From Barry and Shelly:
We hope that everyone had a blessed Easter and that the promise of spring brings renewal, not only in the earth but also in our lives. There have been so many good things that God has given to all of us and that is no different for Allen, South Dakota.
First and foremost I would like to share with everyone about our first work camp of the year from Tri-S in Indiana. We had the greatest bunch of people here in March, led by Ed Breeden!! There were 10 students, three from Singapore, one from Uzbekistan and six from around the United States, and what a blessing they were. They scraped the entire floor in the fellowship hall so that it could be recovered because it was peeling badly. A raised stage area was also built in the sanctuary for the piano, podium, and also for our kids to perform their plays. We are planning on moving to the main house so they also laid new linoleum tiles in the kitchen and painted the ceiling. many of the supplies for building were supplied by this group. But all was not work -- oh no!
They also got to do some sightseeing around the Black Hills, they saw Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Jewel Cave and some of the Badlands. We spent time with Melda Trejo and some of her family, cutting wood for them, having lunch with them and listening to some very interesting stories. Melda just had a book published, "Lakota Tradition" about her and her husband's life on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Her stories and the time spent with them was very special.
The other things that went on were with the children, and boy did we have children. Ed did the Sunday night service and it was excellent, music was supplied by two of the students that played the guitar and piano. This was the first work camp that Barry and I have hosted by ourselves and we consider most blessed to have known each and every one of these young people. They work hard, play hard and were an absolute delight - God bless you all!!!
We have other good things come our way, this past month too. We received a box of hats from our friends in Ohio - thank you Amber (more than a thanks to Amber - thanks to the generous couple at Winton Rd who purchased the hats) and 500 army blankets from Stanley and Sylvia Hollow Horn from a large shipment they received. God works in all ways for the good, He knows the needs and provides daily for each of us.
Easter was a time of thanksgiving and remembrance here and our children were a part of sharing the good news. There was a group of seven children and two adults, Roberta Yellow Boy and Gerald Plenty Arrows that went to the nursing home in Martin and took small Easter bunny cups and some puzzle books, puzzles and cards to the residents. The people there really enjoy seeing the children and it is so good for the children to share God's Love with them. Some of the ladies of the church made Easter baskets and had an egg hunt for the children, we really have a great congregation and I thank God for all of them.
Praise God for the much needed rain, everyone ,especially the ranchers and farmers are very happy about this. I reflect every spring of the greatness of God when I see the new life and winter and the promise of summer beauty. Gardening is one of my favorite things to do and so I'll have a large garden and share some of the vegetables with the congregation. The kids are all planting two hills of pumpkins this spring so that when fall comes and time for jack-o-lanterns comes they will all have their own, home grown.
We thank each and every one of you for your prayers, your monetary support and for all things sent here to help the people here in Allen. We continue to pray for you also, God be with you as you work for the Lord and His kingdom.
Barry and Shelly
