March 6, 2010
The Wisconsin conference normally in May, will not happen this year. It was decided to take a break this year, after many years of having conferences in various states and some foreign countries as well.
Nov. 24, 2009
Had the fourth skin cancer surgery on Monday. It was on my left upper arm. The bandage is about 10" long. As with the others, I've had no pain associated with it. PTL! The bandage is giving me some discomfort, but at least I'm not scaring people when I'm out in public. :) (The head bandages with the other 3 were scary.)
Same as last time, I had a dentist appointment today for some fillings. I guess I'm a glutton for punishment! :)
Nov. 17, 2009
Back in the states. At Daytona Bch for the week with a high school friend of ours and our grandaughter-in-law and great grandaughter.
Had a fruitful time of ministry in Mexico. The people really received the Word. They want me to return soon. PTL!
Nov. 14, 2009
Made it through Friday the 13th without any problems. In Jesus, Satan can't even find us (Ps. 91).
Really enjoying ministry in Mexico. Had a men's breakfast this morning - the first for that ministry. It went well!
Nov. 11, 2009
Arnie just got to Tecate, Mexico where he starts a several meeting time of ministry tonight. He's scheduled for 6 meetings from Wednesday until Sunday, leaving Monday afternoon.
His hosts are Jack & Jeannie Fries, who head a missionary work they've been doing about 40 years.
October 17, 2009
I got an e-mail from Sam Chandler who is suffering great pain.
Please join in prayer that the Lord will touch him and manifest the healing he's needed for quite some time.
October 16, 2009
Yesterday I had the third skin cancer surgery. As with the first two, they got all the cancer the first try. PTL! Aside from the look and aggravation of the bandage, I have no problem with pain. God is GOOD!
This week I also had to go to the dentist for a crown. The dentist spent two hours drilling and installing a temporary crown. The next day it came off, so I got to go back to have it replaced. :)
September 25, 2009
From September 2 to 22, we were on the road, driving over 3,600 miles, visiting friends, relatives and doing some ministry. We had two family reunions along the way as well.
The first day, we drove to Coldwater, Michigan, to our cousins Bob & Cora Travelbee's and preached at the evening service at the Holy Spirit Church they attend. Bob & Cora sung, as well.
On Thursday we drove to Grand Ledge, where we had a reunion with my side of the family: my two brothers (it had been many years since we were all together), 5 of one brother's 8 children, both of my other brother's girls and one husband, plus spouses and kids. We stayed with a niece we hadn't seen in many years.
Then, we visited a high school friend and her husband for two days. We got to see their sons and families as well. While there we saw one of Becky's cousins also.
From there we went to Becky's uncle Ron & Arlene's, also attending my wife's family reunion on Labor Day.
Tuesday we drove to Burlington, Wisconsin and stayed with Paul & Pat Jaglowski. Then, on Wednesday, we drove to Dave and Mary Lee Gens' at Baudette Mn., arriving in time for their Wednesday service, at which we gave a bit of our testimony of being married 10 years, then divorced for 38 years and now back together, by the grace of God.
Each morning we had prayer and I taught for about an hour. We also had a couple of men come and do a tent ministry that the Lord blessed.
On Monday, we drove back to Burlington and spent the rest of the week there, visiting friends, plus ministering on Sunday morning at Kenosha United Christian Church. Tuesday we also had lunch with our Nigerian leader, Christopher Ezeh, who was returning that day.
Also, on Thursday night, we had a conference follow-up meeting at Bob & Terri Witte's, at which we went over what we liked and disliked about the conference, as well as how to improve for next year. We will post the notes Bob took, elsewhere on this site.
We all agreed to have the conference at Ed Werve's church again next year, and decided to have it the same week as it's been for years: the Thursday through Sunday after Mother's Day. We also decided to include the Sunday morning service as part of the conference.
The committee also agreed that the conference should be mandatory for all Living Word members, barring physical impossibilities. With meals at the church on an offering basis and free accommodations, no one should be kept away due to expense.
The meals are already being planned for next year. One
thing we all agreed on is that the food was excellent. Thank you, Jennifer!
From Kenosha we went to Jackson, Michigan to stay with Becky's good friend, Laurie Sargeant. We also visited Spring Arbor and drove around to see all the changes since we were there in high school nearly 50 years ago. We also visited my cousin and his wife, whom I hadn't seen in about 50 years, as well as a friend from our high school days. We also tried to see a cousin of Becky's at a nursing home, but were unable to do so.
