Miracles Happen Today

   This wonderful story of the resurrection power of God was posted on Elijah List today.

Dan Wooding from ASSIST News Service:

God's Mysterious Ways:
"Fire of God" Falls on Medical Conference

"It was quite a sight to see medical doctors lying on the floor after being hit by the 'fire of God.'" -Dan Wooding

Dan Wooding from ASSIST News Service (ANS): (Toluca City, Mexico) - There were extraordinary scenes on the final day of a Christian medical conference when a famed heart doctor produced evidence of how, after he had prayed for a patient who had died and was being prepared for the morgue, "he was brought back to life after prayer."

Dr. Chauncey W. Crandall IV, who serves at the Palm Beach Cardiovascular Clinic in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, made his dramatic presentation on June 15, 2013, on the final day of the 10th Annual World Christian Doctors Network (WCDN) conference in Toluca City, Mexico, which brought together some 350 doctors and medical professionals from 24 countries. (Photo: Dr. Crandall, ANS)

Dr. Crandall began by saying that the dramatic incident took place on October 29, 2006, when an auto mechanic, Jeff Markin, walked into the Emergency Room at the Palm Beach Gardens Hospital and collapsed from a massive heart attack.

"We had a fifty-three year old man who came to the emergency room with a massive heart attack and actually his heart had stopped," he said. "The medical people had worked on him for over forty minutes in the emergency room and then declared him dead.

"They called me in to evaluate the patient towards the end of his treatment where they had unsuccessfully tried to revive him. The nurse was preparing his body to be taken down to the morgue when the Holy Spirit told me to 'turn around and pray for that man.' When the Holy Spirit talks to you, you have to respond. It's sometimes a quiet voice and this was a quiet voice and to honor the Lord I did turn around and I went to the side of that stretcher where his body was being prepared.

"There was no life in the man. His face and feet and arms were completely black with death and I sat next to his body and I prayed, 'Lord, Father; how am I going to pray for this man? He's dead. What can I do?' All of a sudden, these words came out of my mouth, 'Father, God, I cry out for the soul of this man if he does not know You as his Lord and Savior, please raise him from the dead right now in Jesus name.'"

He then asked a colleague to "shock him one more time" and, Crandall said, he seemed puzzled as there didn't seem any hope for the man, but out of respect he did just that.

"It was amazing as a couple minutes later, we were looking at the monitor and all of a sudden a heartbeat showed up. It was a perfect beat; a normal beat; and then after a couple more minutes, he started moving and then his fingers were moving and then his toes began moving and then he started mumbling words.

"There was a nurse in the room - she wasn't a Believer - and she screamed out and said 'Doctor Crandall, what have you done to this patient?' And I said,'All I've done is cry out for his soul in Jesus name.'

"We quickly rushed the gentleman down to the intensive care unit, and the hospital was by now buzzing about the fact that a dead man had been brought back to life. After a couple of days he woke up. He had an amazing story to tell after I had asked him, 'Where have you been and where were you on that day that you had that massive heart attack? You were gone and we prayed you back to life in Jesus name.'

"He said, 'Doctor Crandall, it's the most amazing thing. I was in a dark room and there was no light. It was complete darkness and I felt I was in a casket and I kept repeating that I was so disappointed.'

"I believe he was in Hell that day and as he told me that story, I cried out, 'Lord, this gentleman needs to accept You as Lord and Savior.' I then explained the salvation message to this man as he sat in that bed and I held his hand and I cried out, 'Father God, in the name of Jesus, I pray that this man accepts You as his Lord and Savior right here in the intensive care unit.' He held out his hand and accepted Christ as his Savior with tears rolling down from his eyes and now he's a child of God. (Photo: patient Jeff Markin, CBN)

"I told him, 'You never have to be thrown in the trash, into total darkness now. The life of Christ is in you and the light of the Kingdom of Heaven is on you now."

Dr. Crandall, who showed on a large screen the medical evidence for this extraordinary case, continued, "There was no brain damage at all; his brain was completely normal. I was most concerned about his hands because his fingers were completely black and he had some numbness in his fingers and his feet, but now that is totally resolved."

After he had shared the story with the audience, which also included pastors and others from Toluca City, he then began preaching the Gospel and asked if there was anyone in the room who had not yet given their lives to Christ, to come forward for prayer.

Scores poured forward and soon Dr. Crandall was laying hands on them and saying that they should receive "the fire of God" and many fell backwards and were placed on the ground.

