Sunday, May 27, 2018

Redfield, South Dakota

"Baptist Church" Redfield, South Dakota
     A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.
Proverbs 22:1

             Monday May 21 st ~
     Published this week's newsletter from "Inspiration Ministries" in southern Wisconsin.
          Tuesday May 22 nd ~
     Said my goodbyes to these sweet folks and started heading west. But first I stopped at the "Ridgestone Village" in Delavan, Wisconsin and sang for a large group of folks.
          Wednesday May 23 rd ~
     Continuing west, I paused in Darlington, Wisconsin and ministered for eight residents at the "Sienna Crest" assisted living facility.
          Thursday May 24 th ~
     A driving day! Crossed into Minnesota all the way to Redwood Falls.
          Friday May 25 th ~
     Continuing west, I stopped in Dawson, Minnesota and shared with a bunch of folks in the rather large nursing home attached to the towns' hospital.
          Saturday May 26 th ~
     Having crossed into South Dakota I continued on to the town of Redfield and hooked up with friends from the Baptist church on this 94 degree day. They're having a heat wave.
          Sunday May 27 th ~
     Attended the Baptist church here where I was given the sermon time to share pictures from South Africa along with some stories and songs.
      
And so begins another week.

May The Lord Our God
Guard, Guide And Direct You.
In The Name Of Jesus. Amen!

Your Brother in Christ, Larry Eugene Stevens

P.S.    To God be the Glory!

To Donate (Love Offering) Click Here

Monday, May 21, 2018

"Inspiration Ministries" Walworth, Wisconsin


"Inspiration Ministries"


     Of David. A psalm. The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters. Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god. They will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God their Savior. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, God of Jacob.
Psalm 24:1-6

             Monday May 14 th ~
     Began this week at the Nazarene church in Logansport, Indiana where I published from one of the offices. Later, FedEx delivered the new credit card; replacing the one we had to cancel due to fraudulent charges incurred in South Africa.
     Then had some fun playing volleyball with a group of members in the church gym.
          Tuesday May 15 th ~
     Said my goodbye's and thank you's.
     Jeff (Pastor) topped off the gas tank on my way out of town.
     Crossed the border a good long ways into Illinois.
          Wednesday May 16 th ~
     Another driving day; on into Wisconsin to "Inspiration Ministries". These dear folks (each year) welcome me with open arms, and provide a place for me to park, plug-in and shower back at the Retreat Center section of this facility.
     This place is awesome. Non-Profit, Faith based (Jesus). Sets on almost a hundred acres. Geared towards residents of all ages dealing with physical and cognitive disabilities.
          Thursday May 17 th ~
     Sang for the folks today here at I.M. (Inspiration Ministries) and showed some pictures from South Africa.
          Friday May 18 th ~
     Ministered at the "Golden Years" facility in the town of Walworth which is nearby.
          Saturday May 19 th ~
     Enjoyed a pleasant dinner on a back yard deck at the home of long-time friends' John and family in the town of Williams Bay.
          Sunday May 20 th ~
     Attended the Assembly of God church in Delavan, Wisconsin where I was given the opportunity to share some South African pictures and a bunch of songs during the service. 
      
And so begins another week.

May The Lord Our God
Guard, Guide And Direct You.
In The Name Of Jesus. Amen!

Your Brother in Christ, Larry Eugene Stevens

P.S.    To God be the Glory!

To Donate (Love Offering) Click Here

Monday, May 14, 2018

Logansport, Indiana

Apartheid Museum

Apartheid Museum

Staff at Marion Lodge

"Methodist Home For The Aged" Johannesburg, South Africa
     The highway of the upright avoids evil; those who guard their ways preserve their lives.
Proverbs 16:17