Tuesday night we were back home safe and sound and in our own bed. We were glad to have had a wonderful and enjoyable time. Thank you to all who were involved.
On Wednesday, the 23rd, I had a second skin cancer surgery that went well. On the first try they got all of the cancer. The most problem I had was scaring everyone with my bandaged head that made me look like a mummy; otherwise, there was almost no pain, just a small bit of discomfort. PTL!
July 17, 2009
A report about Dave Gardella, our neice's husband: he's been undergoing chemo with little side-affects. He's home and enjoying going to his son's ball games and other family activities, though he's quite weak. Please continue to pray for the family as there are many issues they're having to deal with at this time.
Cora Travelbee had her surgery and it was deemed successful. Although she's very sore, she is back at home and recovering nicely. They believe they got all the cancer and she should be back to a normal life-style soon.
I won't begin treatments for the skin cancers until after the first week of August. The surgeries will most likely have to include skin grafts, but otherwise I am expected to recover fully.
Becky just got out of the hospital after going in early Wednesday morning with severe stomach cramps. Because of a denser diet we've recently begun, she had a blockage that had to be removed and they wanted to make sure nothing else was wrong, so they ran several tests.
July 7, 2009
Yesterday I went to the skin doctor who told me he'll do the first of several operations to remove skin cancers beginning after the first of August. He's pretty sure it can all be gotten and my recovery should be without complication, although he can't and won't guarantee it, of course.
Dave Gardella, my nephew by marriage who has cancer is home from the hospital and gaining strength. He had the first session of chemo yesterday and took it quite well. His attitude is positive and he and the family are trusting the Lord.
We don't have a report on Cora's surgery yet. She was to have it done today. We'll report as soon as we know how it went.
June 22, 2009
Cora Travelbee gave us an update after she'd just been to the doctor. She's to have surgery July 7th which should remove her cancer and enable her to continue a normal life. The cancer was caught early, PTL!
Dave is undergoing some surgery to ease his pain some, before he starts chemo. He's working on regaining strength. The prognosis looks good.
I'm going to the doctor this week to consider when they will remove the cancers on my skin. There are several spots on my head and back and chest areas.
June 2, 2009
Our nephew, Dave Gardella, husband of our niece Dawn, is in serious condition with multiple myeloma, a serious type of cancer. He was bed-ridden several weeks before finally going to the hospital. Our family is supporting him around the clock and taking care of their kids while his wife is at the hospital with him. His family is taking care of their home, having come up to Michigan from Florida.
To keep up with Dave's condition and progress, they have set up a website: http://caringbridge.org/visit/davegardella
May 20, 2009
Becky and I are enjoying our second great grandaughter who was born about 9:40 pm last Thursday in El Paso, Tx. Her name is Saphira Raines Harris. She was 5# 13 oz., 18'' long. Momma, our grandaughter Jessicah, and baby are doing fine.
We got to El Paso about 7 am Monday after leaving Kenosha Sunday morning about 6 am.
The baby has a problem digesting protein, so she has to be watched very carefully. Otherwise she's healthy and whole.
May 18, 2009
Last weekend the Kenosha conference was a success. The committe, made up of: Terri Witte, Paul Jaglowski, Charlie Hansen, Ed Werve, and Jerry Christensen, did an outstanding job of putting the details together. Pastor Ed's daughter, Jennifer, did a wonderful job of coordinating meals every day and Terri Witte and the Freedom Within Band did a marvelous job of taking us into the Holy of Holies. In the mornings, Dave and Mary Lee Gens led worship as well.
All the speakers empasized the theme: GOD IS OUR REFUGE from Ps. 46:1, chosen by Becky Smith. Terri even wrote a new song based upon Ps. 46, that was tremendous!
A highlight was a video presentation about the greatness of God, shown by Paul Jaglowski. It showed just how small we are in comparison with the Universe. It likened the earth to a golf ball and related it to the size of the other planets, the sun, and other places in the galaxy.
The special music was anointed too, often bringing tears to the eyes. Lori Belanger sang "In the presence of Jehoveh" and Pat Jaglowski sang "Thank You" without a dry eye in the place.
