Our Last Day in Towanda

Wow - What a way to finish up.

We started with VBS and had a great last day. The kids are wonderful and it was great to know some new faces.

4 of us were invited to tour the proposed new church and parsonage. It holds some great potential if this is the building God wants for Harvest House. Pray that God will make His will known clearly.

Again satan tried to get us down with a surprise flat tire. But we laughed about it and God used it as an opportunity. While the tire store was repairing it Steve and I had an opportunity to talk to the owner and the mechanic about Harvest House and the block party. Even though they couldn't go they listened and seeds were planted.

As we prepared for the block party it was looking like it wouldn't happen because of rain. At one point it was coming down hard. We prayed and in the late afternoon (about 5:00) it cleared off and the sun came out. That was an answer to prayer but God wasn't done showing His power. The block party ended about 8:45 and at 9:00 here came the rain. And it rained all through tear down. And as we got wet is was a wonderful answer to our prayers. Isn't God good.

The block party was the best yet. There were well over 100 people there and they just kept coming and staying. Last night I challenged Harvest House to do our jobs at the block party and they did. They served, cooked, cleaned and all. It was wonderful to see them serving their own town. Aspen Park they are learning and they will be a blessing to Towanda and the surrounding area.

How do we say goodbye to people that opened their hearts and lives to us? We don't. We will just say "see ya".

Harvest House we love you and will be praying for you that God will pour out His rain of blessings all over you.

See Ya,
Tom

Wednesday in Towanda

Last night ended a day of excitement and some rest. After nonstop for a few days Wednesday started with VBS and then we had an afternoon to canvas and make plans for the evening. We cooked hot dogs for the church and had an indoor concert from our Youth Praise Team.

The Church congregation enjoyed the evening but we challenged them to take leadership in Thursdays block party. A challenge was presented to take over our positions and let us assist them so they could do this without us throughout the year.

On Thursday a few of us will be able to get inside the proposed new building to see what the possibilities are for a move. Pray for them as they seek God in this business venture.

Tuesday in Towanda

Wow what an exciting day. It started off with VBS growing in number. I'm not sure the final count but it was more than yesterday. We also had teams go out and knock on doors. They had a lot of good responses so we felt confident the block party would be well attended.

Before lunch we went as a team to the new building and prayer walked and celebrated what we believe will be a gift from God to Harvest House. It is a great site and has tremendous potential.

At lunch the majority of the team wanted to eat Scrapple. So I took them all to a restaurant I knew sold it. 10 members of the team ate it. It wasn't bad. But some just couldn't get up the nerve to try it.

At the block party we had the highest attendance yet. It even topped last years biggest. They kept coming and coming. It was a huge success and God kept giving us more. Here's what happened.

While going to the businesses Robert Ringol and Brian Spikes talked a shop owner into letting them advertise the block party on their sign which is like a small billboard. They let them put up all the info for 2 days.

Then someone got the radio station to "give" that's right "GIVE" free air time to Harvest House for some spot ads. They are going to interview Bro. Arnie and air them randomly.

And it gets better. During the block party a newspaper reporter came by to take pictures of the Methodist church next door. She asked Robert what was happening. After explaining it all she decided to scrap the Methodists and right there on the spot she interviewed Bro. Arnie and said the article will be in the paper within a day or two. She also said she would put a picture in of the block party. So I will be buying a paper until we can see it.

It was a truly God-given successful day of PR and advertisement for Harvest House. God did it all because we tried last year and couldn't do it.

We give God all the glory for today and can't wait for tomorrow.
Tom

Monday in Towanda

Today was full of great surprises. Here's the day in a nutshell.

VBS started with 3 at 9:00 and by 9:30 we had 8 wonderful and energetic kids. All the workers did a great job making it special no matter how many were in their class.

During VBS a group of us went to the proposed new church and strategized how to reach the houses with flyers and friendly faces. Then a group of 4 took off and hit the streets handing out flyers and inviting the people to check us out at the block parties.

Another group went shopping for supplies and because of the limited stores they had to drive into the state of New York to find what we needed. That was an all day affair but all the supplies were picked up and now we are ready to minister through food and games.

Then as a group we went to one of the church members restaurant for lunch and had a great time supporting him.


