Nappanee Advance-News, Volume 121, Number 40, Nappanee, Elkhart County, 7 October 1998 — Page 5

Obituaries Gloria J. Weaver May 18. 1928-Sept. 29. 1998 Gloria J. Weaver. 70, 802 W. Walnut St., Nappanee, died Tuesday, September 29. at Elkhart General Hospital, where she had been a patient for 10 days. She had been ill since December 1997. Born May 18. 1928, in Syracuse, she was the daughter of Carl and Mabel (Bunger) O'Haver, and a lifetime area resident. Her first marriage was to Floyd Lutes, who died May 18, 1961. She then married Charles E. Weaver, May 21, 1965, in Nappanee, and he survives. Mrs. Weaver was a 1946 graduate of Syracuse High School, and had retired from employment at LuAnn Nursing Home, Nappanee. in 1993. Surviving with Mr. Weaver are a son, Stanley Lutes. Kokomo: a daughter, Mrs. Peter (Rebecca) Wajszczuk, Osceola; four stepsons: Charles A., Donald, Devon and James Weaver, all of Nappanee; four step-daughters: Deloris Culp. Mrs. Larry (Dixie) Roeder and Mrs. Connie Thomas, all of Nappanee. and Mrs. Jerry (Carol) Sherk, Gladewater, Texas; 21 grandchildren, 30 great-grand-children and two great-great-grandchildren, and two sisters: Mrs. Ezra (Eloise) Halsey, Milford, and Mrs. Wayne (Betty) Coy, Syracuse. She was preceded in death by three sisters: Mildred Plank, Helen Shock and Pauline Speichcr and a brother, Emmit O'Haver. The Rev. Joseph Fox conducted services Friday morning, October 2, at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee, with burial at Stony Point Cemetery. Memorials may be made to United Cancer Services of Elkhart County. Anabaptist historians plan meeting The Michiana Anabaptist Historians will hold their fall meeting at the Holdeman Mennonite Church, northwest of Wakarusa, 9a.m.-l la.m., October 17. The subject is “The Mennonite Experience in America.” With the recent publication of a fourth volume a major 20-year Mennonite writing project was completed. This series weaves together the histories of all Mennonite and Amish groups in the United States The final volume has been called “a model of its kirttl ” rine that “shows particularly how it is possible for writers to function as both faithful insiders and firsuratt. historians.” Prdjfcß* Dr. Theron Schlabacft from Goshen College, who also wrote the second volume, wdH |geak on “MEA: What John Sharp, director of the Historical Committee of the Menrtonite Church, will follow up with “Doing history beyond MEA.” Registration and fellowship will begin at 8:30a.m.. The historians iome from all Anabaptist related groups in the larger Michiana area.

SEEDS | THE I SOWER Michael A. Guido Metter, Georgia

“Give me,” said a young man, “the secret of your success.” “I jump at opportunities,” answered the rich businessman. “How did you know when your opportunities would come?” “I kept jumping,” he said. That 1 s good advice for believers as well as businessmen. But many are so busy jumping at conclusions, they don’t have time to jump at opportunities. Today is the time when idlers delay, when fools loaf, when the fearful shudder, but when the courageous advance and the wise jump at opportunities. The Bible says, “Be wise: make the most of your opportunity for doing good.”

VICTQRYajCENTER _ Former Union Center School At the comer of CR 48 SCR n K /Mike Yutzy, Pastor 69954 CR 11 • Nappanee IN 46550 (219)773-2611 SenleellmM • Sun. 9530 AM • Wad. 7:00 PM AM An Welcome

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FALL REVIVAL—Dr. Glen Jaspers will be the featured speaker during the fall revival at Calvary Baptist Church, corner of Market and Elm. Nappanee. Revival meetings will be held October 18-22. 7p.m.. Dr. Jaspers was born in Marshalltown, lA, and grew up on a nearby farm. At age 19 he accepted Christ as Savior. Following Bible college, he entered the ministry and pastored two churches before founding Fellowship Baptist Church in Marshalltown. 1963. In 1973, Jasper led the church in establishing Central lowa Christian Academy, resulting in over 100 young people serving in full time Christian work. All are welcome to attend the fall revival. Children's meetings will be held each night during the revival. (Photo provided)

