BBQ Fundraiser for Greenhouse

Help from FAMILY and FRIENDS made this event a success and fun-filled. The proceeds were over $1100 and thanks to Judy, Christie, and Deb, no deserts were purchased. Thanks to all of you who attended; the money will be spent wisely. Many photos were taken and will be posted soon. One of the ripple effects took place at Penny's mom's office. An unnamed woman entered saying she had 100 dollars to give away. She heard of Penny's plans for the summer and wanted $50 to go to Penny. There is no greater pleasure for me than to be used as a tool to inspire others to help our fellow man.

Habitat in Fairbanks trip : Update

The excitement is growing as more people commit to travel to Fairbanks. The directer for Habitat for Humanity (Julie) in Fairbanks is planning all details. She is making our stay as comfortable as possible in hopes that we will make this an annual event. Nine people have answered the Lords call with many more pondering. The age mix is near perfect, along with so much construction experience. Each brings talents/gifts that will make this so spiritual. In the next month we will know the total number going for what will be the first of many mission trips to this beautiful place on top of the world. We will stay at a church and some of our meals will be dontaed. Several local churches will cook love gifts, along with fellowship to share as appreciation to us traveling so far. A love gift from our mission fund at Pleasant Dale will offset a portion of the price of rental cars and breakfast. This will bring the amount per volunteer down to less than one hundred dollars above the airfare. We will be posting progress as the week unfolds on this exciting service trip.

BBQ Fundraiser: Greenhouse in Arctic Village

Bill and Penny will sponsor a Texas style BBQ to raise funds for a greenhouse in Arctic Village. This will take place on Sunday, May 4 at Pleasant Dale Church of the Brethren. We will serve Brisket, Chicken, and Sausage, with two sides,soft drink, and desert for $7. This will take place after church service, between 11 AM and 2PM. Bill will be leaving for Arctic Village May 20, Penny will travel on or about June 4.

More Photos and Penny's callings coming soon.

All posts will eventually feature photos. Penny's travels as she follows her callings will soon be added.

Our Wedding

We met in March 2007 in McComb, Mississippi where Bill was a project coordinator for COB Disaster Response. Penny had traveled with a group from Pleasant Dale COB (Decatur, IN) to McComb to work during the spring break week. A work relationship was developed as our work group remodeled the bathroom at Ms. Zettie Bridges home, as well as other projects for her. Bill says that by 10:30am during the first day of work he "fell in love" with Penny. He knew that he had only five days to convey this to Penny. By the end of the week he asked Penny to "go out" with him. He stated, "If there's a will, there's a way. And, if there's a Bill there's a way." We would be a thousand miles apart when she returned to Indiana, so we were on the phone quite a bit continuing to learn more about each other. On Oct. 6, 2007 we were married at Pleasant Dale COB. On Oct.7 a small ceremony was held in our honor at Hope COB (Freeport, MI). We choose to include foot-washing at both the indoor Pleasant Dale and the outdoor Freeport ceremonies. Serving others is very important to us and we thought how better than to include Jesus' example of serving. As you can see, we spent no money on our wedding clothes wearing COB Disaster Response shirts and even going barefoot.

Ripple effect: West Michigan Recycling!!

In late May of 2006 Grand Rapids' news reported that the Rockford School Dist. saved $950,ooo during the 2005-06 school year due to a complete energy savings program. This was a direct result of a change in mindset about conservation that began in 2003 with a recycling program started by Bill and then student Colleen Hamilton. In 2004 Rockford committed to building an out-station to house the used polystyrene products until being picked up by DART Container of Mason, MI. This led to the implementing of a complete energy savings program. After airing, three more school districts signed on to Rockford's effort. The national News wire also picked up on the story for the nation to hear. Isn't it great when you strive to do the right thing and others are inspired by your beliefs!

The Lord and Habitat for Humanity- Bill

I am amazed at how the Lord will use us as I stumble through life. I was invited to a breakfast for many of the more experienced volunteers; we had such good fellowship before the meal. As Colleen Mahon Vandoran spoke, she uplifted the staff who helped with the meal. She was asked where the food was purchased. She said, "Gorden Foods." As Colleen left the stage and walked by, I asked, "Did you have a connection or pay full freight?" She said, "Full freight." I said, "We'll talk later." The following day I gave her a phone number saying John, a friend of mine who works for Gordan's, he's expecting your call. This started a process that led to the owner's involvement and a very large check from Gordan's for Habitat for Humanity, all because someone asked where the food had come from. There's more as well as other connections that were so beneficial to Habitat for Humanity. All that is needed is a mindset to make connections and seize opportunities for the good of our fellow man. Please think about how this can be effective in your life.