These days following my recent surgery have been interesting. Every day someone asks, “How are you doing?” or “How are you healing?” Let me say that I am so thankful for all of the cards, calls and questions about my well-being. The kindness people have shown in their concern for me has meant so much to me and my family. For what it’s worth, I am doing well and healing very well.

Each time I respond to a question about my healing, I am struck by the miracle of healing. It’s amazing to me how one can go through physical trauma, even if it’s brought on through surgery, and, in a matter of a few days, be back on the road to complete health. Health is a wonderful thing. When one has been injured, hurt or sick for some time there are few things that feel better than health or at least movement toward health. It may be a stretch, but I see a parallel between this and being spiritually sick. There is nothing better than being sick spiritually and experiencing the peace, comfort and joy that comes into one’s life through giving their life to Christ.

CALIFORNIA
Southern California: On September 25 – 27, approximately 40 women of the Advent Christian Conference of Southern California set sail for their annual Women’s Retreat at Camp Maranatha. The retreat was hosted by the Bonita Avenue AC Church in LaVerne. The workshop sessions and the music, which included choruses and old hymns, reflected the theme “We Are Voyagers.” All activities were efficiently led by the crew: Captain Melva Barth, First Mate & Cruise Director Katy Vining, and Ship’s Chaplain Amanda Litwak. By the time the weekend was over, we had found out how much fun it is to be a “Shipshape Sailor.” (Submitted by Cheryl Gilroy)

We are truly grateful for the immediate and generous response to the desperate situation in Manila caused by typhoon Ketsana. Within hours of releasing monies from our Emergency Relief Fund, we heard from our Advent Christian family in New Zealand, learning that they, too, had responded quickly to the needs of our families in the Philippines. To represent the real need and severity of the situation, we want to share some pictures from the area surrounding and including our church in Manila