Treehouse Has Termites! Our Grandson Caleb and two neighbor boys were playing in the four level treehouse in our back yard, when one of the boys discovered termites in an old board we had used as a support. The boys worked themselves into a frenzy trying to find and eliminate all evidence of the termite infestation. As the boys saw first hand how termites can ruin a wood structure, I couldn't help but think about how calm Christians are while the Devil is wrecking havoc and destruction all around us. I was wondering how it would be if we as Christians would get as worked up fighting the devil as the boys did fighting the termites. I was talking to Pastor Frank about some of the exciting things God is doing in and around our Church. He is continually encouraging all of us to watch where God is working and jump on board. Our Sunday School is moving forward weekly. Children, youth and music ministries are growing. God is moving the community to notice Columbus Street Baptist Church. I believe that our future looks brighter than ever. Enthusiasm is contagious. As the Lord's work moves forward, new opportunities to serve Him will appear. Are you ready for the challenge? Caleb is. He wants to start building the fifth story on the treehouse.

A Pastor Full of Love! It was the Saturday after a very successful Vacation Bible School. Pastor Frank had spent the week in the Recreation “Rain Forrest” making rain along the Amazon River pools. All week he had been getting to know our youngsters and helping them to know him better. I picked up my Sunday School book to review Sunday’s lesson, and there it was, right at the top of the title page: “Leading Faithfully”. The story was about David’s forty years of faithful service, and his rise to power leading the seven tribes of Israel. (2 Sam. 5) I had a clear image of our Pastor interacting with the children of our church, letting them know that he is human, friendly, and approachable. This is one of the many ways that our Pastor has been “Leading Faithfully” for the past year. He has led out in virtually every aspect of our Church’s various ministries, enhancing existing programs, and starting new ones, never arrogant, never boastful, and always patient and kind, and rarely provoked. I have never seen him rejoice in unrighteousness, but he does believe in speaking the truth with love. Pastor Frank is an illustration of “Love” as defined in 1 Cor.13. Now here is the KICKER. Pastor Frank and his Wife Lynn have put on a party to thank us for allowing them to serve us. Somebody got this backwards. The congregation praises and thanks GOD for sending Frank and Lynn our way. God knew that Pastor Frank was the perfect one to bring our Church and its ministries forward. GOD IS WORKING. We are so thankful that we have Pastor Frank and for what he has done during his first year here with us. I pray that we will continue to get on board with our leading, loving, faithful Pastor. He’s also just a really neat guy. See you Sunday! Grandpa Dick

Carden School Finds a New Home! While we have been busy helping the New Cuyama Church, having Children's Camp, and doing other summer activities, Gary Maxwell and his family have been very busy getting Carden School ready to open, right here on our church campus. Carden School has been a well respected non-denominational Christian School in Bakersfield for 38 years. The Carden Educational Foundation curriculum established by Mae Carden is taught in Schools across the United States and in most European countries. They stress Reason, Responsibility, and Respect. They have prayer to start and end each day, and they say the complete flag salute, including "under God". I talked to Jan Maxwell, co-owner of Carden School in Bakersfield. She and her husband, Gary, and son Mark, are the third family to own the school since it started 38 years ago. Mrs. Maxwell said they were told this summer that the lease on the Niles Street Campus would not be renewed. A diligent search for a new site led them to our church, and after discussions with the Pastor and Deacons, a plan came forth to make our three story building available. They will improve the property, and pay rent. So far, the arrangement has been a "WIN-WIN" for both of us. Improvements made so far to our property include complete restoration of the west stairwell, repair of walls and complete repainting, new curtains on 57 windows, leveling and paving of the back driveway, and sprinklers and grass in the north play area. Mrs. Maxwell estimates that they have spent over $20,000.00 on improvements, not including their labor. Although Gary is recovering from a recent stroke, Jan, Mark, Mark's wife Kim, their daughter Kaitlynn, and many other friends and teachers have spent countless hours preparing the property for School use. Carden had an open house on August 22, and school started August 26. Enrollment is expected to be 60 to 70 students or more by the end of September. Interested parties can call 325-2271. We rejoice that our properties can be used for Christian education every day. Carden understands that we use the north lot for parking on Sundays. During the week, we will only use the east gate to the back lot, to give these precious kids room to play, grow and learn, in a safe, loving and happy environment. Mrs Maxwell said they feel so blessed to be here, and they really appreciate allowing them to use the property as they continue to provide non-denominational private schooling. And in response, I say-"Carden School, welcome to your new home".