Buzzard Bylines 1979

• Larry Allen
  I am still working with the Secretary of the Army's office in the Pentagon but have changed jobs to a computer operator. I attend Arlington Memorial Church (C&MA).

• Martha Bass
  Jorge Cuevas and I became engaged this Christmas. My folks aren't real happy about it, but I trust God will continue to work that out. I returned from Mexico in July after finishing language school. God also provided a teacher to take my place. I'm just substitute teaching right now and waiting upon God--the hard part!

• Darryl & Cindy Bodie
  After graduation from Grace Theo. Sem., we moved to Danville, VA to be the sr. pastor of Third Ave. Congregational Christian Church. Our little girl is 2 1/2 and a new Bodie is expected in March, 1979.

• Allan & Cindy Bosson
  We brought Christopher (2 in March) home to the States in April-June last year to meet the family and many friends. After 5 yrs. in NZ, it was somewhat like arriving in a foreign country. Allan is starting his fourth year as assoc. pastor. The church is growing and God continues to bless the work--we've learned so much. Our second child is due Mar 16.

• Ken & Nancy Brown
  Pastoring the C&MA church of Albion; boy Christopher Mark born April, 1977; recently sent a couple from our church to CBC to prepare for Christian service. God is good!

• John & Patty Chestnut
  We are fine; the snow is finally beginning to melt. John will finish seminary on May 18, provided I finish typing this thesis! We do not have a church yet but have several resumes out and hopefully we'll head south. These have been good years, but praise the Lord, they're almost done. I quit work the first of May and am looking forward to being home.

• Jerry & Lois DeRenzo
  I am working as a transmission operator for Channel 19 *CBS TV) in Columbia and serve part-time as pastor-teacher at Believers' Chapel. Please pray for several outreach opportunities in the St. Andrews area.

• Rachel & Bill Ellis
  God's will is ever so perfect and peaceful as He has placed me full-time in a dental office with a Christian dentist and staff. The fellowship of our church made a transition this year becoming non-denominational Trinity Church, with Roy Putnam continuing as pastor. I'm so thankful for God's place of worship and service for me with this fellowship.

• Stephen & Debbie Fields
  We have just moved to Ellijay, GA where we are involved with a form of Coffee House ministry and have a Bible study on Tues. evenings. I also teach in Training Union at a local church. We both work at World Carpets in Dalton. I am in charge of purchasing and Debbie works in the samples division. On Thurs. and Friday evenings and all day Sat. she is studying cosmetology. I am still fairly active with karate.

• Aaron Fleming
  I am finishing seminary in June. Decided in '76 to go back to get my M. Div. Lord willing, I'll be pastoring somewhere in the South with the PCA.

• Wayne & Wendy Graves
  About the time we headed south after finishing Grace last year, we found out that Wendy' 'verified' pregnancy wasn't. But since then we really are expecting, and the baby is due the first of May. Wendy is working as an assistant office manager, and I am presently a purchasing agent for a marine and industrial cleaning service. We don't know what the Lord has for us as far as full-time service, but we're thankful to be in a good church and for our ministry with the young people.

• Deb & Paul Haken
  Feb. 7 SIMAIR suspended operation due to dramatic increases in costs. Plane fuel is now $2.90 a gallon, and a new government tax for navigational aids maintenance amounts to 25 cents per air mile. We are seeking tax exemption. Please pray that operations will be able to resume (Luke 1:37). We are planning a 9 mo. furlough in Sept. Paul hopes to attend CBC's Winter Short Quarter. The kids sure do grow fast. Tamara Joy was born 4/1/78 and Nathaniel will be 3 in May.

• Rhonda Hartell
  I began language study Jan. 8 as a missionary with Wycliffe Bible Translators. Please pray that I'll be able to speak French well, using all opportunities given me to the best advantage. As I go to England this summer, pray that the Lord will use me where I can best be utilized. Also pray that I will know what to do in the fall--to return to Neufchatel or go on to Africa and work until orientation starts in January, 1980.

• Larry & Lenore Hill
  We have enjoyed every minute of our beautiful John Lawrence, born 5/26/78; Larry still teaches at Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry. He hopes to begin doctoral work in the fall. Our 'free' time is spent re-doing an old house we bought.

• Deb & Peter Jones
  Here we are in our 'promised land' where we expect to spend several years ministering among the Chirripo Indians. We will select one church where we will minister and be ministered to during language school. Jonathan is 17 mos. and enjoys living with Grandma Westling, who has a big house and yard. We are with Christian Service, Inc.

