Hearts of Faith

Hearts of Faith - Apr 06

Well, we returned last evening after a 10-day tour through Kentucky and Tennessee. It was SO good to get back home!

Our travel began with three days in Campbellsville, KY at the second annual Heartland Quartet Convention (HQC). Although not well attended, those who did attend were blessed by a good amount of gospel music and the Lord showed up to provide three days of good fellowship and spirit. If you know of folks in the area, let them know about this event. I'll be sure to keep you updated as to next year's dates.

From there, we traveled to Chattanooga, TN for the third annual SGM FanFair. We sang twice on the main stage (Monday and Wednesday evenings), filled in during the Monday afternoon matinee for an artist that didn't show, and sang at two showcases on Tuesday and Saturday mornings. So we definitely had our fill of singing, that's for sure!

We got to see many folks that we don't see often, and meet many wonderful people that we can now call "friends." Once again, the Lord was present and we felt His Spirit during the week. Next year, the dates are Monday, March 31 through Saturday, April 5. Be sure to plan to attend! I don't think you'll be sorry if you do!! There are many things to do in Chattanooga (Lookout Mountain; Rock City; Ruby Falls; Tennessee Acquarium). So it'd be a great early spring vacation!

During FanFair, we were honored to become an artist to represent "Mission of Mercy", an international child sponsorship organization. Their focus is to provide meals and schooling for children who are unable to afford such items that we take for granted. However, they also provide a spiritual teaching that is so vitally important. We are thrilled to associate ourselves with such a wonderful organization. For only $30 monthly, you can support a child to provide these necessities.

As 2007 is our 25th year in music ministry, we are asking our faithful supporters to consider sponsoring a child. We'd love to see 25 children supported ~ one child for each year of our ministry. Would you prayerfully consider giving a child the necessities that should be afforded to anyone? We are so blessed in America to have so much, while most of the world has so little.

You can select a gender for your child; an age bracket for your child; even a country. If you have a child or grandchildren, we suggest you select a child near his/her age so that he/she can write letters to the child.

Personally, Keith and I have sponsored a number of children in the last 20 years. Keith has had the privilege of meeting some and it has impacted our life dramatically. Through the years, each of the children we have sponsored have come to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior during the time of sponsorship. Folks, that cannot be measured in dollars and cents. Please, prayerfully consider becoming a sponsor! I can guarantee you that you will NOT regret it. Just let us know and we'll get everything to you.

Also, we'd appreciate your prayers for my in-laws. My mother-in-law is currently in the hospital with both a yeast and staff infection. On Friday, March 23, they weren't sure she'd make it through the night. To date, she is "marginally better"; however, her spirits are quite low. As many of you may know, she experienced an infection in her left knee about three years ago after undergoing knee replacement surgery. In the end, she ended up with partial amputation. She has fought harder than anyone I know since that time ~ having her stove and sink lowered so she could continue cooking and washing; purchasing a new front-loading washer/dryer combo and moving them upstairs so she could do her laundry; installing a seat in her van so that she could ride to/from the grocery; etc. But I don't know that she has much fight left. She's only 67 years old, but she is in a great deal of pain (and her pain threshold is immense).

We've given her "permission", if you will, to go on. She accepted Christ many years ago and is ready to meet Him. Our prayer now is that she not continue suffering. Her name is Sue Strong and we'd appreciate your prayers for her.

My father-in-law, Cecil, is currently in a nursing facility due to Sue's hospital stay. She basically takes care of him, even in her current situation. He doesn't see well (due to diabetis); he has dimentia; he doesn't walk well and has fallen several times; etc. He is 79 years old and wants to return to his home, although we don't see how that is possible. He is extremely stubborn, and to our knowledge, has never accepted Christ as his Savior.

We're also experiencing financial issues because the nursing home would want $6,000 per month for his care. However, he would have to basically turn over all his assets to them until they reach a bottom dollar of $1,500. At that time, Medicaid would cover his expenses. It is quite frustrating that after all his years of work and saving, a nursing home would receive all his assets. It isn't that WE want them ... we just want him to be able to choose where they're distributed. Let's face it: $1,500 wouldn't cover his funeral and burial expenses!

We've learned that if they had listed their children's names on their property five years ago, we wouldn't be experiencing this. So a word to the wise who reads this with older parents. Make plans now for the future, while they're in good health!

We appreciate your prayers and support through the years. For those of you in the Dayton, Ohio area, don't forget our 25-Year Anniversary Concert on Saturday, April 28. It begins at 6 p.m. at the Healing Heart Church of God, 4251 Powell Road, Huber Heights, OH. Please plan to attend!

In HIS Service,
Donna Strong / HEARTS OF FAITH
http://www.hearts-of-faith.com