Newkie News: June 2008

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Mt. of Blessings Clean Up

Ellison/Tolley kids

A Revolutionary War grave

A War of 1812 grave

A Civil War grave

The churches old foundation

Today was a second clean up day at Mt. of Blessings as we are making final preparations for camp which starts this Friday. The Tolleys and us spent the day up there. It was a great day together. On the way home we took them to Alvira. The Tolleys love history so they liked the trip. Alvira was a town at one time. During the world wars, the government bought out the home owners and turned it into an ammunition dump. There are still bunkers there, some of which you can go into. Scattered throughout it all is very old grave yards where soldiers from wars starting with the Revolutionary War are buried. Here are some pics to prove it. It was neat. The foundation was from the church that once stood in front of the cemetery.

Monday, June 23, 2008

God's Missionary Youth Camp

I know you may think I am biased, but God's Missionary Youth Camp is as good as it gets. President Jacob Martin Has a vision and a heart for young people and it is obvious every year. This year 126 young people converged onto the campus of Penn View Bible Institute for GMYC '08 (one shy of breaking our record). We had 10 teams 13 - 14 young people. It was a fight to the end. This year there were no blow outs. It was a tough fight for the top. Never in my "coaching" history has my team made it past eighth place. This year that all changed. Our team missed first place by a mere 55 points. We had a great time as a team. You can view pictures of GMYC at www.gmcyonline.wordpress.com . Thank God for His presence in many of the services and for the many young people who made spiritual progress.

Saturday, June 21, 2008

9th Wedding Anniversary

This past week, Vonnie and I celebrated our 9th wedding anniversary. It is hard to believe that 9 years have come and gone already. It has flown by. At times it is hard to remember back thirteen years ago when I first came to the campus of Penn View Bible Institute. I was a junior in high school. Donnie, Vonnie's brother, was in the same class as I. About two days into my 6 year stay at PVBI, Donnie asked me a typical guy question..."So which girls are you scoping out?" There were two girls I said caught my eye. One was taken and would soon get married. So that narrowed it down to one girl, and my first choice anyways...Vonnie Hallenbeck. It wasn't long until we began chatting and joking together. Then there was Junior/Senior banquets. (The competition was stiff at times, but somehow I wound up on top). About two years into our four year "dating years" I saw true love face to face and it scared the daylights out of me. So I decided to take a sabbatical from dating. It didn't last long and we were soon dating again. Not long after, we were engaged and then on June 19, 1999, we became the Ellisons. I have enjoyed every minute of it. She annoys the stew out of me at times, but guess what, I annoy her too. We have our disagreements just like everyone else. But not one day has went by that I have second guessed my decision to marry Vonnie. She is truly the love of my life and the best mother to be found. It has been a joy to have her serve by my side for the past eight years in the ministry. She is a huge boost to Ellison ministry team. Having said all of this, Vonnie, I love you more today than ever before. You're the best! I am so glad God brought us together!

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Happy Father's Day

There are a lot of people who have greatly impacted my life. Many teachers and instructors. Preachers and friends. But one sticks out above the rest...my dad. Dad has been a rock steady example in most every area you can think of. My dad never wired a house, built a new addition on our house. He never changed a transmission or an exhaust system. But he did do what he knew. He knew ball. So many were the days he was a catcher and I the pitcher. He was the quarterback and I was the wide receiver. We hunted and fished many times. Bottom line, he was always there and he still is. Many are the times I call for advice or to run something by him and he listens and offers sound advice. Today, as often as we can we still enjoy a round of golf together. Time well spent shooting the bologna as we travel around the course in our cart. Times that still help shape and mold our friendship. Thanks dad for all you have done. Your sacrifices and friendship. Your the best and I love you.

Then there is my father-in-law, Don Hallenbeck. I am sure he wasn't quite sure want his daughter was getting into when we married (he was my dorm dean at PVBI). But none the less, he accepted me into his family as if I were one of his own sons. He also has taught me a lot and I am grateful to have married into such a wonderful family. Thanks Don for all you have done.

Tree House

Steve Miller - contractor

Hired help #1

Hired help #2

Almost Done

Final Touches

Steve Miller built a tree house for Justin and Kayla last week. We have one more level to build but we ran out of time and we need just a little bit more wood. At least when the floods come, we have a place to go. The first level is nearly 6 foot high and the second level in 10 - 11 feet high. They love it and I am sure many days will be spent under the shade of these limbs.

Father's Day 2008

Dad with three great kids.

Guest Speaker - Frank Hiedler

Jeffery & Adrian Duttry

Carrie & Craig Burkey

Brenda & Lance Pardoe

I must start off by saying that I am one proud dad. Justin, Kayla and Tyler are wonderful kids. (Tyler hasn't had much time to prove himself, but I feel it coming on). I thank God for giving Vonnie and I three healthy kids. I couldn't ask for a better family. A great wife, three lovable kids...what more could you ask for. At the New Columbia God's Missionary Church our tradition for Father's Day gifts are fresh. homemade pies. The men seem to enjoy this rather than the .99
cent hammer they could get. None the less, it is a neat time together and the pies are delicious. This year we had 45 pies made with only 3 or 4 left over. All in all....a good day!