Then he asked those doctors and medical professionals who needed prayer, to also come forward and many also came forward and he prayed the same prayer over them as many also fell to the floor. It was quite a sight to see medical doctors lying on the floor after being hit by the "fire of God." (Photo: doctors raising their hands in prayer, ANS)

The World Christian Doctors Network (WCDN) meets each year to discuss "Spirituality in Medicine," and each of its members believe that "spiritual healing" is an answer to sickness in the 21st Century. They say that medicine alone cannot deal with some of today's worst illnesses.

But these doctors also believe that miracles should be documented and various respected doctors, like Dr. Crandall, presented actual case studies of miracles, with the medical evidence, to the attendees.

At the end of the conference, it was announced that next year's gathering will take place in Sofia, Bulgaria, at a date yet to be fixed.

Note: Dr. Crandall has now released a book called "Raising the Dead: A Doctor Encounters the Supernatural," which includes the above story and others, and can be obtained from bookstores and internet sites.

Source: ASSIST News Service

A Time For Courage by Rick Joyner

Rick Joyner:

Prophetic Bulletin:
A Time For Courage

As the revelations of the last few weeks now make abundantly clear, our freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and our freedom of religion may have never been in greater jeopardy than they are right now. The remainder of this year will likely determine whether we will remain a free people or succumb to a terrible tyranny.

The scandals around Benghazi, the attacks on the press, and the IRS being used to target political enemies are some of the most shocking Federal Government overreaches in our history. Now we find these are only "the tip of the iceberg" of the assault on our freedoms and our basic privacy.

The revelation that the NSA has the capacity to monitor and store all phone calls, emails, text messages, social network posts, virtually all communications in America, and very soon the world, is so shocking that it is hard for many to believe. Already the power of our Federal Government to impose totalitarian control over its people is the greatest in history. The Administration maintains that their intentions are noble, regardless of the growing mountain of evidence to the contrary. Only the most naïve or ignorant believe that. Even if their motive is for security reasons, is that not the argument every other totalitarian regime in history used to gain control? Even if this Administration's intent is noble, what about those Administrations which follow?

All of these revelations and scandals are far beyond anything we have ever witnessed. They are coming at us so fast that people may go numb and just shut down. In the Book of Daniel, the devil's strategy is to attempt to "wear out the saints," and this has always been an effective strategy. However, now is not the time to shut down and throw up our hands declaring that this is too much to process. Everything we hold dear as Americans, our most basic liberties, are in serious jeopardy. It is time for courage and our most resolute determination that this is not going to happen on our watch, and that we will never give up. It is not too late.

The Three Important Questions

There are three crucial questions to ask in any crisis: What is happening? What is not happening? What can I do about it? These were first stated by the U.S. Army Colonel made famous in the book and movie We Were Soldiers. In the first U.S. Army battle against a regular North Vietnamese Army, Colonel Moore used these questions to lead his force through what looked like impossible odds to ultimate victory. It was then adapted for the U.S. Army Manual as a commander's basis for evaluating a crisis. We will use it here.

What is Happening?

• The Federal Government has built an unprecedented apparatus for monitoring its own citizens that is virtually total.

• The IRS was used extensively to harass and silence the political opposition of the Obama Administration.

• Evidence is surfacing that the DOJ, EPA, and other agencies were used for the same purpose.

• The Administration has illegally seized the communications of journalists who were probing the Administration's activities.

• The level of the Administration's lies and attempts to cover up what happened at Benghazi makes it clear that something extremely important is being hidden from the American people.

What is Not Happening?

• The Democratic Party has not awakened to how much its future is in jeopardy by what is unfolding. Its legacy could forever be destroyed by the level of overreach, scandal, and incompetence now surfacing in the Obama Administration. Democratic Party leaders and members continue to defend these indefensible actions as if they are already controlled by information of threats against them.

• The news media remains asleep, blind, or neutralized so that it is only tepidly covering what is shaping up to possibly be the biggest issues of our lifetime. As this is the biggest threat to the freedom of the press, more people are wondering if that freedom has not already been lost.

• With but a few exceptions, the Republican leadership in Congress is failing to demonstrate the kind of courage, resolve, and wisdom to lead us through this crisis that threatens the very foundations of our Republic.

• The majority of the American people are not waking up, but they are starting to stir.

• More people are becoming deeply alarmed, but they are not hearing a clear trumpet call to know how or where to rally.

What Can We Do About It?

• We must each resolve that regardless of the personal consequences, we will seek to know the truth, and we will stand for truth without compromise.

