Only One Son – In the Line of Duty

“Praise ye the LORD: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely.” Psalm 147:1

Warm greetings … what a whirlwind October we had! Some 3,700 miles were covered in the first 2 weeks, and we could tell that you were praying! In our travels, we were able to enjoy visits with our daughter Debbie, Rob, and family in Carlisle, PA, our niece Diane, and Chet, and family in Indiana, and our daughter Judy, Jeff, and family in Little Rock, Arkansas. The children, ranging in age from 2 through 12, were such a delight! We got to baby sit a few times for Judy’s kids, and had a really fun time!

There were many ministry opportunities at the COPS Parents’ Retreat in Missouri. About 141 moms and dads came in from all over the country, each having had a police officer son or daughter killed in the line of duty. Some losses were very recent … some a while ago … but all gathered together in the “bond of fellowship in sorrow that knows no conventionalities,” as one writer has expressed it. There were some positive comments heard concerning the devotionals Ray had each morning. (The true comfort is found in God’s Word.)

We received a warm reception from the pastor and his fine family, and all of the believers in Mt. Gilead, North Carolina, and experienced some real “southern hospitality!” Their police appreciation went well, and we made great new friends there! This church has been supporting us for some time, even though we had never met them. Some “old” friends even drove many miles to be with us there … a very special treat!

We were home for a few days and then made a trip to the Philadelphia, PA, area for a “Disaster Emergency Preparedness” chaplains’ training for Ray, and a nice visit with Barb’s Mom. Friends had offered us the use of their beach home in Cape May, NJ. It worked out great for us to stay there and attend Ray’s 50th high school reunion on the weekend, where he had been asked to give the invocation. The hotel where the reunion took place was just up the street from the beach home! We enjoyed the ocean and the relaxing action of the waves, which could be seen from the house! Another blessing … we had a visit from a couple (retired trooper) we’ve known for years who live nearby. On Sunday, a pastor friend in Vineland had Ray speak. After lunch with the pastor and his wife, and 2 other couples, we stopped to see the couple (retired trooper), and their daughter, her husband, and family! On Monday, we took the ferry from Cape May to Lewes, Delaware, to visit long-time friends – a pastor and his wife – who were instrumental in our coming to know the Lord, and were also in our wedding! What a weekend, and what another week-and-a-half, 1,500+ miles, on the road!

Now we’re home and attending to doctors’ and dentist’s visits! Because of Ray’s immune disorder, he has to have blood tests every 3 months. So far, he has had good check-ups, but he doesn’t seem to have the strength he had before. Barb continues to have the sinus problems. This is a bad time of the year for arthritis problems for both of us, too! Thanks so much for your faithfulness in prayer for us! As we often remind you, we could not get along without them! We “ cease not to give thanks for you …” Ephesians 1:16!

This month, we head to another chaplains’ training in the Philadelphia area next weekend plus the BASIS staff retreat, then, on the 14th to 16th, our annual Law Enforcement Retreat near Rochester, NY. We’ll be at the First Baptist Church in Rockland, Massachusetts, on the 23rd. Thanks, again, for your faithful prayers and support!

Have a “Happy THANKS-GIVING!” Hebrews 13:15

In Christ’s Great Love,

Barb and Ray