Calling All Cornhuskers

Happy Wednesday, everyone! We recently had a wonderful opportunity to go on a door-knocking and lectureship campaign in Nebraska, and I want to share all about it with you.

Back in April, my dad approached me one evening and told me about an invitation that was extended to him to be part of a door-knocking campaign and lectureship in Kearney, Nebraska. Our family has known the preacher of one of the {2} congregations in Kearney for many years. In fact, when I was in high school, John came to Oklahoma a few times to spend time with Dad, and his youngest daughter even went to church camp with me. She and I were good friends for a few years before losing touch, but Dad and John have kept in touch all this time. 

Anyway, so Dad asked me if Chris, myself, and the kids might be interested in joining the campaign in late July. I told him we'd check our schedule (knowing we had a lot on our July calendar already) and think about it. 

In May, we took a vacation to the Dakotas and stopped in Kearney for worship on our way home. While there, John invited us to be part of the campaign and even told Chris that he would make a spot for him to preach in the lectureship line up. Not long after we got home from vacation, Chris told me he thought we should go. Chris contacted John, we marked the days on our calendar, and we made plans to join the campaign!

The campaign began on Wednesday, July 30th. We spent that day driving the almost 8 hours to Kearney, but other team members had taken Tuesday as their driving day. The campaign included John and his wife, Leanna, Mike and Kay (two members of the congregation we worked with), Mom and Dad, Russ and Lisa, Lance from Georgia, a group of nine from Mabelvale, Arkansas, and Lois from Kansas City who was picked up by the Arkansas group on their way to Nebraska. While the door-knocking kicked off on Wednesday, we were making our way to Nebraska.

We had to to drive through Kansas to get to Nebraska.

We stopped at a roadside park north of Salina, Kansas for a picnic lunch on our way. 

The best thing about taking a road trip is being able to stop at random places along the way. While passing through Cawker City, Kansas, we decided to stop and visit the world's largest ball of twine!

Brecklyn and Brianna wanted to take a photo with this cat cutout that was at the ball of twine. Silly girls!

We arrived in Kearney at about 4:00pm that afternoon. Chris had reserved a house for us through VRBO, and we made a quick stop for some groceries before getting settled at the house. The house was one of the nicest we've gotten through VRBO. It had a nice front porch with swing, a living room with ample seating, two bedrooms (both with king beds) and a full bathroom, a dining room that seated 8, a great kitchen, and a sitting room upstairs. Downstairs was another living room, two more bedrooms, and another bathroom. 

I didn't get any photos of the inside of the house, but Bri took this one of the beautiful grounds (and bunny) next door. This was the view from the front porch!

One we got settled, we met Mom, Dad, Russ, and Lisa at a local fast food place called Runza for dinner. Nebraskans will insist that Runza is the best, but we thought it was just okay. After dinner, we headed to the church building for Bible study with the rest of the team. 

The next morning (Thursday), we all met at the church building for a devotional and planning meeting before starting our work for the day. John made sure to include all eligible males in leading, and Chris ended up leading singing and prayers several times.

The devotional lasted about 30 minutes, then we spent about 30 minutes making a plan for the day. We split into small groups of 2 or 3, and John made sure everyone knew where to go.

Brianna, Lance, Bren, and Grampy heading out to go door-knocking

Ready to door-knock!

Our goal in door-knocking was to invite local citizens to join us for the lectureship, as well as set up Bible studies. We handed out tracts about the church of Christ, invitations for a correspondence course, a tract titled Does God Care if I'm Lost, and the invitation below. 

Chris, Brecklyn, and I ended up being a team on Thursday morning, and for the most part we were met with friendly people. Chris had a few short Bible discussions and made one contact that seemed promising. We did have one woman threaten to call the police on us for leaving material hanging on her door, and then continue to shout at us as we walked down the street. That kind of reception is never pleasant, but she was certainly the minority. 

Around lunchtime, we all gathered back at the church building where we ate lunch that had been prepared by Ms. Leanna and Ms. Kay. 

The men were good to highlight streets on a map that had been worked so we didn't repeat houses. Of course, Bren wanted to be right in the middle of that!

Wesley, Chris, and John

Chuck, Wesley, Chris, and John

We also took time to pack more bags and enjoy one another's company while back at the building for lunch. 

Bren, Brooke, Lisa, and Mom

The group from Arkansas had driven a small bus, and Brooke happily joined those riding the bus to door-knock. She partnered with Mr. Wayne a good bit of the time and had no problem knocking on doors, talking to people, and passing out literature. 

After working for several more hours after lunch, we all parted ways for the evening. Thursday was the only free evening we had, so we invited Mom, Dad, Russ, and Lisa to join us for taco salad at our house. The meal was simple but good, and we had a great time visiting. Russ and Lisa even stayed an hour or so after Mom and Dad left so we could catch up on life. 

On Friday morning, we all met back at the building once again for a devotional and planning meeting. 

