FORTYSIX

Our Kids Are Working for HIM
As we wrote our check for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, I began to think about the contributions our Church has made to church and mission work through the years. Many of our former and current members have either been called to mission work or have encouraged our offspring to move into various church and mission work. One example is Rob and Joni Branham, who along with their four children are currently serving the International Mission Board in Central Asia as “Secret” Missionaries. The “secret” is because it is against the law to be a missionary in the country to which they have gone. Rob and Joni are the son and daughter of Doug and Donna Branham, and bill and Juanda Isaacs, both stalwart former member couples of our church. The Branham’s are living in Houston, Texas and the Isaacs’ have retired to their ranch in Oklahoma. Joni was one of the first kids at North High that befriended our daughter Janie when we moved to Bakersfield in 1979. These two families made us feel really welcome as we joined the church that year. I remember Doug’s booming bass voice and Bill’s happy smile in the Sanctuary Choir. Rob and Joni received their bachelor degrees from Azusa Pacific College, and then went on to Baylor, where Joni worked while Rob finished his Masters degree. Rob continued to work at Baylor in Computer services until they responded to God’s call to missionary service and were approved by the International Missions Board. After training they were sent to Central Asia where they are struggling to get adjusted. I talked to Rob on a special “Vonage” telephone connection the other day. Rob is overwhelmed trying to learn a new language, set up a new business and provide for his family. Some of the people there have never heard about Jesus. Joni is beginning the adventure of home schooling their kids. Rob asked for special prayer for his family and the lost ones he is witnessing to. He also asked for prayer for continued financial support. I can’t think of a better reason to give to the Lottie Moon offering. Hundreds of couples like Rob and Joni are partially funded through this annual gift. It’s not too late. Donations can be made until January 15, 2006. We can’t all go, and our kids can’t all go, but we can help those that do with our prayers and offerings. And part of the gift will go to “Our” kids. Grandpa Dick Ps. To write a note to Rob and Joni, bring it to the church office.

Tracy Helps Katrina Victims!! I have a sister named Katy. She has a son named Ricky, and he has a wife named Tracy. They have two Children, Joel and Ruthie, and they live in Upland California. Tracy felt a personal need to go and help the Louisiana victims of the Katrina and Rita hurricanes, so she contacted the Red Cross, signed up as a volunteer, took two hours of training, and waited to be called. They needed extra help the week before Christmas, and her turn started on December 22. I was in awe when I heard she had gone. My sister Katy was concerned about her being gone during the special family time of Christmas But God knew we would all benefit and rejoice in this fine unselfish deed. Tracy’s team loaded trucks with kits of supplies and drove to assigned areas, assisting families that were trying to live in their ruined homes, or living in FEMA trailers set up next to the ruins. While they distributed cleaning and other supplies, they kept records of which houses had working utilities, and what type of help was needed by each family. They found health needs, food needs, and mental health needs which were tabulated and reported back to the Red Cross . She said one weekend her team went to Lake Charles and distributed 4 semi trucks full of needed products. Cars and people started to line up at 6:00 am, and they worked continually until all the supplies had been given out. That weekend stands out as a rewarding experience of being able to help so many families. She said many of the people shed tears of appreciation for the volunteers that are coming from all over the country to help. The Red Cross and others are doing an outstanding job of helping these stranded people. They covered Tracy’s transportation costs, provided food and room and board (which consisted of a church sanctuary with cots lined up everywhere), She told me she wants others to know that she does not feel she is special, that when she saw the damage and helplessness of the people, she just knew she somehow had to help. She is blessed with a supportive family and she had some vacation time that allowed for this opportunity. Tracy’s assignment ended January 11, and she is now safely back at home with her family and back to work. We are very proud of our Tracy. Well, hats off to Tracy and the ones like her who have gone to help. But help is still needed. So I ask myself the same question I ask you. What would Jesus do? And what should we do? Grandpa Dick