• Armand & Jean LeBlanc
  We returned from Iran Jan. 8. "Yankee go home" written across our front door, threats to burn our home and some windows broken out of our car contributed to our decision to wait out the political unrest at home. April 9 we being our trip to CA and WA (were in FL and SC in Feb/Mar). Lori Ruth was born July 28, 1978 and Pete will be 3 in April.

• Pam [Toomey) & George Marhad
  George works for World Vision and we have a little girl, Kristy, 2 in March. I love being a wife and mother and am also teaching a CEF Bible Club in our home.

• Chris & Ann Matthies
  I have been working at the SC Dept. of Mental Health for 5 yrs. and have just completed my Masters at USC. I will be certified to teach in SC schools. We have 3 boys--Toby is 3 and twins Jay and Andy were born 7/19/78. They keep Ann very busy around the house God provided for us. Our home is open to anyone coming for Spring Conference.

• Grady & Vicki Merritt
  Grady continues with weatherization and training CETA workers. We are thankful to be in our own home and new church fellowship. On Tues. nights we are 'discovering' the Bible with a couple who are so eager to learn. We have an extra bedroom so we're here if you need us. Benjamin, 4 and David 1 1/2 just love to entertain.

• Glynis & David Miller
  In Feb. '78 we accepted a call as Min. of Ed. at Central Bapt. Church (Phenix City, AL). We are both busy with opportunities to teach and train. In Nov. I began teaching 4th grade at a nearby private school. We also have a new family addition--we are foster parents of 17 year old Chantae. This is a wide open door for ministry.

• Tricia & Dan Miller
  We arrived the end of Mar. '78. Dan is very busy with flying and maintenance. We praise God for a real sense of fulfillment in our jobs. Tricia has taken the responsibility of Center Housing Coordinator. Being in the midst of 5 workshops (through April) means a lot of families moving in and out as well as special guests, so she'll appreciate your prayers. Matthew is now 1 and Scott is 3 in March.

• Gary & Ellie Minion
  Gary is employed with So. Bell. We have been married since 8/13/77 and expect our first child in July, 1979. We are praying about full-time Christian service if the Lord wills it.

• Cliff & Jayne Moore
  We now have two little girls--Heather is 4 and Melody 21 mos. They're the sunshine of our lives. Cliff is still with Servicemaster and works at the Baptist Medical Center [Montgomery AL]. We just bought our first home. There's lot of room so please come see us! We love you!

• Al & Daisy Ortiz
  Please pray for the election of new church officers with a burden for discipleship and renewal during the conference in late April. I will be attending. We plan to return in July to get the discipleship started. Should the vote favor continuing the 'traditionalist' approach, we may ask for a furlough extension until Jan. to finish my MA at CGS. (Grad school is tough!) Also pray for our family. Edwin will be staying at CBC; Cindy is at Ben Lippen but wishes to return with us.

• Steven & Pam Parrish
  I'm still living in a trailer not far from the previous one but now with 3 gerbils and one New Yorker. Yes, the IMPOSSIBLE has happened!

• DeAnne Peterson
  I have a new job with an insurance co., a new apartment and a lovely church. Things are going real well for me, and I hope everyone is fine.

• Sylvia Phelps
  The past 2 yrs I've been working to pay off school. God seems to be leading me to So. America for missionary work; I'm not sure yet which country or Board, but I'm greatly looking forward to going. If you would like to receive my prayer/news letter, please drop me a note.

• LaVon & Debbie Post
  Hello to all the Saints! The Posts are doing well. Shelley is 18 mos. and growing and chattering about everything. Deb is busy with home and Ladies' Bible Study. LaVon is still busy with Youth Assemblies. We're expecting another 'Post" in 11 mos. (that is if the Lord is willing).

• Bernie & Cheryl Powell
  Since leaving Columbia, Bernie pastored a church in Monroe Center, IL for 5 years and attended 3 yrs. of Trinity Div. School. He will finish in June. We have 2 girls, Elizabeth, 4, and Joanna, 2. Last Nov., Bernie was ordained with the Conservative Congregational Christian Conference and is now pastoring the Community Church of Portage Lakes in Akron, OH. The church is helping us buy our first house, for which we are thankful and excited. We see many possibilities in our new church and are challenged to stay close to the Lord so He can work greatly here.