Most of the campaign team - the photo is missing Wayne (who was taking the photo), Randy (who hadn't arrived yet), and Mom and Leanna who had gone for Leanna to get chemo that morning

The previous two days, Mom had stayed back at the building to help with tasks that needed to be done there. John also didn't join a door-knocking team because he had the job of running people and materials to where they needed to go. However, on Friday morning, Mom took Leanna to have a chemo treatment. Since I was in a group of three, I decided to stay back and help with tasks at the building. I helped rearrange and set up tables for lunch, helped clean out and fill the trough that serves as a baptistry, and packed more bags for door-knocking. 

Meanwhile, the skies opened up and poured on our fellow workers out door-knocking. The weather was actually pretty chilly this day, and my kiddos were definitely cold when they came back to the building wet!

Lance and Bri in the rain

John had told Chris that morning to work Fourth Street until they hit the cornfield. I thought that was some sort of Nebraska humor until Chris sent me this photo of Brecklyn at the end of Fourth Street, lol!

Once again, lunch was a great time for everyone to reconvene, dry out, and get physical and spiritual refreshment!

Bren and Brecklyn packing bags for more work that afternoon

We took a short rest Friday afternoon before meeting back together on Friday evening for our first lesson. Lance preached an excellent lesson on authority that evening. Lance is an OABS graduate, and both Dad and John were among his instructors. 

Chuck, Lance, John

Because the OABS semester began the Saturday that we were in Nebraska, Russ and Lisa had to leave on Friday to get home for classes. John was also committed to teaching for OABS Saturday morning, so there was nothing planned for the campaign team at that time. Several of us took the opportunity to visit the Nebraska Archway that morning.

A beautiful morning in Nebraska!

We were thankful Mom and Dad joined us for the morning.

Grampy and kids spent some time feeding the biggest fish from this bridge. 

We didn't pay to go through the whole museum, but we did enjoy the parts that were free.

The Nebraska Archway that spans I-80

We ate lunch at Culver's, then met at the church building for the afternoon lessons. We had a few visitors from some area congregations on Friday evening and for the afternoon lessons on Saturday. For the evening lessons on Saturday, we had four visitors from the community!

Prince, Praise, Brooke, Peace, and Tre ready for the evening lessons

We had two more excellent lessons on Sunday morning.

After Sunday worship services concluded, we took a few photos of the team. 

Jason, John, Lance, Chuck, Prince, Praise, Wayne, Wesley, Chris, and Mike

Jason, Lance, Prince, Chuck, John, Praise, Chris, Wesley, Mike, and Wayne

Tre, Brianna, Peace, Brecklyn, Brooke, Tamara, Laticia, Chelley, Jody, Leanna, Kay, and Lois

These men have worked together for many years and in several countries - 

Chuck, Wayne, and John

Laticia was from Arkansas and really enjoyed Brooke and Brecklyn

Jody and Leanna

We all enjoyed lunch at Pizza Ranch together, then parted ways. It had been such an uplifting time for us that it was a little hard to leave. However, we were all thankful for the time spent together, the work that had been done, and the contacts that had been made. 

The next week, John let us all know that Breanna - a young lady who had visited the meeting on Friday night with her fiance' Micah - had put on Christ in baptism. We were thrilled to hear this news! Micah is a Christian from a somewhat nearby town, but he and Breanna plan to move to Kearney once they marry in the fall. 

Micah and Breanna

In addition to the wonderful news of Breanna's baptism, John also let us know that he had received three requests for correspondence courses in the mail so far. We were all certainly encouraged by this news!

We praise God for the good work that was done in Kearney during this campaign, and thank God that we were able to be part of it!

Adventures in New England

Since Brenson is 13 now, he had the wonderful opportunity to go on vacation with his Aunt Shawna and Uncle Jeremy. This trip - known as the "13 Year Old Trip" - is something he has been planning with his aunt and uncle for close to a year. Brianna had a blast on her 13 Year Old Trip two years ago, so we were looking forward to Brenson's turn this year. 

One of the primary goals of Brenson's 13 Year Old Trip was for Jeremy, Shawna, and Brenson to explore some states in New England that none of them have visited before. Jeremy made sure that Bren participated heavily in the planning, and I think that helped Bren get really excited for everything. 

On Monday, July 21st, Brianna, Brecklyn, and I drove Brenson to Conway, Arkansas to meet up with Jeremy and Shawna.

Of course, we had to stop and take a pic with the Arkansas state sign!

We ate an early dinner together at David's Burgers, then Brianna, Brecklyn, and I headed back home to Oklahoma. Jeremy, Shawna, and Brenson went the opposite way to Little Rock where they were staying for the night. Before going to their hotel, however, they did some sightseeing at the Presidential Library in Little Rock. 

Bren and Jeremy at the Presidential Library

The grounds are unique because there are several interesting globes painted as various things. 

