March 8-16: Administrative work, sermon preparation, travel notes. I was able to play basketball with PVBI men. There was a video of me congratulating Rev. Justin and Brooke Steen on becoming part of the pastoral team at Bloserville. I attended a GMYC board meeting. Youth Camp President Matt Maloyed and board are doing a wonderful job getting ready for our next Youth Camp! Rhoda and I attended the New Columbia Church Revival meeting. Rev. Joe Smith shared a couple excellent poems in his message. I also went to our granddaughter, Lily’s 13th birthday party. I met with Rev. Alan Kratz who is on the cemetery board concerning the cemetery at Mahaffey Church.
March 17: York, PA I enjoyed preaching to the congregation and the excellent meal and fellowship afterwards with Rev. Nathan and Doris Shaffer.
March 19- 24: I preached a Revival meeting at Sunbury, PA GMC. This is the church that I pastored twice for over 19 years. It was a privilege to work with Rev. Ryan Martin family and Rev. Nathan Black. God gave us a good revival. To God be the Glory!
March 23: Rhoda’s mother came home from Rehab and went on hospice care. We love and appreciate each of the family members who stayed at our home to help and visit Mom Caster over the next three weeks.
March 25: Beavertown, PA for the funeral of Kara (Forney) Plank. She died of cancer at 40 years of age. Thank God for His amazing grace and for those who shared kind thoughts during this difficult time.
March 26: Geisinger Hospital to visit Carrie Bunch who had a serious stroke. This is Rev. Keith Bunch’s mother.
March 27-31: Visited Rhoda’s mom in the rehab. I also went to Beavertown revival meeting to hear Rev. Rollin Mitchell preach a few times. I appreciated the communion service on Good Friday and wonderful Easter services. We serve a Risen Savior!
April 2-6: Administrative work, sermon preparation and a PVBI board meeting. I also spent a few hours cleaning up in the headquarters building. It’s exciting to see the New Archive room being developed.
April 8: I visited a man to talk to him about his spiritual life.
April 9: I made a pastoral call on Gordan Alexander who was going to have shoulder surgery. He attends our Beavertown Church.
April 10: Beavertown, PA I shared a devotional called, “Our Burdens”.
April 10-13: I listened to and watched almost all the IHC online. There was wonderful preaching, singing, praying, and giving. To God be the Glory for His presence and help.
April 14: Lehighton, I preached and then visited for awhile with Rev. Todd and Amber Carter family. Pray for them, they are on the front lines of the battle fields. We appreciate them so much!
April 15: General Board meeting. Pray for us as we try to develop a Florida plan.
April 16: Penn View Founders Banquet. I thank God for those businessmen and ladies who intentionally give to PV year after year.
April 17: Home Mission board meeting. God is helping to encourage and establish the new churches.
After I got home from the board meeting Rhoda’s mom passed away. Rev. Nick Rine was with the family singing when she drew her last earthly breath. She then opened her eyes to a better world, seeing Jesus face to face! We had already canceled our weekend revival in Rome, NY which was to be April 19-21.
April 22: Beavertown, PA Funeral service for Rhoda’s mom. Ruth Ann Caster. We praise God for giving her the strength and grace to live well and die well. In life she loved to help others. She often used her gifts of hospitality on preachers, missionaries, and other people. Everyone did a great job sharing the tributes, singing, preaching, and honoring her. A special thanks to those from the church that fixed a wonderful meal for family and friends.
April 23-24: Adams, NY Burial service for Mom Caster. There was a nice group who came out for the service. Several of mom’s family and friends who could not come to PA for the funeral were there. Thank you, to you all, for your text, cards, and prayers.
April 26: GMC planning meeting (Master Plan development)
April 27: Sermon preparation and travel notes.
April 28: Camp Hill, PA Rev. Hunter Anderson and his new bride, Mercy, were on their honeymoon so I filled the pulpit for both services. It was exciting to see a few newer people in the congregation.
April 29: I took most of the day off to fish. I met up with my friend, Bill, the fisherman. God is helping him. I caught 10 smallmouth bass. I then mowed my grass and helped the neighbor with hers. I prepared the agenda for our Penns Creek camp board meeting.
April 30: Administrative work, and a GMYC zoom board meeting.
May 01:Planning meeting, Penns Creek Camp Board and General Board meeting.
May 02: I participated in the National Day of Prayer. Thank you, Dennis Fisher, for organizing and Mountain Road Church for hosting.
May 03: Penn View Campus Days, Chapel service. Our prayer is that God will keep calling workers into His harvest field.
May 04: Penn View school picnic was canceled because of rain. Before it rained, I went out and fished. I caught seven bass and the biggest flat head catfish I ever caught – 28 inches and weighed 9.15 lbs.
May 05: Alexandria, PA it was an exciting day. A church full of 126 in attendance. Community Sunday Dedication was to celebrate the debt free all-purpose building. A beautiful apartment upstairs, gym, and kitchen. Thank you, Rev. Matt & Lynn Peachey and congregation for a job well done!! I know this is how they feel, To God be the Glory!
May 07-10: Administrative work, I visited Rev. Russ Witmer at his home, and we had a wonderful visit. We often talk about one of our heroes, Rev. George Straub, one of the founders of GMC. On Friday night I attended our Annual Benefit Auction held at PV..
May 11-18: General Board meeting and more work on our FL District Revitalization plan. President Dan Durkee and I went to Lititz, PA to talk to the men who are working on our Master Plan. I also worked on my Conference President message for conference.
May 19- 25: Administrative work with lots of phone calls and texts during this time of year. Pastoral changes and actions from the board meetings. We also had a Zoom GB meeting this week. I attended our PV graduation service. Congratulations to staff and students on a job well done.
May 27- June 4: Preparation and travel to our Western District board meeting and visit to our Church in Colorado Springs, CO and Wauneta, NE. Wonderful time preaching and visiting with the pastors and families.