Visiting our Friends in Halsey, OR

Back in late 2009 our small fellowship came across an Anabaptist organization back in Pennsylvania that had a listing of Annabaptist churches throughout the county. That is where we first heard of Valley Christian Fellowship in Halsey, OR. Our first trip down there was to attend their yearly campout in July 2010 when Laura was just a few weeks old. Since then we have managed to travel down there every few months (it is 3 hrs away!) While in Belize, the Halsey church was such a blessing to our family. One of the things they did was write a sending letter in order to help out with a missionary permit (which did not come through) They also generously helped support us financially which is no small feat since it is not a very large church! When Willow and the Kings came to Belize for a visit, their church gathered all sorts of household items, fabric, clothing and more to send down for us. They had asked for a list of things that we needed and PROVIDED EVERYTHING on my list. It was so encouraging to have their support and prayers.

This past weekend we were able to travel down to Halsey for another visit. Amanda had made plans with Willow's family to stay for a week's visit. Driving her down and attending church with them and then leaving Mandy there was one reason to plan a trip. In addition, our friends the Kings had also planned on heading down there. Spending some time with them was another great reason to make the trip! :)  After the church meeting and shared meal at the building, we headed over to the Hertler's home.. Brother Roger's ministry http://www.watchmangospelsigns.com/ Watchman Gospel Signs provides gospel signs; bumper stickers, street witnessing signs and yard signs. Both Jeremy and Grady wanted a few signs and bumper stickers made so that is what the guys spent their evening doing. It was such a wonderful time to spend with Roger and Phebe who both have such a burden for the lost and perishing.

 

 

 

The Hertzlers are also very involved with Christian Aid Ministries who has recently expanded their ministry to the west coast. http://www.christianaidministries.org/ CAM is a wonderful ministry who distributes approximately 15 million pounds of food, clothing, medicines, seeds, Bibles, Bible story books, and other Christian literature. Much of the aid goes to needy children, orphans, and Christian families. CAM also helps families provide for themselves through the Family-Self-Support and SALT Microfinance programs. Currently, Valley Christian Fellowship is making warm blankets to send to North Korea to suffering tuberculosis patients.Once CAM has enough, they will load a shipping container full of blankets to ship out. I believe Phebe said that the Valley Christian Fellowship ladies have already made over 20 blankets!  While at the Hertzlers, Stephanie and I were able to help Phebe on one of these blankets. It was such a nice time of visiting.

 

 

While the parents were busy with sign and quilt making, the children had a fun time playing in the Hertzler's fun living room. Our girls were enchanted with all of the baby dolls and 'little people'

 

 

After a quick dinner, we and the Kings headed home. It was nasty weather and a three hour drive ahead of us! So although we would have loved to stay much longer and visit more with our sweet friends.. it was time to hit the road!

 

 

Here are one of the two bumperstickers that the guys made for us.

The other one says "Seek the Lord While He May be Found"