Is this any way to treat your pastor?

We've been pounded! I believe the term comes from an old southern tradition when church people would bring a pound of flour, a pound of sugar, canned goods, paper goods, etc. to share with a new family. Well, the good people of Jones Chapel Baptist Church have pounded their new pastor and his family. The first picture below shows the tables at the church with the gifts in presentation form. The second picture shows everything received on our kitchen table.

We are overwhelmed with gratitude at the generosity and love expressed in these gifts. Want to come over for dinner? We've got plenty of food!

Thank you for your prayers for our family and the ministry here.

More from VBS

Here are more pictures from the second night of VBS:

Derek, Nick, and Doug getting ready for tonight's games

The Tribe of Asher singing

Mary's house

Enjoying a snack at the food market

VBS at Jones Chapel

Tonight was the first night of VBS at our new church. The theme is Hometown Nazareth: Where Jesus was a Kid. As they registered, kids joined the Tribe of Judah, Benjamin, Asher, or Dan according to their ages. Tribes gathered in Hometown Huddles to hear the Bible story. Then they had opportunities throughout the evening to sing, play games, go to Mary's house, and visit shopkeepers at the Marketplace to spend their shekels.

Jane was a huddle leader for the Tribe of Dan (the 5th & 6th graders). You'll see this group in the pictures below wearing the yellow Tribe of Dan headband. Jane also was a shopkeeper in the Dye Shop. In this shop kids began coloring a backpack as part of the mission project called "Operation Kid-to-Kid." A Spanish New Testament will be purchased by this program for each backpack and sent to needy kids in Latin America.

Pastor Mitch took pictures until our camera battery gave out early. He also had opportunity to meet new families and get better acquainted with our church family. It was a great first night and we're continuing to pray for a good week and for hearts ready for the gospel when it is shared on Thursday night. Thanks for your prayers for this week.

"Celebration" in the sanctuary

(Amanda and Secret are the leaders here)

The Tribe of Dan in Hometown Huddle

Mrs. Jessie as shopkeeper in the Bead Bazaar

Shopkeeper Sean in the Carpentry Shop

A young carpenter working on a picture frame

The Dye Shop

The Tribe of Dan at the Food Market

(Mrs. Mary Jane and Mrs. Kay helped in this shop)

Shopkeeper Karen at the Olive Oil Shop

Tara also helped in this shop

Are you going to make some olive oil lotion, Bro. Mitch?

The Tribe of Judah (PreK-K kids)

Farmer Kelly helping a young planter at the Farmer's Field

Mrs. Robin as huddle leader from the Tribe of Benjamin

Anthony (left) was a big help with the Tribe of Dan

Kelly and our fearless director Dora (also "Mary")

"Eunice" (a.k.a. Mrs. Nancy)

Settling In

Box by box and task by task we are getting settled into our new home and church. We've been busy this week. Mitch found a truck to replace the one we sold to move here (purchased from the aunt of one of the church's deacons). We traded NV driver's licenses and license plates for TN ones. We got a good deal on a slightly used washer & dryer. And we've unpacked and arranged Mitch's church office and much of the house.

Mitch's new-to-him truck:

TN plates for the Durango:

The church office before:

After:

Nicole's room:

Callie is delighted to be anywhere but in the pet carrier:

Our "hobby" room (game, computer & music):

Our one bathroom:

Living room:

Kitchen:

Garage:

Our new-to-us washer and dryer:

Flowering crape myrtle tree in our side yard:

Tonight we join others at church to decorate for next week's VBS. Our theme is Hometown Nazareth: Where Jesus Was a Kid. We appreciate your prayers for this event. We are praying to see kids make professions of faith in Christ and have opportunities to meet families who may not have church homes.

Thanks for your continued prayers for our family and the ministry here.