Ladies Encounter Brunch

This event is titled as an Encounter, and an encounter it was for me and My Donnie!  The event was held at the Altoona, PA Convention Center and our accommodations were at the Bassler’s “Bed & Breakfast” in Roaring Spring, PA. Our host and hostess were Erwin and Joyce Bassler, an amazing couple who have chosen to spend their retirement years serving the Lord by organizing many large Christian Events.  It took Donnie and I all of about 5 minutes to fall in love with this Godly pair!  The 3 hour drive from the airport flew by as we shared many stories between us.  They are a true testament to how we never retire from our service to the Lord.  I think they work harder now, than before they retired!  Colossians 3:23-25 describes this couple perfectly: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,  since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”  

The day of the event started early for Erwin, Joyce and Donnie, but I was picked up later by Sharon Herr, a local Pastor’s wife and a dear woman of God.  In the short drive to the Convention Center we covered many topics and solved a lot of the world’s problems (wink).  One of my favorite parts of the day was going from table to table with Sharon admiring all the beautiful settings, each one decorated by a volunteer.  I certainly got some wonderful ideas to bring home and try on my own table.  The event started off with a delicious brunch, we were then led in worship by a delightful women’s choir and I closed with my “Peace in the Midst of Tragedy” message.  There are countless stories I took away from this weekend, but one that stands out is the woman who decided to come literally at the last minute.  After staying out very late the night before and waking up feeling poorly, she decided, with no idea why, to force herself to get up, get dressed and come to this event.  She arrived quite late, but was greeted warmly and escorted to a table of loving ladies!  Don’t ya just love it when God ordaining our steps is SO evident!  There at that table the Lord met her personally through my message and spoke things that pierced her heart and mind in ways as never before!  After the event she shared her story with me.  This is not my story to tell, it is hers.  What I can share with you is that I was so taken by her honesty, never making excuses only pouring her heart out with a new desire to be the woman, wife and mother God created her to be.  Through her life there are lessons we can all learn:

1.Our Redeemer lives! 
2. We need to stay connected to the Vine as described in John 15.
3. Always remember “If we confess our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 

This trip was uniquely personal for me and My Donnie…being mentored by Erwin & Joyce, having the honor and privilege of praying and dedicating a new business to the Lord, having dinner Saturday night with ladies from the committee and meeting their families, to one of the most powerful Sunday sermons on tithing we have ever heard.  This trip was full and has left a lasting impression on us both.  Thank you all and may God cause our paths to cross again soon!

Click here to see photos of our time together!