DearFriends,

Another week is drawing to an end and it is a blessing to sit down and touch base withyou all.We really enjoy sending this e-letter out and I pray you enjoy receiving it as well. Here are some highlights from last weekend.

Saturday morning we left early to head North to LaSalle, IL. We made it to Bloomington just in time to stop at Cracker Barrell and grab some lunch and sing Happy Birthday to Grandma Elsie who was traveling with us for the weekend. As Glen stated, she was celebrating her 21st birthday for the 54th time.......We had a good laugh and I'm sure all those folks in the restaurant wondered what was going on. We arrived in LaSalle around 1:45 to get set up. The concert was at 4 pm and we had a great time with the folks at the 1st Congregational Church. I think this was our fourth time to be with Rev. Al Lewis and his congregation. What a beautiful historic church. They have the most beautiful tiffany mosaic on the wall in the front of the church.What a talent to build such a work of art. We were blessed to see many friends from the area and it is always great to see our dear friends, Nancy Kaiser and Jerry & Claudia Wilson. You can expect to see these three anywhere!!!! Thanks for loving our family. It was also great to see the Hohertz family. Wereally enjoyed the time of fellowship and scrumptiousdinner that we shared with John, Pam & Johnathon. The only person missing was Lindsey. Thank you guys for a wonderful meal.

There's nothing like getting your belly full and heading to your bunk as the bus pullsout for the next stop. (Well that is ifit's not your turnto drive!) About 2 hours down the road, we reached our destination at the First Church of God in Mt Carroll, IL. The alarms went off early because we had to load in at 6:15 am, yes that's right! We sang for the 8:45 & 11:00 am services and it was so good to be back in Mt Carroll. It has been a few years but the sweet spirit is still the same. Thanks for all your encouragment and support over the years. We have been going to this church over 20 years and it just doesn't seem possible. Keep up the good work and thanks for your kind hospitality. Sundayafternoon we were blessed to have lunch with our dear friend Nancy Kaiser. Yes, she was withus on Saturday night and then again on Sunday. This lady is so much fun. We met her 04-04-04 and she has been to over 70 of our concerts since that time. Nancy is always calling and sending cards and even today, she called to say "Hi". We appreciate all of the cards, letters and phone calls that we get from many of you. Sometimes I can be having a discouraging day and I get a call from a dear friend or we get a word of encouragement in a card. What an uplift and I just want to say a big "Thank You" to those who take time out of their busy day to encourage us and stay in touch. God has blessed our lives with so many wonderful friends. There are too many to mention but you know who you are.

Sunday evening we were blessed to go back to Calvary Baptist Church in Clinton, IA. We have been to this church for at least 20 years in a row. We feel like this could be our second home! They always have great food, great help, and great services full of the Lord! We have seen several pastors come and go but I really appreciate Pastor Ryan Carpenter. He has such a love for the Lord and a compassionate spirit. Thanks for your friendship and we look forward to bigger and better things in 2009!Again we wereblessed to see people we have not seen for years. Melanie enjoyed so much visiting with her Grade School Principal, Mr.Jim Cox and his wife Carol. Isn't it great to see the Lord provide opportunities for us to meet friends that have been away from us for many, many years. He blesses us over and over again! PTL! Well after grabbing a quick bite to eat at Culver's, the bus headed south and we arrived safely home a little after 2:00 am Monday morning.

Be watching for information about our Christmas Banquet and Concert with the Lesters. Tickets are on sale so call our office today and make your reservations. Remember, if you purchase 8 tickets, you will receive a reserved table. If we are in your area this weekend, please come see us! As always, thank you for your prayers, love and support!

Blessings!
The Chosen Ones