Bren sitting in the earth

Before turning in for the night, they grabbed ice cream at Cold Stone Creamery.

The next morning (Tuesday, July 22nd), they had an early flight from Little Rock to Reagan International Airport in Washington DC. 

Bren, Jeremy, and Shawna during their short layover in DC

From DC, they flew to Boston Logan International Airport.

Bren on the airport shuttle in Boston Logan . . . taking it all in!

Once they landed in Boston, they had lunch at local BBQ place. Bren said it was the best fish sandwich he's ever had!

After lunch, they decided to visit the Boston Tea Party museum. On the way to the museum, they got a great view of some of the Boston skyline!

Jeremy and Bren at the Boston Tea Party museum

Shawna and Bren on the Boston Tea Party boat replica during their tour.

They spent that night in Rhode Island, and the trip from Boston to their hotel was more than Bren could handle. The early morning caught up with him!

Their adventures on Wednesday, July 23rd began with a morning treadmill workout for Bren. He missed several days of run practice during this trip, but he was good to try and make up for some of it. 

Jeremy was great to take and send me photos throughout their trip, but Bren didn't always want to be photographed. Especially not while eating breakfast!

Once they finished breakfast, they headed to Narragansett Town Beach where Bren was able to see the Atlantic Ocean for the first time. 

Shawna and Bren

Bren's feet in the Atlantic Ocean

Jeremy, Bren, and Shawna's feet in the Atlantic Ocean

Jeremy and Bren in the Atlantic Ocean

They spent just under an hour at the beach, then drove several hours until they reached Vermont. 

They were able to eat at an Italian restaurant in Vermont.

Once they finished lunch, they drove to New Hampshire where they stayed for the night. The next morning (Thursday, July 24th), they went to a disc golf course Jeremy had located in New Hampshire. He and Bren played a round of disc golf on the most wooded course Bren had ever played on, and Bren won :-). Shawna walked the course with them. 

They played the first 9 of 18 holes. 

A snack at Dunkin' Donuts was in order after disc golf!

That afternoon, they drove to Maine where they visited Nubble Lighthouse. 

So beautiful and scenic!

It was definitely windy by the water, but the temperature was perfect.

After their visit to the lighthouse, they went back to Portsmouth, New Hampshire and ate lunch by the sea. Jeremy sent Chris and me this photo, and had us wishing we were there, too!

Watching boats as they dined

Apparently, Bren was pictured out for the day!

Following another night spent in New Hampshire, Bren started the next morning (Friday, July 25th) on the treadmill and once again not wanting his picture taken! Stinker!

They decided to spend their final day sightseeing in Boston, so they drove back to Massachusetts and visited the USS Constitution Museum and Ship.

Bren trying to sneak a nap at the museum

Jeremy, Shawna, and Bren in front of the USS Constitution

Bren exploring on the USS Constitution

They grabbed a quick lunch after the USS Constitution tour where Jeremy had some amazing loaded fries.

As their final excursion of the trip, they decided to Ride the Ducks in Boston. Of course, this was right up Jeremy-the-duck-man's alley!

Ready to Ride the Ducks!

They were able to see some beautiful views of Boston while on the Duck.

Then, of course, it launched into the water!

And Jeremy got to drive the Duck Boat! Bren wasn't interested in driving, but he did take this photo of Jeremy driving.

Lovely views from the Duck Boat

They spent the night in Boston that night to be close to the airport since they had a very early morning flight. I think Bren wasn't feeling too perky when leaving the hotel for the airport at 5:00am. 

Grabbing breakfast in the airport before their flight

Taking off from Boston and heading toward Chicago O'Hare

Bren taking in the view as they landed in Little Rock from O'Hare

On Saturday, July 25th, we left our house and drove to Little Rock to meet Jeremy, Shawna, and Bren. We planned to meet at Arby's, but their lobby was closed so we went to Chick-Fil-A instead. We were all happy to see the travelers!

Brecklyn, a very tired Bren, and Jeremy

After a fairly quick lunch, we parted ways. Jeremy and Shawna headed east toward Tennessee, and we headed west toward Oklahoma. Since this was my fourth trip to central Arkansas and back during the month of July, I asked Chris if he was interested in taking a slightly different route home. We decided to go north on Scenic Route 71 from Alma, Arkansas and go through Fayetteville. While in Fayetteville, we stopped at Rymolene's Pies and had a little treat. 

Brecklyn and Brooke with their pie

Bri and Bren (still looking so tired) enjoying their pie

Chelle and Chris with their yummy pie

It was about 8:00pm when we arrived home that evening, and Bren was ready to take a shower and sleep in his bed. But first, he had to show me all the new state patches he can now put on his state patch quilt. He's visited 8 new states since May!

Bren wasn't too talkative on the way home (he slept a lot), but has since told us lots of stories of his travels and adventures. We are so grateful he was able to take such a special trip with his aunt and uncle!