“Go and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  Teach them to observe all things that I have commanded you.  And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” - Matthew 28:19-20

We believe that we have been called to use the gifts God has given us to reach unbelievers for Him and to encourage, and build up His Church.

Saturday, September 12

Our youngest daughter, Rose, is spending the week in Disneyland with her 21 year old sister, Naomi, so my wife, sue, and I are empty nesters for a while.  Yesterday we spend a day together not unlike how many of our weekends looked before we started our family 23 years ago.

After a quick breakfast and clean up, we went to the local nursing home to do our first show of the day.  We do three or four shows at the Bridgton Health Care every year, but it is often just Rose and me or, in some cases, just me.  It was nice to have Sue with me, and it allowed her to reconnect with Erlyne Proctor, a long time friend who is now a resident at the nursing home.  Being deaf her whole life, Erlyne has a hard time visiting with Sue, but yesterday they just sat together and held hands.  It was very sweet.  During this show, I did the vanishing champagne bottle for the first time ever.  Setting up the trick, I joked that it may be a little early to bring out the bottle.  An old lady in the front row yelled out, "No it's not, Rick! It's not too early."  Good for her!

From there we stopped quickly for a bite to eat and headed Downeast, as we had a 6:30 show in Hope, Maine at an Episcopalian retreat center.  Our friends, James and Valerie Wethersbee (See previous blog) live near Rockland, which meant we were heading to their neck of the woods.  This gave us three or four hours to meet up with them at their house before finishing our journey to Hope.  We had never been to their house before, and they are on a beautiful inlet from the ocean.  Yesterday was a clear, crisp autumn day on the coast, so we enjoyed walking through their yard looking at the amazing view. Then we went in and, over a bowl of okra gumbo, we shared stories of how each couple got together.  The more we spend time with this couple, the more we enjoy them. 

After a second bowl of gumbo and some apple pie, it was time to head to our second show.  St. Anne's Episcopal Church of Windham, Maine, was having a retreat at Bishopswood Camp.  It is a beautiful, wooded summer camp run by the Episcopal diocese of Maine.  The show was scheduled last June through a parent of a former student.  The priest at St. Anne's is named Tim Higgins, and he was the chaplain at the youth correctional facility in Portland for several years, so we already knew each other.  It had been a long time since we had spoken, though, so I enjoyed reconnecting with him.  Furthermore, my new classroom assistant, Kirsten, is a member of St. Anne's.  Back when the show was scheduled, I hadn't even met her, nor had she even applied for aide the position.  But, as only God could plan it, after only a week of working together, we found ourselves at the same non-work related event, and I was able to introduce her to Sue.

Once the show was over and we packed up the props it was time for a two and a half hour drive home.  There was hardly anyone else on the road, and, having each other's undivided attention, we were able to talk about everything and nothing: the events of our day, our friends, our daughters, our church, the good old days, and the good days yet to be.   

Blog Archive

A Few Testimonies

The presentation was fun and encouraging... The gospel message was clear and encouraging. I purchased your book and just finished it. Your scope is broad and again encouraging. May God continue to bless your ministry. I will encourage others to read your book. -Parishioner of a local church

"Hey, I  wanted to say that was a great message in chapel today! It touched something:) thanks for doing it!" -High School Student  

"We are so grateful that you brought your amazing ministry back to our church this year... The Gospel message you bring applies to all!  It is such a positive, valuable work that you do."  -Coordinator of Christian Ed. UCC Church

"There's no questioning it. This is powerful stuff. It's extremely touching at times, never less than entertaining, and I see a lot of sincere love for Jesus in you guys."  -Dwight Lilies, song writer

The Lord has given you a wonderful window through which to present the Gospel!   - Field Director of Alliance Missions to Paraguay

"What a wonderful ministry to both children and adults.  In past years it has been a struggle to arrange programing that would hold the attention of all ages, but also challenge each heart with God's gift of Salvation.  Thank you for sharing your ministry."  -Sunday School Sup't.

Tag Cloud