We ended with communion, served by Charlie and Ed. Then came the toughest part: having to say " see you later" to those we'd shared with for the three days.
Arnie had the joy of introducing his bride, Becky, to the people. As Arnie promised her, the folks loved her!
May 9, 2009
Next week Thursday - Saturday will be our Kenosha, Wisconsin conference. Details may be found on pages below. I'm looking forward to introducing my new bride to everyone.
February 23, 2009
A committee is working on plans for the conference this year. it will be at Kenosha United Christian Church, Thursday through Saturday the week after Mother's Day. Details will be forthcoming.
May 21, 2008
I just received an e-mail that Debbie L. Gonser, of Arkansas, just passed away. Services will be at Mitchell Funeral Home, Paragould, Ar., Thursday at 11 am.
Several years ago, she came to the Georgia conference and sang for us. She had a brain tumor, and passed out a few times while with us then. Dave Thomas, from Wales, U.K., was preaching and stopped to minister to her, at one point.
She became ill and was expected to die, but God gave her many more fruitful years, PTL.
May 19, 2008
The Milwaukee conference is just over. From Thursday morning at 10am, until Saturday evening at about 10 pm, we had fellowship as L.W. brothers and sisters that was visited with the divine presence of God many times.
The times of worship, led by Terri Witte, often brought an awareness of God's pleasure. Thank you, Terri.
Terri's husband, Bob, handles the sound system and all the equipment for the band, as well as the overhead projector, and all of the recording. He was with us the whole time, during this conference. Thank you so much!
Each speaker brought a word from the Word that focused on our theme, "The tie that Binds". In fact, when Christopher Ezeh, from Nigeria, ministered, he said the previous speaker, Mark Wheeler, had already spoken much of his message. But God enabled what Christopher spoke to dovetail very nicely with what Mark had said, rather than duplicate it.
Pastor Ed Werve and his wife, Kathy, were at all the meetings this year, even though they drove back and forth from home in Kenosha. Ed ministered that in order to have fellowsjip, we needed to develop our friendship. He quoted John 17: 20,21 - which says God wants us to be One, as He is with Jesus. That takes time and commitment to each other.
Jerry Christensen told us to "Wake UP", a teaching telling us the necessity of prayer as it relates to fellowship and revival. He spoke of four contributors to revival: 1) Brokenness 2) Prayer & Fasting 3) Seeking God's Face 4) Holiness.
He also made this statement, appropriate to us all: "Don't pretend to be what you don't intend to be".
For the first time, at a conference, pastor Charlie Hansen brought the word Friday night, as well as bringing several from his church. He told us we have God's DNA. He also said the tie that binds is that God is in each of us who've accepted His Son, Jesus. The Holy Spirit gives us agape (God's kind of) love one for another.
After Charlie's word, we spent quite a bit of time ministering to all of the ministers present as well as others who were there. The Lord also gave Mark Wheeler several words of knowledge that were right on the mark. And Murray Steininger, with a recognized ministry of healing, who was available throughout the conference, ministered to many as well.
Frank Reinhardt flew in for the conference from Baltimore. He brought Bruce Barringer with him, who until six months ago was on drugs. He had gone to church because he could get a free meal, but before long, met Jesus. As he told us, he's a work in progress. He lost everything: his family, home, job, and about $2,000,000 to his drug addiction. Since he's become born again, he now has a place he's living and is back at a high paying, professional job with NASA, and is attending church with Frank regularly. He's also beginning to have communications with some of his family.
Saturday night, after Arnie ministered the word, Pat Jaglowski blessed us when she sang one of Arnie's favorites, "Thank You". There was not a dry eye in the place. Following that, Paul Jaglowski tried to sing "They will know we're Christians by our love", but, again, as God's love was flowing so powerfully, he was choked up and nearly everyone was weeping as we closed out the conference.
One thing we did different this time was after the morning session on Friday. We ordered pizza in and had everyone just share whatever was on their heart. It was a profitable time, as several shared ideas as to how we could improve the conference, as well as encourage better attendance in the future.
All in all, it was a good conference. We missed a number of regulars this year, but, we look for them and more, as we anticipate next year's conference.
May 2, 2008
Greg Peterson just asked for prayer for his dad in Milwaukee. He had a stroke this morning and is in St. Luke's, where I was taken when I had strokes too. They have no details yet as to the extent of the stroke, but will keep us posted as they learn anything about his condition.
