Covenant Church

What Laila and I are doing is unorthodox for us. It took us two days to get away after the big and wonderful celebration of 25 years of ministry with Covenant Church. We pulled out of the driveway with four winds beckoning. For whatever reason, we turned north to Lancaster, upon the suggestion of a dear couple.

Which motel? Well, we found one. In Lancaster our intention was to take in Sight and Sound, i.e. The Story of Ruth. It was wonderful. Getting a discount for two, I like discounts – as does Laila, we also saw The Psalms of David, equally wonderful, another night. Then we decided to stay for an afternoon drama, “An Amish Wedding,” which was one of the finest two hours of delightful entertainment I have ever experienced.

Night two, we headed west. Seeing Pastor Jerry and Kathy Steele in PA was in our thoughts. They divided some distance with us. We met at a restaurant. The food was just rent space. We stayed until they were mopping the floors and locking the doors. We are so proud of the good work the Steeles are doing in Markleysburg!

I took time to ask Pastor Steele a serious question: “Tell me,” I ventured, “If I die do I have to go to heaven by the Pennsylvania Turnpike?” Oh, my heart was comforted with his assurance that he is confident there is a more pleasant route to heaven!

Don’t know if you have ever heard of Gabriel’s or Value City. If not, feel free to ask Laila. She has a way of making a suggestion about a direction or route that is amazingly close by one of these great bargain stores. Yes, you guessed it. I have spent some time in the car sleeping and reading, and more time ambling around parking lots and looking at curiosities while Laila has been doing her thing. A husband’s duty. Thank God she is a bargain shopper. I threatened trading in the car for a tractor-trailer -- not really.

We decided to go further north. Friends, a dear couple who has come into our lives, are in Erie, PA. It was great to see them. He was more than gracious to allow me to preach on Sunday morning. Please do not be anxious. Preaching is refreshing. Sharing the gospel with a congregation to encourage them to be faithful is better for me than ice cream and home made apple pie.

At this moment, I am in Pastor Mike’s office writing to you. We do not know if we will leave tomorrow. A brother has offered a fishing trip – maybe, maybe not. Not really planning anything except time to rest, think, pray and ask God for divine direction. We are also taking time to appreciate all those who have been a blessed part of our lives, loving us, encouraging us, and allowing us to love and encourage them.

One thing sure, as we wander, I am doing a lot of wondering! God’s world is so phenomenal, so awesome -- sunsets in mountains and on lakeshores; trees coloring; people who love and are giving their lives to serve God; flowers, oh so beautiful; gentle rain; soft wind. Did I mention grapes? We are in a grape country -- over 13,000+ acres in this country alone. Oh yes, I did get a basket of grapes today. I do love grapes. Lot more healthy for me than Krispy Kreme donuts!

In our wandering I wonder at the number of people we are meeting who seem to have no thought of God. The good news is that we have chosen to share Jesus everywhere we go. Sunday AM at the motel I laid my Bible on the table and went to get food. Three wonderful opportunities to share Jesus were presented.

We stayed at a motel. A fine young Indian couple had recently purchased the property. We liked him (only saw his wife). The Lord put him on my heart. We took fresh fruit to him and his wife. Then before we left Laila and I gathered in his office. He allowed Laila to use his computer. She took her time, because she was cooperating with a Jesus plan.

Oh yes, we did share the gospel. By the time we left a young husband who had said he was not religious had decided he would like to read the Bible. Seed was sown. We plan to say in touch with him and his wife.

We wander and we wonder. The best part is wondering what God is up to. It is so exciting. I am asking myself whom God will put in our path tomorrow. He is also putting someone in your path. Be careful. Take notice. God is up to something, and He is using you!

Much Love
Pastor Bare and Laila