My favorite redhead is indeed my father. It sometimes was referenced to explain his temper and as well as his humor and hearty enjoyment of life. But the greatest memory is that it bonded us together… fellow redheads braving “Let me rub that for good luck” to overly perfumed and exceedingly wrinkled elderly ladies squealing in high pitched voices, “Look at those beautiful red curls!” We redheads don’t have a club but there is a commiserate brotherhood that nods in understanding about what it means to wear the red… to bear the burden of answering to “Hey, Red.”

Let me tell you what I learned from my favorite redhead: 1)The greatest red was the blood shed on a cross to redeem sinful man; 2)Operate in the red because it means your life is more about giving than receiving; 3)Never forget the power of red roses for beauty deserves beauty and flowers say it all; 4)Give everybody the red carpet treatment and serve with a smile; 5)On a street light red means stop but in the shape of a heart it means I love you… and love is the best road to travel!

Mission Report

Few missionaries are fortunate enough to see the results of their labors in a mission field after an interval of forty years. Brother john Ed Clark of the Woodward Park congregation in Fresno is one of the few. In June of 1968 (40 years ago) he and a few companions visited the rural areas of Ethipia and found dew congregations of the church, no roads, no bridges and no trained preachers. Transportation was limited or non-existent. Walking was the main method of travelling although at times mules were available. They were welcomed at some of the places vistied; at others they were not welcomed. In the following three years, 50-60 places were visited and the Gospel seed was planted throughout that area.

in contrast, last April of this year, three of Brother Clark's co-workers visited the same area during an 11-day period and by using a Land Rover for transportation, were able to meet with members from 52 congregations. At several churches visited, people from surrounding areas walked many miles to hear sermons lasting up to 4 hours (and we complain if the preacher goes 10 minutes beyond his alloted 30 minutes). From just a few scattered congregations 40 years ago, the church has grown tremendously. In the Soro area of Ethipoia alone, there are more than a hundred congregations with tens of thousands of members. One of the largest congregations has over 1000 members and is led by 7 well trained elders and several full-time evangelists. The preacher training schools established in Ethiopia provide well equipped leaders to support continuing growth.

Presently, Brother Clark is concerned about the severe food shortage that is already affecting 4 million Ethiopians. he reports he is standing by to see what we may be called on to do, God's work never stops. What an inspiring attitude! --ODELL

Please pray for the followin missionaries in Georgetown, Guyana:
Bob Boller
Jim & Sara Cox
Steve & Coleen DeLoach
Kenneth & Samantha Finlayson
Bill & Carolyn Green
Jerry & Pat Veach

Nancy Rowe has been hospitalized at Mercy San Juan hospital since Monday. She is gravely ill and said Saturday that she is improving somewhat.

Sarah Neubauer, daughter of Mike and Cheryl Booth, has been diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer.

Sherry Roderick, mother of Sylvia Garza, had a mild heart attack Wednesday.

Life Groups have ended for the summer and will resume September 7th.

Make plans now and save the date for the Tahoe Family Encampment: July 26 - August 1. Visit www.tahoefamilyencampment.org for more details.