• An eagle needs a left wing and a right wing to fly. The issues now facing us are bigger than many of the liberal and conservative issues we've been fighting over. Though we must never compromise our convictions, we must learn to fight together as Americans when facing these ultimate issues of our basic freedom.

• The unprecedented Federal overreach is, at least to a degree, the result of the States abdicating their rights under the Constitution to the Federal Government. Leadership at the State level, especially Governors and State Attorney Generals, could be the most important positions in the unfolding battle for our freedom.

• Blog, write, and speak every chance you get. Blogging has now surpassed the traditional media as the source of information for most Americans. Social Media is now more powerful in shaping public opinion than traditional media. Use it! Don't worry about who is monitoring it—preach to them too!

• Get engaged. Go to town hall meetings. Write to your elected officials often. Run for office. Work in campaigns. Donate time, money, and other resources. If we don't give it freely now, it will be taken from us soon.

• Don't stop because we don't seem to have quality leaders at this time—we have the greatest leader of all—King Jesus. He is the Truth, and all who love Truth will follow Him, regardless of the consequences, regardless of whether anyone else joins us.

• We must live by faith, not by fear. When the odds seem impossible is the time when the greatest leaders have arisen and the greatest miracles have been done. This is our time, and we must resolve that we will never, ever retreat or give up.

Key Strategy

It's understandable that Congress does not want to sound too shrill or too reactionary, but to proceed in a sound and systematic way in the face of these serious issues. However, Congress has limited power to investigate and has proven willing to abdicate that power and cave in to Administration pressure or intransigence. Trust in the Government and our leadership will continue to erode if reputable independent prosecutors need to be appointed for each of the major issues addressed above.

That being said, the center of gravity for the fight to preserve our liberty must be taken out of Washington. State Attorney Generals have the authority to prosecute any crime committed in their State and against their citizens. With criminal charges, the power to take depositions under oath from employees and the management of these government agencies is the best way to get to the truth of who is responsible for this tyrannical use of police state tactics, the abuse of power, and the illegal seizure of property, information, and communications.

With the dearth of leadership now being demonstrated on the Federal level, there are some remarkable and courageous leaders arising in the States. If State Governors and Attorney Generals take the lead in this crisis, they will no doubt take back much of the authority given to the States by the Constitution that has been usurped by the Federal Government. This balance, which is essential for the preservation of the Republic, can be restored. There are key Governors and Attorney Generals already taking up this strategy. We must get behind them any way we can.

Rick Joyner
MorningStar Ministries
Email: info@morningstarministries.org
Website: morningstarministries.org

Betrayal in Benghazi by Phil Handley Colonel, USAF (Ret.)

      Since the news media seems to be intent on helping our president cover this up, I am posting it in hopes that people who read it will share it with others till all those who have been misled begin to understand the extent of the deception that is going on in our government.  Please send it on to your friends and family.  Americans have got to wake up to what is happening before we lose all the freedom that was procured for us through so much sacrifice.

Colonel Phil "Hands" Handley is credited with the highest speed air- to-air gun kill in the history of aerial combat. He flew operationally for all but 11 months of a 26-year career, in aircraft such as the F-86 Sabre, F-15 Eagle, and the C-130A Hercules. Additionally, he flew 275 combat missions during two tours in Southeast Asia in the F- 4D and F-4E. His awards include 21 Air Medals, 3 Distinguished Flying Crosses, and the Silver Star. 
----------------------------------------------
Betrayal in Benghazi

Phil "Hands" Handley Colonel, USAF (Ret.) 

The combat code of the US Military is that we don't abandon our dead or wounded on the battlefield. In US Air Force lingo, fighter pilots don't run off and leave their wingmen. If one of our own is shot down, still alive and not yet in enemy captivity, we will either come to get him or die trying. 

Among America 's fighting forces, the calm, sure knowledge that such an irrevocable bond exists is priceless. Along with individual faith and personal grit, it is a sacred trust that has often sustained hope in the face of terribly long odds. 

The disgraceful abandonment of our Ambassador and those brave ex-SEALs who fought to their deaths to save others in that compound is nothing short of dereliction-of-duty. 

Additionally, the patently absurd cover-up scenario that was fabricated in the aftermath was an outright lie in an attempt to shield the President and the Secretary of State from responsibility. 

