Fall has come from hot mid-90’s to only reaching up into the 50’s on some days. The leaves, however, are not changing color as quickly as oftentimes they do. It’s sort of strange this year, but the crispness in the air is a very welcome occurrence!
I hope this finds you well and enjoying the season-change God implemented so long ago. We here at Collins are doing well and anticipating the Rally coming up the third Sunday of October. It is one of our joys, and we so appreciate those who are able to come!
Our pastor, Elder Larry Beem, has been taking shots in his eyes to help improve his vision. He also endures some pain in his hands and feet due to his diabetes and neuropathy pain, as do Brothers Paul Leikness and Allen Kauffman.
Manuel and Sharon Castillo from the Independence area come and share in our services when they are in this area, as they have a cabin east of Collins. We are always so thrilled to have them visit; they are dedicated to the gospel and such a delight to know—they are indeed a blessing to us!
Vicky Pitts’ sister, Sherri, is having some medical issues with her heart requiring surgery, which recently has become infected and sent her back to the hospital. Vicky has been looking after her and helping where she can.
Marjorie Routh and sister, Betty Dunning, are able to attend services here regularly. Betty is a wealth of knowledge in Sunday School. She reads a great deal and is able to understand so much of the goings-on in the world, and shares her thoughts with us.
Marjorie is still working and keeping her farm going, tending to her cattle and fences, etc. Her son, Jimmy, and grandson, Jamie, are invaluable help to her.
Much tragedy has also come to Marjorie’s and Betty’s family (and sister Helen Kidd, of Phoenix). Their niece, Kalen, was in a terrible car accident, and Kalen’s daughter lost her nine-week-old baby due to “SIDS.” These are sadnesses we can only take to God and plead for His healing, peace and comfort. Kalen is recovering slowly, and she is being blessed from day to day.
Shawna and Dale Herd are always available to pray for the many needs that present themselves. Their daughter, Sheala, lets me know of news and prayer requests—like for Brothers (Apostles) Buzz Brickhouse and Mike McGhee and their surgeries, along with the Seibels, Sister Pat McCann and others. We get the notices from the CCEG, but oftentimes Sheala or Shawna get them first and text them on to Allen and me so we can go to God as soon as possible. We are few here at Collins, but we are faithful and hope always in the Lord and His might and ability to care for His children. As the hymn says, “God is My Strong Salvation!”
I have a few sermon quotes to share with you and hope they will be of benefit:
“How many have heard the voice of the Lord?”
“There is a shepherd that is calling after you.”
“Are we present?”
“We must accept Him completely as He is—God is GOD!”
“What’s the “least” I can do and still be serving?”
“Show me where I’m sinning…”
“Do our actions portray our religion?”
“Love without service is like faith without works—it’s dead.”
“How does the LORD want me to act?”
“Are we doing “enough” to save our souls?”
“What you put in your mind is what you will get out!”
“There’s a “disconnect” between our faith and the way we live our life.”
“THINGS—is that what makes you happy?”
“We are in need of comfort.”
“Don’t judge me because I sin differently than you—STOP IT!”
“Am I “willing” to overcome?”
The world is spinning, and times are changing! I saw a report on TV about the ice melting way too fast in a certain area of the world, and when I was going over my notes to send this report to the Advocate, I read from a sermon that God is causing this warming, trying to call the people of the world to their knees. As Jeremiah said to the children of Israel to walk in the old paths, they said, “We will not walk therein.” Please pray for our nation and our brothers and sisters all over the world—as I told a sister and dear friend the other day—hold on to the Rod of Iron! There is much to try us and call us away, “but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (1 Cor. 10: 13) May God bless us all!
Your reporter,
Czerna Kauffmann
Collins Local
Collins, Missouri
