It is so hard to believe that nearly six weeks have gone by since our last update was sent out on May 28. A lot of things have transpired since that time.

First of all, we had a good revival at the Bethel CCCU near Piketon, OH with Pastor Larry & Linda Moore on June 2-6. This was their first week as senior pastor at the church. They were replacing Pastor David & Linda Smith, who had to take early retirement because of health reasons. Music was provided by a male trio from the church called "Walk of Faith" as well as other local talent. Several area CCCU churches supported the revival in addition to Pastor Aaron Satterfield and others from the Hilltop Mission.

Next on our schedule was Beulah Camp Meeting near Repton, AL which was held June 10-20. Repton is located between Montgomery and Mobile. This was our first time to have a meeting in the state of Alabama. On the way down there, we had the privilege of staying in the home of camp board members, Dr. Phil & June Simms, who live in Clanton, AL. They are such precious people and gracious hosts. It was also good to work with some dear friends and make new ones at this camp. The song evangelist was our dear friend, Ken Osborne and the other evangelist was our friend, Dr. John Neihof, from KMBC. The Bible teacher was Rev. Ray Bachman. This was our first time to meet and work with him. We had a great time of fellowship with all of these wonderful men of God.

Unfortunately, we received word from home that my brother was admitted to the WVU Medical Center in Morgantown, WV and had taken a turn for the worse. Since we were not sure how long he might live, the folks at the camp were very understanding and allowed us to leave the camp on Saturday morning, June 19, to see him and be with the family. We made the 920 mile drive and arrived in Morgantown at 1:15am on Sunday morning and stayed at the hospital until after he passed away on Thursday night. We have seen several people take their last breath, but none was more difficult to watch than this.

Because of the uncertainty of how long my brother might live and when his funeral would be, it was necessary that we cancel our next meeting which was to be at the Auburn Camp Meeting in Auburn, PA on June 25 – July 4. They were also very understanding and we helped them secure a replacement.

Since my brother coached American Legion baseball in Buckhannon, WV and touched the lives of many young people in the area, he requested that his casket be placed at home plate at the high school baseball field for the calling hours. Sunday evening, June 27, from 5-9, hundreds of people, young and old alike, withstood the heat and humidity to pay their respects. Amazingly, after a very brief and light shower, a double rainbow appeared over the field, a timely reminder for us that we can always cling to the promises of God, Also, since he was a retired WV State Trooper, an honor guard stood at each end of his casket for the entire 4 hours changing personnel every 15 minutes.

As I had the honor to be among those that spoke at Rick's funeral the following day, I reminded them that my brother did not have a perfect season but he finished with a winning season. During his life, he enjoyed many wins and also suffered several losses, the last one being his battle against cancer, however, how we start the game is not nearly as important as how we finish the game.

Please continue to pray for Rick's family. Two days after his funeral, his wife, Kay, went back into the WVU Medical Center to continue her cancer treatment. She is currently undergoing a stem cell procedure that will have her in isolation for several days and/or weeks until her immune system has time to build back up.

We are taking some vacation time now and our next meeting will be on Wednesday, July 14, at the Licking Co. Church of God in Newark, OH and then we begin camp meeting at the Kentucky Mountain Bible College on July 16-25.

Thanks for all your prayers and support during this very difficult time in the life of our family.

Together for souls,

George & Pattie