It has been over eight months since the attack on our compound in Benghazi . The White House strategy, with the aid of a "lap dog" press has been to run out the clock before the truth is forthcoming. 
The recent testimonies of the three "whistle blowers" have reopened the subject and hopefully will lead to exposure and disgrace of those responsible for this embarrassing debacle. It would appear that the most recent firewall which the Administration is counting on is the contention "that there were simply no military assets that could be brought to bear in time to make a difference" mainly due to the unavailability of tanker support for fighter aircraft. 

This is simply BS, regardless how many supposed "experts" the Administration trot out to make such an assertion. 

The bottom line is that even if the closest asset capable of response was half-way around the world, you don't just sit on your penguin ass and do nothing. 

The fact is that the closest asset was not half-way around the world, but as near as Aviano Air Base, Italy where two squadrons of F-16Cs are based. 

Consider the following scenario (all times Benghazi local): When Hicks in Tripoli receives a call at 9:40 PM from Ambassador Stevens informing him "Greg, we are under attack!" (his last words), he immediately notifies all agencies and prepares for the immediate initiation of an existing "Emergency Response Plan." 

At AFRICON, General Carter Ham attempts to mount a rescue effort, but is told to "stand down". By 10:30 PM an unarmed drone is overhead the compound and streaming live feed to various "Command and Control Agencies" and everyone watching that feed knew damn well what was going on. 

At 11:30 PM Woods, Doherty and five others leave Tripoli, arriving in Benghazi at 1:30 AM on Wednesday morning, where they hold off the attacking mob from the roof of the compound until they are killed by a mortar direct hit at 4:00 AM. 

So nothing could have been done, eh? Nonsense. If one assumes that tanker support really "was not available" what about this: 

When at 10:00 PM AFRICON alerts the 31st TFW Command Post in Aviano Air Base, Italy of the attack, the Wing Commander orders preparation for the launch of two F-16s and advises the Command Post at NAS Sigonella to prepare for hot pit refueling and quick turn of the jets. 

By 11:30 PM, two F-16Cs with drop tanks and each armed with five hundred 20 MM rounds are airborne. Flying at 0.92 mach they will cover the 522 nautical miles directly to NAS Sigonella in 1.08 hours. While in-route, the flight lead is informed of the tactical situation, rules of engagement, and radio frequencies to use. 

The jets depart Sigonella at 1:10 AM with full fuel load and cover the 377 nautical miles directly to Benghazi in 0.8 hours, arriving at 1:50 AM which would be 20 minutes after the arrival of Woods, Doherty and their team. 

Providing that the two F-16s initial pass over the mob, in full afterburner at 200 feet and 550 knots did not stop the attack in its tracks, only a few well placed strafing runs on targets of opportunity would assuredly do the trick. 

Were the F-16s fuel state insufficient to recover at Sigonelli after jettisoning their external drop tanks, they could easily do so at Tripoli International Airport , only one-half hour away. 

As for those hand-wringing naysayers who would worry about IFR clearances, border crossing authority, collateral damage, landing rights, political correctness and dozens of other reasons not to act" screw them. It is high time that our "leadership" get their priorities straight and put America's interests first. 

The end result would be that Woods and Doherty would be alive. Dozens in the attacking rabble would be rendezvousing with "72 virgins" and a clear message would have been sent to the next worthless POS terrorist contemplating an attack on Americans that it is not really a good idea to "tug" on Superman's cape. 

Of course all this would depend upon a Commander In Chief that was more concerned with saving the lives of those he put in harm's way than getting his crew rested for a campaign fund raising event in Las Vegas the next day. As well as a Secretary of State that actually understood "What difference did it make?", or a Secretary of Defense whose immediate response was not to the effect that "One of the military tenants is that you don't commit assets until you fully understand the tactical situation." Was he not watching a live feed from the unarmed drone, and he didn't understand the tactical situation? 

YGBSM! 

Ultimately it comes down to the question of who gave that order to stand down? Whoever that coward turns out to be should be exposed, removed from office, and face criminal charges for dereliction of duty. The combat forces of the Untied States of America deserve leadership that really does "have their back" when the chips are down.

George Orwell Quote

"In keeping silent about evil, in burying it so deep within us that no sign of it appears on the surface, we are implanting it, and it will rise up a thousand fold in the future. When we neither punish nor reproach evildoers, we are not simply protecting their trivial old age, we are thereby ripping the foundations of justice from beneath new generations." --author and Soviet dissident Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn (1918-2008)

It was a fun festival!

