WHEW…WHAT A WEEK!

Today is Saturday and I’m reminded of why God gave His people a day of rest!  After a very busy week those few of us who have remined took most of the day to relax and enjoy the island.  I say “those few of us” because many of our group, having accomplished their mission, pulled out yesterday or early this morning.  Only the Parkers, the Fosters and Jim Hamblin remain.  The Fosters will leave tomorrow and Jim on  Monday and the Parkers on…?  All of our group have gained so much from this experience and would tell you that they would love to return here someday.  It’s hard for us to leave seeing how much is still left to do and how desperately the Christians here would love for us to stay and share the load of this work.  There have been so many challenges, just to name a few: Missed planes, astolen wallet,  cool, rainy weather (that is so untypical for Key West), various illnesses and ailments (already mentioned was Katie’s severe case of shingles, not to mention stomach viruses, allergies, etc.) , a minor car accident one of our members had in a rental car, unplanned meals that needed to be prepared for all the homeless who would pop in at mealtime.  The Hales (from Alabama) had to book an earlier flight home when their daughter had emergency surgery at home.  Steve Hale was actually scheduled to preach tomorrow but Keith will do it in his place.  In spite of some challenges, God has blessed the week tremendously and some good has been done.  Just a few key facts about the week: 1,759 doors were knocked and gospel tracts left.  At 646 doors people were found at home and we were able to personally share Jesus.  Dozens of Bible studies were conducted.  4 souls were baptized.  7 responded for prayer.  A congregation of about 10 or 12 members experienced worship with 40 to 62 at each service, many of whom were visiting for the first time.  About 10 children from the projects were picked up each night and taught the Bible in their own classes.  About 30 people were fed 3 great meals each day.  And so many more have been spiritually fed.  Much of Key West now definitely knows that there is a very loving  body of people that meets on the corner of Von Phister called the Church of Christ!  Many seeds have been planted that may not come to fruition till long after we’re gone.  Every member of the Key West Team could tell you stories of the people we’ve met…people like Lubo who has come to the Keys with his wife and three teens from Slavakia to find a better life and until yesterday had not been taught the gospel.  He invited Keith and Jean Lyle (she and Tommy surprised us Thursday night at the meeting and stayed to doorknock with us on Friday) in for coffee and cake and only asked in return for a Bible, which we delivered to him today.  We  would tell you about Emma who we met at a Chinese restaurant today who has just moved here, is looking for a church home and promises to bring her family to worship tomorrow.  Just a reminder that people are all around us here and in Hendersonville who are just waiting to be asked.  There are so many more we could tell you about who will be on our hearts after we return.  Please keep our new Christians in your prayers, Levi, Roma, Jeff and Ryan.  Pray for Fryland who is such a sincere young man who is almost ready to commit to the Lord.  Pray for the children with their young tender hearts as they will continue to come and learn about Jesus (one 5 year old girl had never heard the song “Jesus Loves Me”).  Pray for the Christians who wil be left behind to carry on the work.  Thanks to many of you who have called us this week to say you’re praying for us.  Thanks for sharing in this work!

In His Sonshine,

The Key West Team