Revival offers help for all life's hurts

The First Church of God, Nappanee. will host a revival aimed at helping heal the wounds of everyday life, October 11-14. Rev. Gary Ausbun will lead the revival titled. “Life Hurts?...Here’s Help!” Within the period of one year, the evangelist lost two children to automobile accidents in the Michiana area. “Come discover how God can be found even in the midst ol tragedy." says Rev. Ausbun. “Find out how victory is yours for the asking.” All arc welcome to take part in this revival of healing and sharing. Events begin Sunday. October ’ 1, during the morning worship service. 10:3()a.m.. A carry-in dinner will follow at noon. Rev. Ausbun will speak again during the evening service. 6p.m.. Revival will continue Monday, October 12. 7p.m.; Tuesday, October 13, 7p.m. (this will be youth emphasis night!); and Wednesday. October 14, with a fellowship meal at 6p.m. and evening service at 7p.m.. In addition, special speakers

Continues series on marriage relationships

What makes marriage such a challenging relationship in today’s society? That will be the focus of Sunday morning services during the month of October, at Community Church of Waterford. The church’s Prime Time Sunday service starts at 10:30a.m., and is held in the auditorium of Bethany Christian High School, located south of Goshen, on SR 15. In a four-part series titled, “Above and Beyond.” Mike Overpeck, the church’s senior pastor. will focus on how to help marriages survive in today’s society.

First Presbyterian Church Heritage at Main Street Nappanee (219) 773-3773 Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship 10:4$ a.m.

from the Nappanee community and church networking will be sharing their personal testimonies of tragic losses and triumphs made possible through faith. First Church of God is located at the corner of CR7 and CRS4, across from the McCormick Creek Golf Course. Nappanee.

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Rev. Gary Ausbun Evangelist

as well as how to create long-term successes in the marriage relationship. Topics for the individual services are: October II —’’Above and Beyond—Co-Experience.” October 18 —’’Above and Beyond—Procreation.” October 25—’’Above and Beyond — Acceptable.” Child care during the service will be available, with a staffed nursery for infants. In addition, during the service, structured programs are held for both pre-school kids and kids in elementary school grades 1-5.

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He Died With His Boots On

by Laurie Lechlitner In bib overalls and a pair of brown rubber boots he met his maker. “Mervin Lechlitner!” the Almighty exclaimed. “I’d know you anywhere. Mervin dropped his eyes and shuffled his feet in that shy gesture his friends had come to know and love. “I’ve been expecting you,” the Lord said. “I’d an idee ya were,” Mervin grinned. “I hain’t been feelin’ well for a while. But I always wanted to die in my boots and bibs to the sound of a chain saw. Lord, I hain’t had been feelin’ well fer a while. But I always wanted to die in my boots and bibs to the sound of a chain saw. Lord, I hain’t had much to say to You over the years.” “My son,” God commented, “you haven’t had much to say to anyone. Your actions spoke louder than words.” “Will ya help my boy, Brian, get that tree sawed and hauled away. I feel like I deserted him when I had that heart attack in the yard. I think I upset him considerable. Ya know, I hain’t one to leave before my work is done. And my son. Max, will have to take care of my dog. Not that I like the old mut much. The other day I stumbled over the animal and 'most broke my neck.” Mervin chuckled. “I’ll help Brian.” God scribbled some notes in a giant ledger. “I’ll also help Max and his whole family" “Keep Dennis healthy,” Mervin stated. “Since his blowout, he’s had a rough time.” “His blowout?” “You know. Lord. Since his heart attack. Us Lechlitners all have touchy tickers.” Mervin chuckled as he looked down through the clouds. “Last time 1 was this high I was ridin’ in an airplane with my grandson, Tim. You know, I didn’t enjoy myself very much at first way up in the air. But I’d go again. I sure wish I could go again." Tears filled Mervin's eyes and the Lord wiped them dry with a King-size hanky. "FII take care of that grandson of yours, Merv." God assured him. “And some day he’ll fly much higher than he can go in an airplane. He has a bright future ahead of him." God again made some notes in His ledger. “I’m so glad I got to go on vacation with my family this year.” Mervin laughed. “Lord, I don’t know whether. You’re acquainted with modem contraptions up here, but where I come from they have what they call a wave runner." “You mean an aquatic snowmobile?” the Lord asked. Mervin again chuckled. He didn’t want God to know that he hadn’t a clue what an aquatic snowmobile was. But with orange shirt, a pair of swimming trunks bought from KMart, and his heavy work boots, he rode that “contraption”

