Hello Folks,
     The summer activities are fast approaching for me and probably for all of you.  Next week I will be in Anderson, In at the annual camp meeting and General Assembly meeting.  While I look forward to seeing folks that I have not seen in a while I really dread the trip.  If it were not for the fact that I feel the great need to participate in our national ministry efforts I would stay home.  Of course, it also helps that Ruth and I will take a week vacation and visit with our children while we are close to them.  When we come back we will bring 3 or 4 of grandchildren back with us for a couple of weeks.  We really look forward to having them here with us.
     When I read the news I often wonder what our nation and our world will look like in 20 years.  The state of Virginia appointed a judge, against the state legislatures desires, that is extremely pro-homosexual.  General Mills, JC Penny's, Home Depot and others are showing that they are also pro-homosexual.  The President of the U.S. has come out in favor of homosexual "marriages' and has directed the Justice Department to no longer enforce the laws of our land including the Defense of Marriage Act.  What will we look like in 20 years? 
     The answer to all this is that the church of God still has Jesus as its head and that will never change.  I wonder if much of what we see is nothing more than indications that we are moving toward the time when His church will be encircled by the paganistic forces of our world and He will have to intervene?  Of course this could just be nothing more than the surmising of an older man but it makes you wonder.

May He Bless You All,

HGRudd

Hello Folks,
     Here we are in the month of June and it summer is just a matter of days away from us.  One of the facts of getting older is that time seems to run past us as a furious rate.  I can remember my parents talking about how fast time goes by and I find myself echoing their words now that I have had the privilege of living over 60 years.
     This past week a very good friend went on to be with the Lord.  Her name was Willie Heberer.  Willie was 75 years of age and had been beseiged with cancer.  When Ruth and I pastored in Pekin, Il she and her husband, Earl, came to the Lord on Oct. 26, 1980.  What friends they were to us.  When Ruth and I went to Pastor's Fellowship in Kentucky she would watch our kids.  My children have wonderful memories of her and Earl.  We spent time with them, laughed and mourned with them.  Now, she has gone on to be with the Lord and her time on this earth is over.  But praise be to God anyone who will serve Jesus can have the privilege of seeing her and Earl again.  Friends, cannot be overestimated!  She was a true gift from God for me and Ruth.
     I wonder if you have friends like that?  I pray that you do and if you do not then you should call on God to enable that to take place.  What a joy it is to have people you can celebrate life with and hold close in your heart.
     Another one of my friends from Pekin is Jess Glidewell.  He is now about 72 years of age and is battling cancer.  I have known him since about March of 1980.  My family has eaten at his house so many times that I think he could have used us as a tax deduction.  His family is dear to me as well and I am praying that God continue to give healing to his body.  It is my understanding that he has recently come to the Lord for salvation so I have assurance that I will be able to see him in glory when that time comes.
     Is it not strange but the older we grow it is not uncommon to see our friends and loved ones leave this world.  Since that is true we should be prepared to live in eternity with Christ and with them.  I wonder if you are ready?

Have a great day,

HGRudd