      We had wonderful weather for our festival!  Saturday only had a very few sprinkles and the rest of the time it was slightly overcast keeping the temperature down.  Yesterday began with pouring down rain throughout the morning, but since the Festival didn't open till noon we were trying to figure out what to do.  The weather channel seemed to indicate it would stop early afternoon so everyone began to set up as if the Festival would go on--and it did!
      There were not as many people attending as we had hoped, but those who came seemed to enjoy the peaceful, fun, relaxing atmosphere and the good food and great exhibits/vendors/activities.
      Since this was our first horse parade we didn't know quite what to expect but everyone seemed to love it and were enthusiastic about seeing it grow next year.  There were 33 entrants which we felt was a great beginning!  Here are a few pictures from the parade.

These riders were gracious to carry the flags for us.

Mules were a great addition

Roan Aside Side Saddle Group--one who just joined the group didn't feel comfortable trying side-saddle for the whole parade

The National Road Conestoga Wagon

A Horse-drawn Hearst

Serenity Carriages also gave rides at the Festival

Today's the Day!

      Today's the big day--the first day of Heritage Days!  We don't have any idea what to expect.  There is a forecast for 30% chance of isolated showers today and 40% tomorrow.  We pray they are isolated from us!  The last 2 days have been perfect!  Too bad we couldn't have had the Festival then!
      We have advertised everywhere we could think of--TV, radio, many press releases to over 20 newspapers, posters, flyers, banners in the 5 towns in our county, word of mouth.  How many people will that bring to a new festival?  Will they be curious, or will they wait till it is established to check it out?
      Our friends, Ned & Marcia, are here from Omaha.  Ned is a woodcarver and will be giving demonstrations at the Festival.  Our daughter and grandchildren, also from Nebraska, are coming.  Coincidentally, the economic director for Martinsville is originally from Nebraska.  Her parents are here, too, so at least Nebraska will be well represented!
      One of the committee members made a terrific stage out of 2 oversized hay wagons for the bands & storyteller.  He made steps to get up to the stage and bolted a canopy tent to the wagon so there would be shade.  How innovative!  As I said before I am so amazed by this committee--everyone has unique gifts and has shared them to make this such a fun experience.
       Time to go.  We have to start setting up!!  Please pray with us for a wonderful festival that will be a blessing to the community and a fun time for all who participate.
       I will post pictures soon. 

Sunday Schedule for Heritage Days--June 16

      I thought you might like to see Sunday's schedule for Heritage Days, too, in case you're trying to decide which day to come, or whether you may want to come both days.

Sunday, June 16  Downtown Martinsville, Illinois

Noon-6:00    Vendors open

    p.m           East Woodsmen Native

                          American Re-enactors (LP)

       Indian Artifacts Display

  (Large Pavilion CP)

                     Barrel Train Rides  (RF)

                     Carriage Rides  (LP)  Fee

                     Quilt Show  (CC)

                     15th/16th Century  

                           Musical Instruments (CC)

                    Historical Cemetery Walk

                           (Old Cemetery Downtown)

                     Antique Tractors  (RF)

12:00-4:00     Demonstrations  (See   

                         Demonstrations Schedule for     

                             time & location)

12:30-1:00    Mary Truitt, 

                        National Road Story              

                               (Stage)

1:00-2:30    Games - Adult & Children
    p.m.         (LP)

1:30-2:30    Willow Creek Praise Band               
                                (Stage)

2:00 p.m.    Stone Cleaning Demo
            (Old Cemetery Downtown)

2:30-4:30    Bike Rodeo (Downtown)   

3:00-4:15    Higher Ground (Stage)

4:45-6:00   Angela Lilly Trio  (Stage)

6:00 p.m.    Festival Ends

		Sunday Demonstrations Schedule
	Com.Center	Downtown	City Park-White Tent	Linn Park
12:00	Mary Todd Lincoln	Karie Cook, Goats, etc.	Debbie Green, Alpacas	Blacksmith**
12:30	Music Instruments	Ned Shipley, Wood Carver	Cal Campbell, Storyteller	Native Americans
1:00	Rug Hooking***	Larry Waller, Bee Keeping	Jeannette Husinga, Weave, Knit
1:15		Graves, Pottery/Wood Bowls	Vicki Roberts, Spinning
1:30	Mary Todd Lincoln*	Ashley Henigman, Baskets	Bonnie Cross, Ribbon Lace
1:45	Quilting *
2:00	Music Instruments	Karie Cook, Goats etc.
2:15		Ned Shipley, Wood Carver	Jeannette Husinga, Weave, Knit
2:30	Rug Hooking***	Graves, Pottery/Wood Bowls	Vicki Roberts, Spinning	Native Americans
2:45			Debbie Green, Alpacas
3:00	Quilting  *	Larry Waller, Bee Keeping		Blacksmith**
3:15		Ashley Henigman, Baskets	Bonnie Cross, Ribbon Lace
3:30		Ned Shipley, Wood Carver	Cal Campbell, Storyteller
3:45		Karie Cook, Goats etc
	*Mary Jo Billingsly as Mary Todd Lincoln		***Betty Lawhead--Rug Hooking
	**Doug Moreland--Blacksmith		****Sam Brown--lumber milling
			* National Road Quilt Guild

This is outrageous!