             Monday May 7 th ~
     Started this week in Johannesburg, South Africa where I was able to share with some folks at the "Methodist Home For The Aged". They had me in their chapel and brought folks from the frail-care section of this facility. I noticed several singing along from time to time.
     The lodge I've been staying at offers about 7 different evening meals for their guest. Most days I've been eating cheaply with grocery store items. But tonight I had their "Classic South African Meal". Pretty good.
          Tuesday May 8 th ~
     My last full day in-country. Drove to south Joburg and toured the "Apartheid Museum". Rather powerful and informative.
     This trip is my first experience using GPS for navigating streets in this massive city. Would have had a tough time without it.
     Topped off the gas tank and returned the rental car; undamaged. Praise God!
     A 2 kilometer walk back to the lodge followed by a relaxing evening.
          Wednesday May 9 th ~
     Spent the morning packing and picture taking with the staff. Their driver (Samuel) took me to the airport where to my surprise check-in personnel insisted I carry-on the guitar as a personal item. Said if I checked it as baggage I'd have to sign a wavier releasing them from liability if it got stolen or damaged.
     Sure enough, on this plane and the next one, there was room for it in a coat closet at the front of the cabin.
     So, by the time I boarded the plane in Joburg at 8:00pm I'd already been awake for 13 and a half hours. Then 16 hours of flying to Atlanta with only 2 very short cat-naps sitting in that seat.
          Thursday May 10 th ~
     At 6:00am we arrived in Atlanta along with a bunch of others going through customs. Took almost an hour.
     A 3 hour layover, then on to the final plane to Indianapolis where my friend Jeff was waiting to pick me up. A 2 hour drive to Logansport where I moved back into the camper van.
     Dog tired, but unable to go to sleep immediately, I got online to check the bank statement where I discovered a couple of fraudulent charges from South Africa to the tune of 2400 dollars. Got on the phone to the bank. They cancelled the card and overnight-ed a new one to my present location.
     Finally to bed about 6:00 pm. Whew!
          Friday May 11 th ~
     Got enough sleep last night to feel relatively refreshed. Over to Walmart for supplies, then to "Mckinney Place" Senior Living where I was able to minister for about 16 residents.
          Saturday May 12 th ~
     Domestic chores; laundry and such. And rest.
          Sunday May 13 th ~
     Attended the "Mothers Day" service at the Nazarene church here in Logansport.
     Lunch with dear friends' Horace and Linda. 
      
And so begins another week.

May The Lord Our God
Guard, Guide And Direct You.
In The Name Of Jesus. Amen!

Your Brother in Christ, Larry Eugene Stevens

P.S.    To God be the Glory!

To Donate (Love Offering) Click Here

Monday, May 7, 2018

Johannesburg, South Africa (second week)



Majestic
Nelson Mandela Square
A very big cat up in a tree.
     The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.
Proverbs 27:12


             Monday April 30 th ~
     Second week in Johannesburg, South Africa. The cold symptoms I've been dealing with for the past week have eased up a little. So I got out and about for a few hours today.
          Tuesday May 1 st ~
     Went out looking for nursing homes. Couldn't find two of em. The third's decision maker was on holiday. The fourth reluctantly arranged for Thursday morning. A bit difficult getting past security in this environment.
          Wednesday May 2 nd ~
              
               Local News:
          The main road from Joburg to Durban on the coast was closed for a few days due to a striking mob setting fire to eighteen trucks.
          One of the Hospital's in Joburg was trashed by striking custodial workers, frightening nurses and patients.
         
          Thursday May 3 rd ~
     Sang at the "Rosehaven" facility here in Joburg for a lovely group of folks. One lady told me that her husband of fifty years had recently passed. She said with a smile, "Hearing these songs which we used to sing together gave me a little comforting cry."
          Friday May 4 th ~
     Had previously arranged to share at the "Methodist Homes For The Aged" facility. But when I arrived I learned they'd been trying to contact me, because a memorial service was scheduled at the same time. So, we moved me to Monday. No problem.
     Must still be getting over this illness. Went to bed way early and slept a lot.
          Saturday May 5 th ~
     Woke up feeling much better. I may have turned the corner on this cold. Drove north of the city to the "Lion & Safari Park". Did the self-drive tour. Ran across lions, cheetahs and a majestic giraffe strolling down the road.
     There are many warnings to stay in your vehicle with the doors and windows shut. I was told that every now and then a tourist (not too bright) gets out of their car for a photo with a lion and dies then and there.
          Sunday May 6 th ~
     Searched online for churches nearby. Settled on one called "The New Church". Attended their service but something didn't feel quite right. When I got back to the lodge I did a google search on the name and found that they have a doctrine and belief system which is rather different.
      
And so begins another week.

May The Lord Our God
Guard, Guide And Direct You.
In The Name Of Jesus. Amen!

Your Brother in Christ, Larry Eugene Stevens

P.S.    To God be the Glory!

To Donate (Love Offering) Click Here

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