More Big News, Prayers, and Related Matters

Friends:

Good evening, all!  Did we have a great day of weather or what?!  It almost feels like spring.  I'm ready!

First off, let's thank the May family for bringing our donuts this week.  The Ericksons are on deck for next week.  Thanks for taking care of us, Vince and Mary!

BIG NEWS OF THE WEEK--THE COLTRAINS

Well, here's some news for those of you who weren't in class this morning.  We were joined (believe it or not!) by our friends Khalil and Leslie Coltrain.  Yes, yes, that's right.  They do indeed remain members of our class even though we haven't shared donuts and jokes with them recently.  As it turns out, the Coltrains have decided to make a move.  Khalil C. has taken a position as Director of Stadium Operations (I hope I'm getting that right) with the Corpus Christi Hooks.  Go Hooks!  I think I'll buy a team hat.  The Hooks are a Double A team (I hope I'm getting that right, also) that is part of the Houston Astros.  Let's say a big congratulations to Khalil and Leslie for this exciting news!  Of course, we are going to miss the Coltrains terribly.  In order to fill the considerable void they are leaving, Dana has agreed to begin singing in the praise band, the Hookhams will be hosting the annual crawfish broil this year, and Steve May will begin on Thursday as the next trainer of the Baylor men's basketball team (use some of that stuff that you have in those boxes in your garage, Steve).  

Seriously, the Coltrains have been with our church and class (yes, you have!) for about five years, as best I can remember.  All of us remember the births of Emma and Camden very well (Camden's birth, if I recall, was unforgettable for me in particular.  That was the first time that I have ever exited a hospital in a wheelchair.).  Leslie has done a beautiful job singing in the praise team.  I know the praise team will miss you, Leslie.  I don't have specific records, but, by looking around, I think our attendance shot up 30% as soon as you joined the team.  As for Khalil, I think it's worth noting that--as far as I know--Khalil, Aaron Bruce, and Matt Shepherd are the only people left with the Baylor men's basketball team from the difficult years of 2003 and 2004.  I think that says something about Khalil's character, his abilities as a trainer, and his overall positive spirit.  As I see the situation, Khalil deserves a great deal of credit for helping to rebuild Baylor's basketball program.  As a tenured professor, Khalil, I am deeply grateful for what you have done for the team and for Baylor in general.  Coach Drew has big shoes to fill.  

Let's be sure and pray for Leslie, Emma, and Camden while Khalil begins his new job.  He starts Thursday after the men's team returns from Colorado.  Pray for safe travel for Khalil as well.  Leslie, please let us know what we can do for you during this time of transition.  May God be with the Coltrains!

OTHER PRAYERS AND PRAISES

The Jantzes are getting closer to having everything finalized with their home in Tulsa.  Please pray for them as they finish things there and find themselves a home here.

Ben Sullivan has asked that we pray for the families of two men who were killed recently in a crane accident on the rig where he works.  This is very dangerous work, and we need to pray for Ben's safety as well.  Please pray for the families that have been impacted by these deaths.

We have good news with the Ramsdell baby.  Beth's check-up went well last week.  The baby has a great heartbeat!  Please continue to pray for health for the little baby and for Beth as well.  We also need to pray that Matt won't put on the "Fatherhood 20" that seems to have hit many of the rest of us during the past few years.  Matt, you don't have to gain wait as well!

The Hudsons are in Houston this weekend.  Please pray for their safe travel.

Salley Taylor has asked us to pray for her sister and brother-in-law.  They are traveling this weekend.

Franci, Robbie, and Carter Rogers are in Florida at spring training.  Pray for safe travel for them.

Pam Bartram's has asked us to pray for her father.  His red blood cell count has been very high, and he has shown signs of a potential stroke.  His name's Bill.  Please pray for better health for Bill.

Salley T. also would like for us to pray for her mom.  She's 83 and will be making the 7 hour drive home this week.  Not bad for an 83 year old!

We need to pray for Jennifer Owens' grandmother.  She isn't expected to make it through the week.  Please pray for comfort for Jennifer's entire family.

Jenny LaSeur would like for us to pray for her sister, Abby.  Abby has made some bad decisions during the past few years, which are now having a strong impact on her life.  Please pray for better decisions for Abby in the future.  Pray that God will be with her as she sorts out her life.

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I believe that takes care of our prayers and praises for this week.  And, get this.  We finished the Treasures of a Transformed Life book this morning!  Way to go, folks.  We worked our way through every page, thank you very much.  I wonder how many classes can say that?!  

For next week's class, we will return to the book we were studying before we received our copies of Treasures.  The book, you'll recall, is called The Perfect Leader.  Next Sunday morning, we will take a look at Chapter 8 (pp. 105-121).

Oh, I just remembered one more announcement.  Rumor has it that there will be a shower next Saturday for Jill VanZee, but Dana is waiting to hear back from Franci on planning.  As soon as the time is finalized, either Dana or Franci will send out an email to let everyone know.

Dana and I hope that all of you have a terrific week!  See you next Sunday.

Wes and Dana