We weren’t sure what to expect.  We had received a call from a colonel at a nearby base asking us if we wanted a team of 3 individuals (1 man and 2 women) to come work at the Hangar for 2 weeks.  He assured us that they were hard workers who were coming to Germany to serve the Lord, not sightsee or shop.

 

It sounded too good to be true….and then he dropped the bombshell….they were all in their 80’s!!

 

The first thing we did was make sure we knew the fastest route to the nearest hospital and then we started making a list of what we thought 80 year olds could do:  dust, fold towels, arrange the spices in the cupboard.

 

Were we ever surprised when Gil, Grace and Betty arrived.  They started working immediately and didn’t stop until they left.  They trimmed trees, pulled weeds, hauled garbage, cleaned windows, scrubbed floors, painted the basement, filled the freezer with homemade cookies and kept us laughing all the time.

 

The joy of the Lord was truly their strength!!  When they left, we cried, and then laid down for a nap!!

 

If you have ever thought that you were too old to go on a mission trip, it would be good to talk to these people.  The oldest is 86 and she plans to be back next year!  We were so motivated by their example of joyous commitment and humble service and we definitely want to be just like them when we grow up.

Lest you think that all we do is work, we are including some pictures of recent events with the Hangar Gang.

 

On Halloween, we hosted “Hat Night”.  The cuisine fit the occasion and Sheila made Spider Web pizzas, pumpkin shaped ham and Swiss sandwiches and had Frankenstein cookies and Booscottie for dessert.  Roger completed the evening with an interesting discussion about the Holy Ghost, which has since led to further talks with some of our airmen on that subject.

 

Then we recently went to Athens to cheer on three of our kids from the Hangar who were running the Athens Marathon.

 

The race covers the same route that the original runner covered in 490 BC  and finishes in the original Olympic stadium.  It was a great accomplishment for these young men and we loved being there to celebrate the victory with them.

We also took them out to Ancient Corinth and thought it was a perfect opportunity to share with them the words Paul had written to the Corinthians about the way each of us needs to run the race of life.  You can find Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.

 

One of the airmen is already planning his next marathon and asked if we would come cheer him on at that one also.

Hi 

How we thank God daily for each of you and all your prayers and support.  We are very aware that without you this ministry would not exist.  On behalf of the military community at Spangdahlem, Germany, we thank you.

Serving Him—Roger & Sheila

 

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