We're Back In Marietta

We spent two months in Ozark working with the Children's Department at Glory To Him Church and met some of the most gracious people you could ever hope to worship with. We helped train the volunteers there and left reams of material for the department to use. Irma helped design a new check in/check out and safety procedure for this rapidly growing church. Bishop Scott Hannen has recruited many new workers for this expanding part of the church and new facilities are being planned to accomodate the increasing crowd of nursery, pre-school and grade school children. Irma will be assisting in their continuing training in the coming months. We are seeking God's perfect plan for our lives now that both of us are back in Marietta. Keep us in your prayers for our continued service to the Kingdom.

Brand New Citizens of Ozark, Alabama

Well, we finally made it to Ozark, AL for our first service there with the children's ministry. Bishop Scott and Pastor Aneesa Hannen welcomed us officially before the full congregation and the response was incredible.  Irma and I want to thank Matt and Holly Mendenhall for doing such a good job with Children's Church until we could arrive.  If you look up "choice servant" in the dictionary, their picture will be there.  We look forward to being a part of the growth and vision that God has given to the leadership at Glory To Him church.  I am thrilled, honored, and awed by the opportunity to work with such gifted and anointed ministers and congregation.  We trust that God will continue to use us as we labor in His vineyard.  The church website is: 

glorytohim.org

When you are visiting L.A. (Lower Alabama) come by and see us.  We are one mile from the gate of Ft. Rucker, located at 6193 Andrews Avenue in Ozark.  It might not show it on the map, but this is God Country.

Three Month Anniversary Of The New Liver

I won't be having a cake to celebrate, but today is a special day for me.  Three months ago I received a new liver at Piedmont Hospital.  I am back at work, feeling wonderful, and having a good time with the Costco members as they come in the door and leave with their purchases.  

Many have commented how well I'm doing, how glad they are to see me, and their wishes for a continued good recovery.  I am fortunate indeed to have so many good friends at work, at church, friends from Savannah who have called my name before the throne.  I pray that I never take my good fortune for granted...I still have some work to do and I'm approaching each new day with hope and determination.  I have been given a second chance, I intend to use my time and talent to encourage someone else who is facing transplant surgery.  When my six month anniversary rolls around, I will be in the mentoring program at Piedmont...telling others to face the surgery as a new beginning, to be as healthy as possible going into their transplant.  Chicken and fish are tasting better every day, flounder and talapia are my two "under the sea" favorites.  Thank God for Truett Cathy and Chick-fil-A...I love the calendar coupons.  The best sweet tea in Georgia...let the church say "Amen". 

Thank You Lord and Piedmont Hospital

Some may know already, some may not....I had liver transplant surgery December 15th, 2007 at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta. Two months later I'm doing "exceedingly, abundantly, above all" that anyone could hope for. The team on duty for my 4 1/2 days there were hand-picked by the Father to take care of me. My surgeon, nurses, physical therapist, all have commented on how well I have done. They have called me the unofficial "poster boy" for the transplant unit.
My lab work is doing better every week, they have reduced the dosage on one of the anti-rejection medicines already, my glucose readings are great, blood pressure is staying in the 128/70 range, my pulse is around 68-72, and I weigh now the same as when I was in high school (no fluid on the tummy). God is great and greatly to be praised....I have lots of bragging to do, Him first, then Piedmont, then Costco Wholesale. Costco has kept my job open until I can return March 1st, my pharmacist there saved me some money on two prescription substitutions that Piedmont agreed to (insurance matter). SunTrust Bank might not know it, but I am one wealthy man. When you have your next doctor's appointment, ask them to do the liver enzyme test. If they are higher than normal, lose some weight, exercise more, eat more fish and chicken, and ask questions about any prescriptions given. A lot of the medicines given now have liver concerns and the disclaimers given will mention "not to be taken by liver patients". Do your homework and don't be afraid to tell the doctor "Find something else that will do the same job".
I wish I had done that with my diabetes and cholesterol medicines, both had listed liver side effects...too late for me, but not for you.

My Wife The World Traveler

Irma is returning from Germany, France, and Spain after ten days. She went with a team of ministers to the European Theological Seminary to do a week-long seminar on Children's Ministry. We will be posting pictures soon....digital cameras have come a long way, thank you Canon and Nikon. Teaching and training children (and children's workers) has been a passion for us for 20+ years. I do puppets, lights and sound...you name it. Irma does object lessons, illusion, chemistry tricks, balloon animals. Seeing children accept the Lord and then watching them grow is something that money can't buy. The rewards here are great but to hear Him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant..." it is the most fun a grown person can have, trying to stay one step ahead of a bunch of elementary school children. It keeps us young....I'm the youngest guy with grey hair you'll ever meet. One person asked me recently if Dick Clark calls me for daily encouragement.