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FIRST CHURCH OF GOD Comer of CR 7 & S4 • Nappanee Senior Pastor: Rev. Brad Kendall Associate Pastor: Bryan Kratzer Visitation Pastor: Rev. Robert Fields Phone: 219-773-7743 Services: Wed. 7 pm Sun. 10:30 am (Sunday School 9-.30 am) Sun. 6 pm "A place where people become whole and holy to the glory of God. ’

Nappanee Advance News Wednesday, October 7,1998 1

they call a wave runner while his sons and their families watched from the shore of Kentucky Lake. “I like to ride.” Mervin remarked. “Ya got any of those wave runners up here?” “Sure,” God answered. “You can go skimming across the River of Life while the angels cheer for you from the sky.” “I’m a simple man, Lord. I could live in a 12X12 log cabin in the woods. I notice you have streets of gold here.” God nodded while Mervin surveyed the bottoms of his boots to make sure he hadn’t stepped in anything on the way up. “One log cabin in the woods,” God The Last Word... answered. “We’ll get it ready right away. Any other requests?” “I’d like some cows in the yard.” “Some cows in the yard?” God asked with a puzzled look on His face. “That-a-way I won’t have to mow the lawn —or fertilize it either.” Mervin chuckled. Well fed cows, God wrote in his ledger. Still Mervin hesitated. He dropped his head and kicked a golden stone. “What’s the matter, My son?” God probed. “I don't mean to be rude or anything, but I got some great-grand-children I hain’t seen grow up. Mebbe I oughta go back for just a while longer.” “I will bless them with sunshine and laughter,” God promised. “Come into the Kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of the age.” Still Mervin hesitated. With twinkle in His wise eyes, God replied, “We have a whole section of Polish people in Heaven. They hain’t seen your Polish chain saw.” The Almighty stooped to pick a piece of golden hay to put between his teeth, handing Mervin a piece to chew, too. “No kiddin?” Mervin drawled. “I’ll tell ya how I make em. I take a wire in the shape of a saw and hook a chain across the top,” he told the Lord as he went through Jhe pearly gates. “Get it? A chain saw!” Mervin slapped God on the back. “Sooner or later your daughter-in-law Laurie, will come through

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these gates,” God said while He led Mervin by the hand. “You'll want to make sure she feels at home by building an outhouse for her in the woods.” “Ya know. Lord, 'lf ya got anything, ya got trouble,' I often said to my son, Stanley, while I was helpin' him fix stuff at home. I suppose ya have a few things I can fix in heaven. I’m a practical man. If ya got a few odds and ends, ya can repair or invent about anything. I got some toilet paper holders ya might be able to use in heaven. With a little gold paint they’ll match the streets!” “I’m not much fer music. I always liked the song, “Good Night Irene,” though. Can them angels over there play that on the harp?” “Folks say I’m a man of few words, but, Lord, You’re real easy to talk to. By the way, you don’t mind if I wear my boots, do Ya? And I’m real fond of this blue teeshirt and my bibs.” “Be My guest,” said the Lord with a laugh. “I believe I'm gonna feel right at home," said Mervin as a cute little red head winked at him from a cloud. “I always say, things tend to work out in the long run.” (Note —Laurie Lechlitner is a minister and writer who resides in Elkhart. Those wishing to make comments regarding her column may address them to the Nappanee Advance-News, P.O. Box 230, Nappanee, IN. 46550). Laurie is also available for conferences, seminars and other speaking engagements. Interested persons may call her at 219-295-4464.) Gospel concert in Warsaw A concert of southern gospel music will take place Saturday, October 17. at Lakeview Middle School, Warsaw. Doors will open at 6p.m., with the concert starting at 7p.m. Featured in the concert will be Brian Free & Assurance. Lou Hunt & the Shining Stream will also perform, from 6:15-6:50p.m. All seats are general admission, with advance tickets available for $lO. Tickets at the door are sl2, and “gold seating” is available for sls. Tickets are available at Christian Light Bookstore in Nappanee. For further information, call 1-800-489-9180 or 219-893-4260.

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