April 29, 2008
This past week, I had the pleasure of going to Pontotoc, Ms., just west of Tupelo, to visit and minister with Sam & Brenda Chandler.
Wednesday and Friday nights I ministered on Receiving God's Love. Sunday morning I ministered on Christian Maturity. I was also able to take Sam & Brenda out for a meal Saturday evening, which we all enjoyed.
Having time to fellowship and get caught up was a highlight of my time there. It's been about three years since I've been with Sam & Brenda.
Since being with them, they've bought several acres and a large double-wide trailer out in the country. The home was burned out and needed extensive remodeling, which they've done beautifully. Their daughter and family bought a similar trailer and moved it onto their property also.
Sam is pastoring a charismatic church is Houlka, Ms. that needed the stability Sam and Brenda's family relationship could bring them, after both other pastors marriages failed. The church is still in need of healing, but making great progress.
I was well received and invited to return.
Tonya Garrison leading worship (Sam's daughter)
MARK WHEELER called for prayer. He has a leaky roof that has destroyed a room in his house. He needs for the insurance to pay for it. He's also needing direction for his ministry, to be able to provide for his family. His need is urgent, so please join us in prayer.
April 1, 2008
Pat Jaglowski is doing well. She has a follow-up Dr. appointment on Monday and is expecting to go back to work Tuesday.
March 23, 2008
Happy Easter! He is Risen! Alleluiah!
Today was a Great day! It started with a Sonrise service at 7am, followed by breakfast. Then a run into Kenosha to Kenosha United Christian Church, to minister in the morning service. Followed by a meal with several church members at Perkins. Back to Burlington for a much-needed NAP. :)
Pat Jaglowski was able to go out with Paul and me for dinner, PTL! She's now resting comfortably.
Arnie's Itinerary while in Wisconsin, March 2008
Tues. Mar. 4 - Hidden Manna Fellowship, Union Grove
6:30pm - 1817 Mildrum St.
Sun.Mar. 8 - Holy Spirit Community Church,
10 am 22nd St., Kenosha
Tue. - Sun. Mar. 10-16 - Baudette, Mn.
Living Waters Church
Sun. Mar. 23 - Kenosha United Christian Church,
10:30 am 17th St., Kenosha
Beloit Report, March 3, 2008
Feb. 23,24 we ministered in Beloit, Wisconsin at the Overflowing Cup.
Terri Witte and her music group, Freedom Within, led times of worship. Paul Jaglowski also sang.
Arnie taught on Receiving God's Love, for which several came for prayer after the second night of teaching. So many people have a hard time believing God really loves THEM. But He does!
Dave & Diana Fogderud head the Overflowing Cup, an outreach ministry to the down and outers, street people, and those having drug and or alcohol-related problems, as well as folks in or recently out of prison. Dave having started the ministry back in the mid-70's.
Along with Arnie and Paul, other Living Word ministers Carmen and George Zaleski, from Black Duck, Mn. and Bruce and Bonnie Klowas, from Spring Grove, Il. were used to minister to the people.
NEWSLETTER - November 10, 2007
On October 10, Doris Hatfield brought Anne McLean and Jim Cavana to visit with us for a few weeks. Doris stayed until Sunday morning when she had to go back to Ohio to close their home for the winter while she and Jim continue to work in California a few more months.
Anne and Jim came from Scotland for a conference in Texas in September, then spent some time in Oklahoma before going to Doris' in Ohio, then to us. Almost immediately Anne went to work helping us organize the blue house, sorting and cleaning. Our daughter, Pam, also helped a couple of days.
On October 16, Paul Jaglowski flew to Atlanta from Milwaukee to drive the three of us and himself to Wisconsin. Wednesday we drove to Indianapolis and ministered with Pastor Max Colver at Living Word Christian Center. It was good to see the folks there; all are doing well.
The next couple of weeks we stayed with Paul and Pat at their home at which we were well provided for as always. Pat teaches school all day in Illinois then comes home and fixes dinner for all of us. Thank you so much!
Right away when we arrived, we had dinner with several Living Word ministers. Then, on Sunday, we drove to Black River Falls to minister with Loren Foster's church. All of ministered: Paul sang and Anne and Jim both shared and sang. I ministered a brief word as well.
