at the water's edge.   'Welcome to Chowchilla', he says in his tiny gravelly little bird voice. Picking his way through the water he watches us carefully with a twinkle in his eyes.   If my grandkids were with me, we could have a whole fun conversation going with this beautiful big bird!   

Pastor Doug Young can't wait to get us in the car and take us to see some areas his vision includes.  He is excited about the Bishop being here and getting to spend time with him.  Together the two of them make plans for the big weekend of activities that we will be involved in at their church. Their  church is  called Dayspring Church, and we are looking forward to seeing everyone again. 

Pastor Susan and I, always enjoy being together and we are also looking forward to spending some quality time together.  Between juggling her husband's schedule and taking care of the various church responsibilities at Dayspring Church, and her family and home she is a busy lady! She and I are going to get some much needed time to talk about her women's ministry and the details of the daily activities of the ministry. 

And after a great day together we have service with their church family.   The Bishop is a celebrated minister here that has been the overseer of this church thru many years.  And his ministry is loved and the people respond to his voice and leadership.  This bi-lingual church is great to visit, as they have between 5 - to 7 different nationalities that attend here all the time and the sweetness of the people and the different cultures all together is always such a joy to see.  One can see various different people setting in the audience with little ear plugs in, listening intently and nodding their heads in agreement. It's good to see God's family all together in church!

We are introduced to another Pastor and his wife, James and Shurece Byrd this evening.  Together they pastor a church called 'The Worship Center' in Stockton California.  They came to service to meet the Bishop and I, and they wanted to spend some time with us.  This is his wife Shurece and I after service she's a real sweetheart who needs fellowship from a sister - pastor's wife. 

And after church we did spend time getting to know them a little. Pastor Doug and Susan took us all to a quiet restaurant to be together to share hearts. Pastor James and Shurece Byrd have 3 little boys and they are great people.  We have alot in common as we have the same background - so it feels like we know them already.  They want us to come to Stockton if we can squeeze it in.  So many places - not enough time!