Tonight we went to ElMira New York and went to a mall and ate at a nice restaurant. This was our one relaxing evening before a nonstop stretch of VBS, knocking on doors and 3 parties around town where we will feed the people and love on them

We need your prayers. Satan is working overtime on our health and some of our energy. We are encouraging each other but this trip is under great attack. Pray, Pray, Pray.

Tom

Sunday at Harvest House

It was a great day worshiping with our Christian brothers and sisters at Harvest House. The services were great and Sunday School was a blessing. But the best was what took place outside the church walls. We were broken up into groups of 3 and 4 and taken into their homes for a wonderful time of lunch and fellowship. These are the greatest people. Every single one of our teams talked nonstop about how special that was.

Harvest House has a great spirit and the love is shown through their actions to others.

We made it!

Well after 2 days of driving and numerous problems we made it to Towanda. God worked overtime to get us safely here. From lost money to construction woes to a dead battery and alternator it was a wild ride. But God honored our commitment by getting us here safely.

Check in everyday for updates.
Tom

It's Almost Here

That's right - Easter is almost here. The big question is - What does it mean to you? Is it just another day, or is it just another family time together, or is a celebration of your Saviors great day of resurrection? Don't assume the obvious - ask yourself and be honest about it.

Today we celebrated God's day with Bro. Jack Nabors bringing the Word and laying it out for us clearly. What a time of hearing how God can and will use us if we allow him to create us. Open up your heart and be the clay God wants to mold.

Pray for us as we take many of our youth to Branson next Sunday and celebrate with thousands of other youth. See you on Easter!

What a Day

In the past this has been used to share excitement of how God moved in a Sunday Service. Today this is said from a heart that is sad and happy at the same time.

For about 3 weeks one of God's great servants and warrior fought a valiant fight. He struggled with blood poisoning and it went downhill from there. But even through his struggle he shone the love of God to all that came in contact with him. Even when I visited him and he couldn't talk - he smiled and made it clear in my heart that he was in God's hands. I am sad but I am happy that he now has that perfect body and he is celebrating with his lovely wife and above all his Lord.

This man was an example of love and compassion for all. From the 4 and 5 year olds he taught to the senior adults he waited on - he ministered through his words yes but his actions spoke volumes.

There is nothing I can say to do justice to this mans life. Thank you God for allowing me to watch this great man minister. For 8 years I learned and listened. I pray I will grow as he did.

So in closing - All I can say is thank you.

Thank You Benson!!!

Great Day in God's House

Yesterday was what has turned out to be another one of those days. A day in which God was glorified and hearts was not just stirred but caused stirring. The altar was full and that allows God to fill the hearts.

Church you opened up your hearts and checkbooks to commit a tremendous amount of money to God's work. Now the hard part - paying our commitments for the next year. Let's pay down that debt so we can move on to the next building.

In the meantime, encourage each other, invite your neighbors and friends to church and witness for the Lord. Let's stay busy doing His work and He will take care of the rest.

Check back next week for discussion on how to get out of debt and/or stay out of debt.
Bro. Tom

Don't Let Go of the Rope!

What a great day in God's house yesterday. After about a month of weather getting in the way of people coming to church we had a nice day (a little cold) and were able to see the church gather together to worship.

I encourage everyone to think deeply about what Bro. David preached on. We are to grab the rope and let God drive the boat wherever He wants. Our job is not to decide which direction to go. Our job is to ski! God will decide which way is best. But if we let go of the rope we may win the battle of direction but we will lose the excitement of skiing! Is your God trustworthy? Mine is.

Join with Bro. David and me as we ski wherever and however God wants. I pray God will bless all of you this week and I look forward to seeing you next Sunday. For those of you reading through the Bible this year with us - Keep it up. Sooner or later they will quit begatten. There is so much in the Word. Let's enjoy it together.

Bro. Tom

Behind the Times

After an unexpected quiet I'm back. Due to Christmas, illness, and church family needs I have been unable to post. Sorry for the absence.


This past Sunday our Pastor kicked off the morning with a great sermon on Prayer. The topic is so large there was no way he could even touch on it in just one service so it continued into the evening. If you weren't there I encourage you to get a tape or cd or DVD of the sermon. Contact the library for a copy.

This year has started out with a bang and from mission trips to church wide discipleship projects God has great things in store for us. Make plans now to be a part of all God has at Aspen Park. If you have a burden for a ministry or would like more info about something contact us. We would love to get you tied in with what God is doing.

Have a great week and I will see you Sunday,
Tom