Oct. 10- 14: Administrative work, travel notes and sermon preparation for Sunday and a Revival Meeting in Ohio.

Oct. 15: Blue Knob, PA I preached twice, and we shared a wonderful meal and fellowship with the Salyards.

Oct. 16- 22: I made the hard decision but right one to cancel my Revival Meeting at the Fairview Holiness Church in Ohio. I was in so much pain for days. I ended up in the ER a few times, had lots of tests and doctor visits. Long story short, I was diagnosed with a bad case of Lyme disease with the facial palsy that went away, etc. 

 

I appreciated all of God’s people praying, cards, texts, and phone calls. Rhoda, our children, and grandchildren also get an A for caring and helping. Each general board member was so kind to encourage me to take a little time off to get well. Our Vice President, Rev. Jeremey Fuller, did an excellent job leading a few things I could not. 

Oct. 22 – Dec. 10: I had cancelled 10 Conference President visits to Pillow, Penns Valley, York, Beavertown, Millmont, New Columbia, Rebersburg, Shamokin, Lancaster, and Duncannon. All our pastors were so gracious to us. I love and appreciate each one of them and our churches.

I went to a few conference board meetings along the way as I was able. 

I was finally able to go to church on Wed November 22 at the Beavertown church. It was a time of prayer and praise. Finally, I feel about 85-90% better. 

I was then able to go to the PVBI faculty and staff Christmas banquet. I helped Rhoda with our GMC Ministerial mailings. I met with another conference leader and other things for the conference. 

Dec. 7: Archive Board, Bro. Matt Killgore is doing a great job leading the board. The cooperation with the other members is wonderful.

Dec. 8: General board meeting and then I attended a PV Businessman’s Banquet and the wonderful Musical in the tabernacle. The music, singing and the story were excellent.

Dec. 9: I missed most of the archery season but was able to get out on the last day of rifle and was blessed to get a 6-point buck. I called my son-in law, Dan, to come over and he field dressed and dragged out my deer. Thanks, Dan, I did not have all my strength back from this Lyme disease. Family and friends are awesome. 

Dec. 10: Danville, PA I went to Geisinger Hospital to see Sis Ruth Cooley. We talked and read her scriptures and prayed together. God met with us in a special way. Sis Cooley told me that the doctors told her that she would not be getting out of the hospital.

That evening I went to the Beavertown Christmas Program. Everyone did a great job ministering through the song and story.

Dec. 12: Danville, PA Rhoda, and I went to visit Sister Cooley. Rhoda had brought along a big basket of fruit, homemade cookies, etc. At this time, Sis Cooley was unconscious, but we were able to visit with Bro. Cooley, Tim Jr and Tabby. We still had prayer with her and the family. Sis Cooley went to be with Jesus an hour and a half later.

Dec. 13-16: Funeral sermon preparation, then we went to the viewing and funeral for Sis. Cooley. Everyone did a wonderful job with their tributes, memories, and songs. Sis. Cooley inspired all of us to use our gifts for God, and to love and let other people in your lives. The last song sung by the Cooley family, “Path to Calvary”, was written by the late Ladette Cooley, father to Tim Cooley Sr. 

Dec. 17: Sunday morning and evening we attended the Christmas programs at Sunbury Church. We enjoyed them a lot. A lot of our family and friends were in both programs. In the evening there were also 3 chalk drawings going on at once. Sis Lori Sanford, our son-Pastor Ryan Martin and his daughter, Shiloh. 

Dec. 18: Millmont, PA for the funeral of Frances Stroup. The church was full to honor this saint of God. Her testimony was real and clear. 

Dec. 19-20: Dr. visit and another follow-up test. I have a few issues yet with Lyme disease, but I seem to be getting a little better each week.

Dec. 21-23: Administrative work and preparation for FL District Camp.

Dec. 24: Beavertown, PA Candlelight service in the evening. All the specials from the children and adults were a tremendous blessing to us this Christmas season. The candlelight view was beautiful at the end of the service.

Dec. 25: Christmas with all our children, grandchildren, and my dad at our house. Rhoda and I are so blessed!!! Her mother and sister, Carm, also stopped in for a visit. 

Dec. 26: I went to Larry’s Pizza and then to my dad’s place to play games. 

Dec. 27: I worked on my travel notes.

Dec. 28: Ranch House Restaurant, Vice President, Jeremy Fuller and I met with EMC Conference Leaders, Brent Lenhart and Nathaniel Mowery to discuss God’s work. We had a profitable meeting together.

Jan. 1-7: I listened to several hours of the Bible this week. Every January I try to set aside extra time for His word. God’s Word always inspires and challenges me. I was able to meet and visit with two Ministerial interns from our Beavertown Church: Rev. Matthew Lindsey and Rev. Blake Cassady. I also took them out to eat. The meal was paid for by the conference. I also had Florida camp preparations to finish.