Greetings!

Greetings on Saturday afternoon.

To the Glory of God’s power, I was released from the hospital on Saturday morning (that saves another day of Hospital expenses; 11:00 AM is their cut-off time).

The operation was a success with NO complications. Apparently a piece of cartilage broke off in my hip and was continually doing damage in the close allowances in my hip socket. It did not show up in the x-rays because it was behind the ball.

When I asked if I could be released Saturday morning, everyone I spoke to said, “NO WAY. Minimum is 3 days.”

I did not argue and told my physician I would gladly do whatever he suggested. He is the boss in this project.

His assistant firmly said NO and listed all the hoops I had to jump through. I had exercised through the night, so when the walking hoop came up this morning with the therapist, she and the Doc were amazed ("thanks to God for my Redeemer, my very present help in time of need.”) By God’s grace, all the hoops were cleared and at 9:30 am, my surgeon said, “I’ll get the paperwork started so you can go ‘home’ this morning.” Max and Carol Pool’s home is set up for the handicapped and Carol is a nurse who herself has undergone a hip replacement, so I am in very good hands on terra firma and in the Heavenlies.

Obviously I have pain, but then I’ve been in pretty bad pain since February. Some of you reading this have been with me when my hip would bind up. The pain was unbelievable; the panic was even worse, feeling like I could not further stand up yet having no convenient place to lie down except on the ground – and THAT looks great for the pastor. All of that is behind me now (in my HIP :) and I am very glad.

The kind folks of Hamilton Acres Baptist Church sent me a surprise FedEx express package of gifts. What a pleasant and encouraging package, all given with encouraging words. Then, I got a large stack of cards from the people I love at Bible Baptist Church who, without your pastor, are still running over 500, and one Sunday over 600, with many saved and baptized. You are amazing folks. I am a blessed pastor to be able to serve with such gems.

I know that words don’t always express our transparent emotions or meanings. Max Pool was driving through a “work zone” and approaching the zone the sign said, “30 MPH ahead.” Max looked around and saw THREE of us in the car and we made GREAT time zipping through that work zone.

Please accept my sincere thanks for your open love and faithful praying. Have a GREAT Lord’s Day. How I wish I could be in Fairbanks leading in Scripture Songs, but that will have to wait in the will of God. I am comforted to know that our Great Saviour and spirit-filled men are standing by the TRUTH and BY THE PEOPLE we are called to shepherd. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I am humbled and very grateful.