I Never Learned THIS in School

It was shocking -- in a good way -- to discover this in a monastery in Greece. A floor to ceiling outdoor wall display included quotes about Jesus' birth from the familiar Old Testament prophets PLUS quotes from these ancient Greek historians and philosophers. Awesome!

 

We're back from our excellent adventure!

The time in Greece was even more intense and rewarding than last year’s with 18 performances in 13 days (after 2 rehearsal days).  We had some new venues in Athens plus returns to some from last year.  Our travel included 4 ministry cities in Northern Greece, which also took us to some amazing ancient sites including Delphi, Berea, the ancient market place of Thessalonica and the Monastaries of the Great Meteora. Our guide Costas from the Acropolis visit last year traveled with us to the north to take us to those sites. He makes everything come alive and brings out incredible historical facts that show God’s absolute sovereignty in all of history.

Again Mihalis was a master of lining up strategic connections for follow up or for breaking new ground. We helped him strengthen relationships with 2 local city officials through involvement in a community service day in one local area, and playing for a refugee center that the local city government is responsible for. Our downtown events were even bigger and higher profile this year so the sponsors (a church ministry to the arts community and an addiction recovery ministry) had a lot of visibility and many new contacts. With all the additional travel, sightseeing, and performing, we were sleep deprived and exhausted, but would not have changed a thing! We are so encouraged by the funds that came in for all of us, for our ministry partners in Greece in these difficult economic times, and for the general Southern Cross tour and CD. Five tunes were recorded in time to be available for tour PR and for sale at concerts and stores in Greece. Now that the tour is over a few more songs will be recorded and added to those for a full CD for distribution soon.  We also had some additional donations for our own ministry fund that will help as we finish up the year. Thanks to all who blessed our team and our friends in Greece by sacrificing for this worthwhile project. Here is our team at the Athens Acropolis on the steps of Mars Hill after reading the Acts 17 account of Paul's inspired message to the people of Athens.

If you want to see a little (or a lot) of the band in action, here is a link to a video that was shot of an entire Southern Cross concert at Katerini. VIEW HERE    If you would like to make a donation to our ministry account at Proclaim DONATE HERE  Select Jenkins on the dropdown menu.

Southern Cross 2015

Donate online at the Proclaim website to help with our tour expenses

choose Jenkins from the dropdown menu

From Earth to Glory

Our summer took an unexpected turn in mid-June when my dad’s health started declining dramatically enough that he needed  to go into healthcare. I went up to Indiana to help my brother and sister in that process of getting him moved into Grace Village right across the road from his home. The transition was full of difficulties, including unforeseen complications with qualifying for medicaid, but God provided and sustained us through it all. 

An unforgettable blessing of this timing was being able to spend Father’s Day with my dad -- along with Ronnie and Diane -- the first in many years.

After 10 days he was adjusting and enjoying being with many longtime friends. The whole time with him was precious. Even though he was struggling with memory and confusion, he still joked with us and the medical staff, sang along with the hymns in chapel, and there was never the slightest bit of confusion when he prayed.  Leaving him was difficult, but anticipation of a previously scheduled return only three weeks later helped ease the sadness of that goodbye. 

Don Ogden  "Prof"  1926-2015

Then just 4 days after my return home I got an early morning call that Daddy had died. A heart attack was the diagnosis. So after a week at home I headed back up for all the family activities and  business affairs, which kind of seems like a blur! Jim and Jami came before the memorial service on July 11 and we all flew back home together. 

Again, we saw God’s hand in it all. Even though in the suddenness of the unexpected moment none of the family were there with him to hold his hand when he passed as we would have wanted, God had provided that amazing time of closure -- saying a meaningful goodbye, even though I didn't know at the time that's what it was. 

The memorial service was absolutely everything we could have hoped for with the music, the tributes, the fabulous meal provided for over 100 family members. The friends who gathered around in person or in spirit helped make it bearable. We were so blessed by the outpouring of love for our dad and appreciation for his life and impact on people. And all to the glory of God.

One of my Dad's favorite hymns:  ARISE, MY SOUL, ARISE     Charles Wesley

Arise, my soul, arise; shake off thy guilty fears

The bleeding sacrifice in my behalf appears

Before the throne my surety stands

Before the throne my surety stands

My name is written on His hands

He ever lives above for me to intercede

His all redeeming love, His precious blood, to plead:

His blood atoned for all our race

His blood atoned for all our race

And sprinkles now the throne of grace

Five bleeding wounds He bears received on Calvary

They pour effectual prayers; they strongly plead for me:

Forgive him, O forgive, they cry

Forgive him, O forgive, they cry

Nor let that ransomed sinner die

The Father hears Him pray, His dear anointed One

He cannot turn away the presence of His son

His Spirit answers to the blood

His Spirit answers to the blood

And tells me I am born of God

To God I'm reconciled; His pardoning voice I hear

He owns me for His child; I can no longer fear

With confidence I now draw nigh

With confidence I now draw nigh

And Father, Abba Father, cry

Tribute to a Sender

We were saddened when we received word of the passing of a dear lady who has blessed us with her faithfulness. We met Louise many years ago at a missions conference at her church when we were new missionaries just preparing to go to Belgium. From that brief weekend of interacting Louise began supporting our ministry and continued as we have lived in 3 different countries and ministered in over 30 others with 2 different mission organizations. Her steadfastness is all the more amazing as we never again had face to face contact.

When we found out a few years ago that Louise had moved we assumed this was a phase of life that might not allow her the means to continue with us financially. But she continued a donation every year until we learned that she has gone to her Lord and her reward.

I was surprised at the emotion I felt over the loss of this precious lady. We did not know her well, but she so encouraged us by her steadfastness through the years. And I’m sure this is only one of many examples of her service in the kingdom. 

It wasn't for us -- it was for God. It was not for earthly recognition or appreciation. Her heavenly reward is great.

. . . You know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.  Col. 3:24 

 

See the Good Stuff that Happened!

Mihalis tells about how the Southern Cross band impacted the country of Greece.