• Ted & Beth Ragsdale
  I received my Masters of Div. and of Theo. from Covenant Seminary in '76-'77. Since Aug. '77, I have been pastoring a mission work here with the Reformed Presbyterian Church, Evangelical Synod. I was ordained in Jan., '79. Beth has been working as a nurse but will soon be full time in real estate. Currently, no children. Prayer request--that God will continue to use us to spread the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ

• Rusty Russell
  Greetings from the Great Windy City. I'm presently working for Delta Airlines customer service and love it. I like Chicago too, but the record snow fall is TOO much. I play a lot of volleyball with MBI students to keep fit.

• Jochen & Cheryl Stahl
  "Do you not know, have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth; He never faints or grows weary; His wisdom is unsearchable." Isaiah 40:28. We are happy to announce a sister for Rebekka (4) and Corrie (2 1/2). Esther Annegrete was born Feb. 7, 1979 in Nurtingen.

• Dottie & Stan Smith
  We are still working on our 2 yrs. pastoral experience for the mission field (with SBC). We just returned from 2 weeks vacation during which I had my second miscarriage and we totaled the car (not our fault!). We were glad to get home and are thankful that we can rest in the promise that all things work together for good to those who love God. We need our prayer as we decide the best timing for leaving our church and going through orientation for the mission field.

• Glen & Susan Stern
  God has richly blessed our ministry at Highland Baptist Church. It has grown from a handful of 40-50 to an average of 275 for worship service. We have built a new addition and are currently drawing plans for another building.

• Deb & Doug Stromberg
  Marlita wrote that they are home from Mar.-Aug., are expecting #3 in April (Amy is 3; Bethany, 19 mo.). They do bookstore work with SAM.

• Terry & Bev Thames
  I have been working with So. Bell as an operator since April, '78. I am also treasurer and chairman of the missions committee at Skyland Dr. Bible Church. Bev is working part-time at Baptist Hospital and has a buddy cosmetic business (Jaffre). Teddy is now 2.
• Pam & Fred Tuggy
  We were in SC in Dec. for Fred's sister's wedding and for him to take another auto specialty course. A new Mexican law requires that the owner of a foreign car must be in it whenever it is driven. Ours is in Pam's name. It is a good excuse for some village trips, but often inconvenient around town. Look us up if you're ever in Mexico City, especially if you need cheap room & board and a tour.

• Marlita & Bill Walker
  The Lord has really given us individual spiritual growth--PTL. We've a lso seen growth in the college/career group and 2 couples are helping us minister to the youth. Yea! We've applied for a 2 yr. term with the Conserv. Bapt. Foreign Mission Soc., but aren't' sure where, when or whether they can use our gifts. Mikkel Marie will be 2 in April and we're almost ready for #2 due April 15.

• Gene & Bonnie Ward
  Gene is teaching 4th grade at Bradley Elementary. His interest in his stu dents has provided witnessing opportunities. We have applied for a loan o n a house since the Lord has given us peace about staying in Columbia. Benjamin was 1 in Feb. and we just found out #2 is due in Oct.

• Marlene & Paul Wenzel
  Paul graduated from seminary in May. After a knee injury in June that required surgery in Aug., he returned to work the end of Oct. As of Jan. 1 he has become interim pastor of the church we attended while in school. We really praise the Lord for what He's done already. Paul's still interested in Christian camping but for now we're happily here. I'm still working as usual.

• Wayne Whitmire
  I've recently become engaged to Christine Duggan of Lexington. We met at Weight Watchers and have known each other 6 mos.--been dating 4 of those. We plan to be married this summer.

• Doris & Neil Wolfe
  It's rainy season until April [in Bolivia]. The kids are sick with another virus going around. Sometimes I get discouraged with the way our health has been. Elaina is 11 mos. (4/6/78) and Andy will be 4 in May. I'm helping at the school teaching Spanish. It's not that my Spanish is so great--that there is no one else available. Two local commercial planes were in accidents so Neil and Gene fit in extra commercial flights whenever there is time available between flights for our missionaries.

Buzzard "Bells":

• Glynis Fields & David Miller, August 6, 1977, Macon, GA
• Gary Minion & Ellie Derrick, August 13, 1977, Columbia, SC

Buzzard "Babes":

• Christopher James Bosson, March 28, 1977 to Allan & Cindy
• Mikkel Marie Walker, April 9, 1977 to Marlita & Bill
• Bethany Deborah Stromberg, August 5, 1977 to Deb & Doug
• Rachelle Lyn Post, August 17, 1977, to LaVon & Debbie
• David Wade Merritt, August 26, 1977 to Grady & Vicki
• Jonathan Edward Jones, October 13, 1977 to Deb & Peter
• Matthew Lyle Miller, January 19, 1978 to Tricia & Dan
• Benjamin Taylor Ward, February 13, 1978 to Gene & Bonnie