FRANKFORD W.Va. (WVDN) – The Ladies of the Henning Church of God held their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, June 10, in the church fellowship hall. Carole Spencer presided and Marty Burns led in prayer. The ladies provided the following report:
Dyan Hefner gave the devotion on worry. When you are sick, you worry if you will get better or not. People worry about health, money, kids, grandchildren, friends, life situations and much more. Worry strangles the joy out of us. Is worry a sin? Faith is the exact opposite of worry. All of us worry. Is God in control or not? That is the question. (Matthew 6:25) God’s promises are reliable. God does not want us to worry. Worry controls us. We carry a burden that we were never meant to carry. We need to put worry in check. (Proverbs 9:12) Thinking on the right things or worries can escalate. (Philippians 4:7-8) We need to change our “stinking thinking.” Think on all things pure and holy. Worry causes us to be fearful. We must go from fear to faith. (Matthew 6:33-34. Trust God about things, and he is going to take care of them. When we worry, we need to pray and have peace and not confusion. Who are you trusting today? If you can’t turn it over to God, worries control us. We need to reprogram our thinking. We need to see the positive, not the negative.
Debbie Sammons gave the missionary education report by sharing photos and information about Timothy and Angelita Downing, who are missionaries to Ecuador. Most missionaries are only allowed to spend two years in Ecuador. When Timothy and Angelita Downing were going to Ecuador, she found out she was pregnant. They already had four children. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Because she gave birth to Addie in Ecuador, they can stay there for as long as they want. The church in Springfield, Ohio, manages all its money. That is the church Timothy is originally from. Timothy came up with the idea that some people have money and some people have time.
There is a group of people from Ecuador who are going on a mission trip to Peru to help Ken Biron’s school. People who could not go but had the money are paying the way of others who could go. Ecuador is a very populated city that is located on the equator. Timothy is over many churches and teaches in seminary. He preaches in many churches and does baptisms and baby dedications. Most of the time, they drive as far as they can and then they walk the rest of the way. They have road signs on big rocks to provide directions.
Timothy and his family live under an active volcano area. The land is cheap and the soil is very fertile. They have plenty of fruit there and can plant a garden. They have a farm with pigs, chickens, llamas, cows, and pet dogs. They can help people and churches with their produce.
At one time, they had a serious drought and had to deliver food to the needy. It is very cold in the winter because of the high elevation. One of the main meats they eat is guinea pig, which tastes like a cross between chicken and rabbit. The city has street entertainers, and every Good Friday, they have a reenactment of Christ’s crucifixion. They actually beat and whip the person carrying the cross. They hang him on the cross, but don’t nail him. Each church has a float that depicts the suffering of Jesus. The Downings enjoy living there and are a good example of what God wants them to be.
Pauline Perkins read last month’s minutes. Jamie gave us an update on the financial affairs of the group.
Carol thanked everyone for their help with the yard sale. Craigsville camp meeting will be held June 15-20. The group will serve the Maxwelton Ruritans on June 26. Vacation Bible School will be held July 7-11 for up to eighth grade. The theme will be Lava, Lava, Luau.
The next meeting will be on July 1. Cindy Fleshman dismissed in prayer.
Attending were Alice Coff, Alyssa Carpenter, Angie Scott, Blanche Perry, Cari Nelson, Carol Spencer, Cindy Fleshman, Carole Spencer, Debbie Sammons, Donna Scott, Dyan Hefner, Jamie Harvey, Joan Vance, Marty Burns, Michelle Carpenter, Pauline Perkins, Patty Owens, and technical advisor, Lloyd Sammons.
