Annual Staff & Board Christmas Party ~ O'Fallon A/G

We truly treasure the relationship that has grown with our pastor, Dale Edwards. O'Fallon Assembly of God is our home church when we're not ministering anywhere else. While we don't qualify under the above 'Staff & Board' criteria, Pastor extended an invitation for us to join the whole team for this festive celebration.

It is extremely difficult to put into words my sincere gratitude toward God and Pastor for affording us such a blessed relationship. As some of you know, Gail and I served at O'Fallon A/G right out of college. Pastor began investing in my life then, and God has allowed us to continue to sharpen each other throughout the years. I called him regularly or stopped by for a visit to ask his advice on many pastoring issues. Now, as an evangelist, I am blessed to have one of the finest pastors on the planet at my home church. (If you're wondering...there is very little chance he'll ever read this~One might think, with such a flowery blog entry, I might be about to ask him for something...LOL!!)

Well, we had a wonderful time at the party. We, of course, had the privilege of providing a little 'entertainment' at the party...with music, sing-a-long, games, and a little humorous drama. Several of my pictures turned out blury, so I only have a sampling, but I hope you enjoy them.

Illustrious Youth Pastor, Marc "Rudolph" Black

Contest: Make the best reindeer antlers from balloons and panty hose

O'Fallon A/G ~ Pastor Angela Pettibone, Mistress of Ceremonies

There were about 40 people in attendance

Visiting with Dear Friends & Ministry Partners

Gail, Anthony, Betty & WilmaIt was Saturday night, November 18, 2000...just over 5 years ago, in response to my challenge to 'guess my age' at an all church dinner on the eve of being voted in as the new senior pastor in Bethalto, Illinois, a voice rang out, "35". I was only 23 at the time, but I thought that maturity might not be an issue...if I looked 35! The voice was that of Miss Wilma Butler. She is the church treasurer, chief cook, organizer, Sunday School Superintendant, and volunteers throughout the community. Sister Wilma and Sister Betty, who have been house mates for many years, continue to be strong pillars at Cornerstone Assembly of God in Bethalto. Sister Betty is celebrating over 57 years of perfect attendence to Sunday School. She teaches and currently serves as a deacon on the church board. One of first few weeks I was there, we had a leak in the roof, and Betty was out on the roof pulling up shingles, rotten wood, down to the rafters and fixing the roof. She works with a contractor to this day. I'm not sure I would have survived pastoring without their love, support, wisdom, and.....good cookin'! Occasionally, Gail, Anthony and I still get to stop by and visit when we're in the area.

Both Wilma and Betty have been financial supporters of Whole In One as Ministry Partners. They support our ministry on a monthly basis, and help keep us on the road sharing the Gospel. I have said to many that I would love to clone those two and give a pair to each church on the planet--they are a blessing to me AND the Kingdom of God!!

Sister Betty & Anthony checking out the amazing Christmas Village
Sister Wilma introducing a singing Santa to an unsure Anthony.

Annually, they empty their living room to make way for their infamous Christmas Village, often hosting large Christmas parties as repeat guests search for the new items of the year.

Christmas in Midway

Whole In One spent a wonderful Sunday (December 11) with Pastor Julie Pigg and the congregation of St. John's United Church of Christ in Midway, IL. This church has always opened its arms to us. Gail and I shared in both music and drama focused on the heart of Christmas, Jesus Christ. We have had the privilege of sharing at St. John's UCC several times, both in services and in workshops. The church was fully decked for the holiday season, and it was clear to me that the reason for the season was in full focus. We look forward to going back in the spring!

Thank you, Pastor Julie...you are a blessing!! Merry Christmas

2005 Pulse Conference

December 7 & 8, Gail and I made the journey to Springfield, MO for the National Evangelists "Pulse Conference" at the Assemblies of God headquarters. We attended our first "Pulse Conference" in 1997 as Central Bible College students. We never really imagined that God would have us back 8 years later as evangelists.

Rev. Marshall Windsor was recently appointed as the new National Evangelists' Representative of the Assemblies of God. It was exciting to hear his heart and passion for evangelism, as well as, his vision for the future of the National Evangelists Office.

We were very refreshed and encouraged at the conference. With around 65 evangelists in attendance, it created a very intimate setting that afforded interaction with fellow evangelists and many seasoned veterans from the field. We feel so privileged that God has allowed us to be surrounded by gifted leaders and people who are willing to invest in our lives.

We were able to gleen many valuable nuggets of truth and practical helps that we will use for the future. Gail and I were thrilled to discover that we were not the only evangelists with a quiet December calendar. We are looking forward to being a part of the next "Pulse Conference" in 2006.