       This man should not be President!  He is a traitor to the principles this country was founded upon.

From Breitbart News:  You can read it online here.

BREAKING: OBAMA THREATENS VETO OF RELIGIOUS PROTECTION FOR MILITARY

by KEN KLUKOWSKI 12 Jun 2013, 3:40 PM PDT 

Breitbart News reported last week that Rep. John Fleming (R-LA) passed an amendment in the House Armed Services Committee protecting religious speech of service members in the military. President Barack Obama has now threatened to veto the bill if it passes the full House and Senate.

The White House released a Statement of Administration Policy (SAP) on H.R. 1960, the National Defense Authorization Act of 2014. Among other items, the SAP includes as an objection to the bill:

Expansion and Implementation of Protection of Rights of Conscience of Members of the Armed Forces and Chaplains of Such Members: The Administration strongly objects to section 530, which would require the Armed Forces to accommodate, except in cases of military necessity, “actions and speech” reflecting the “conscience, moral principles, or religious beliefs of the member.” By limiting the discretion of commanders to address potentially problematic speech and actions within their units, this provision would have a significant adverse effect on good order, discipline, morale, and mission accomplishment.

The SAP includes a veto threat: “…if the bill is presented to the President for approval in its current form, the President’s senior advisers would recommend that the President veto the bill.”

In other words, Obama says he will veto any bill that forbids his appointees or officers from telling a soldier that he cannot mention Jesus during prayer or have a Bible on his desk, or that keeps those appointees from telling a chaplain (who is an ordained clergyman) what religious teachings he is allowed to give in worship services, or what spiritual counseling he can give to another soldier.  

Ambassador Ken Blackwell, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Human Rights Commission, tells Breitbart News:

President Obama is waging a war on religion. He and Chuck Hagel are denying the most basic rights to those who put their lives on the line to protect all of our rights. It is shameful and appalling. I am confident that congressional leadership will show courage to stand up for our troops against this radical assault on religious liberty in the military.

This is the most compelling expression yet of the aggressive approach of the Obama-Hagel Defense Department to soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who are observant Christians or devout members of other peaceful faiths, as seen in Breitbart News’previous reports regarding the unconstitutional infringements of one of America’s most treasured, fundamental rights.

All eyes are on House and Senate leadership to see if they stand firm on the bill for those in the military who are facing this new form of pressure.

Breitbart News legal columnist Ken Klukowski is senior fellow for religious liberty at the Family Research Council and on faculty at Liberty University School of Law. 

I Love Our Heritage Days Committee Members!

     Yesterday afternoon we had our last planning meeting before the Heritage Days Festival this weekend in Martinsville.  It was a wonderful meeting!  I am so impressed by the committee members!  They are so enthusiastic and so willing to work--and they love the Lord and want to honor Him!  Our meeting ended with prayer for the festival and for committee members.   One of our members is having a heart cath this morning at 11:00 so I ask you to pray for him.  Another's grandson is meeting with a heart specialist today to see what can be done about a birth defect--he's 24.  Please pray for wisdom for the doctors (or a new heart!)  One in our group ended up in the emergency room the day before and 3 (including me) have colds.  I believe the devil sees that God is up to something big through the Festival.  Great things are about to happen!  We are already able to say "What the devil meant for evil God meant for good!" because our meeting turned into a time of prayer.
      I am in awe and stand amazed at how everyone on the committee used their gifts to contribute to the whole program!  Each one was needed and valuable.  I can't help thinking of Paul's example in Corinthians about how the body (of Christ) is to work together.  We don't need a whole body of eyes, or mouths, or hands, or feet!  We need the right amount of each--each one doing what he/she was created to do.
      I am grateful to have been part of a group that functioned that way.  There was no competition or envy about each other's gifts.  A wonderful experience!

       I've posted the Saturday schedule for the Festival below so you can see how much work has gone into it and what fun & educational opportunities will be going on in downtown Martinsville.  If you live nearby, you won't want to miss this interesting festival!