Tuesday Arnie visited with Helen Borre, of Cornerstone Church at he pastored for seven years before turning it over to the Borres. They agreed that Jim and Anne would minister Wednesday night.
Tuesday at 6pm they had dinner at Union Grove, Wi. at the home of Bob and Terri Witte, then sang and shared at their church meeting. Recently they began a new church affiliated with Living Word called Hidden Manna Fellowship.
What a blessing it was to be at Cornerstone again. One family that was there when Arnie was pastor were very glad to see him again and visited for quite awhile. It has been over 17 years since leaving Burlington.
Several L.W. ministers met for lunch on Thursday. There was a meeting of L.W. ministers Saturday as well at Watertown. Everyone who attended really enjoyed themselves, staying almost 3 hours. Another couple who used to be at Cornerstone when Arnie was pastor have lived in Watertown several years now and know the L.W. minister there, also came for dinner and graciously paid for Arnie's meal. It was good to see them!
Sunday morning again everyone ministered at Ed Werve's fellowship: Kenosha United Christian Church. Several church members also went to the Golden Corral for dinner and fellowship after the meeting.
As is customary, Paul's two daughters, their children, dogs and husbands were at Paul's for Sunday dinner.Then, later, Paul and Arnie took Anne and Jim to Milwaukee to catch a bus to visit Anne's two cousins who emigrated to the U.S. many years ago. One of them Anne hadn't seen for nearly 40 years.
Anne and Jim returned Tuesday morning after a great visit with Anne's cousins. Both of their husbands are co-pastors of a growing evangelical church, so they were very welcome. They attended a Monday night meeting at the church called the Alpha program, which the pastors brought with them from Scotland, so they felt right at home.
Bob and Terri Witte had dinner again Tuesday and their normal meeting. After a great time of worship, they turned the meeting over to Arnie, who shared a word from the Word: Receiving God's love. The message was that many really don't receive God's love for at least one of four reasons: unworthiness, lack of understanding of Who God is, mistrust of God and/or guilt.
Wednesday they ministered at Ed Werve's again. Arnie had met with Ed and Murray Steininger, a L.W. minister who was ministering in the area also. Ed said how much they appreciated Anne and Jim the previous Sunday, so Arnie agreed to return. After the service several members went to Wendy's for fellowship.
Friday Paul drove back to Georgia, stopping in Crossville, Tn. for the night and getting back to Arnie's home about 5pm Saturday. Right away, they picked up Betty and went to dinner with Pam as well.
Jim and Anne are visiting until Monday December 12. Their help to organize the blue house and ministry files have been invaluable.
SMITH FAMILY NEWS:
Arnie and Betty's grandson, Eric, and their grandson-in-law, Stephen Harris, both returned safely from Iraq the weekend of November 2 - 4. They are stationed at Fayetteville, N.C. at Ft. Bragg.
Nov. 12, 2007
After nearly two months in the U.S., Jim Cavana and Anne McLean are on their way back home to Scotland. Although they thoroughly enjoyed their time here, they were anxious to get home to family and friends as well as their ministry in prisons and a Teen Challenge-type of ministry located northwest of Glasgow, Scotland.
Matt Aitken, a prison minister from Augusta who has been to Scotland, and his wife spent the day with them Saturday, showing them around Athens on game day. Their words about the game atmosphere were, " it was awesome". When they got back, they were ready for their beds. The University of Georgia Bulldogs won their game, by the way.
Sunday morning they were blessed to minister in Gainesville at A New Walk Fellowship, pastored by Dewayne and Jan Payne. It is a Living Word affiliated church, filled with new converts. Many of the people are former addicts and prisoners, the type of people Anne and Jim minister to all the time when they're home. The church was packed, so they are looking for a larger building for both their worship and food ministry.
The church will serve about 150 families a Thanksgiving dinner this year, plus giving out about 250 food baskets, each with enough for a Thanksgiving dinner for a family. Although the church is young, only about a year and a half, it already is well known in the area for its outreach and ministry to needy people. The excitement is contagious. They really enjoyed Jim and Anne's ministry, giving them an open invitation whenever they're back in America.
After packing to leave, and dinner at CiCi's Pizza and a visit with Arnie and Betty's daughter, Pam, they were once again ready for their beds. Monday Pam joined them as Arnie took them to the Atlanta airport for goodbyes and their flight home.