FFM Online Newsletter - September

September has been a happy month of momentous occasions, and a sad time of good-byes as well. We began the month by celebrating Leah's High School Graduation on September 1st. It was a joyous occasion as we gathered with family and friends to celebrate this step in Leah's life, and to pray for God's continued guidance in the future. Leah worked on the invitations, decorations and refreshments for weeks, as well as making a beautiful white satin gown to wear. Family and friends shared favorite memories of Leah, her dad gave the charge to the graduate, and then Leah finished out the program with two violin solos: a medley of "O Love That Will Not Let Me Go" and "More Love to Thee" and "Meditation de Thais" by J. Massenet.  Two days later we celebrated again as Rick was ordained into the Gospel Ministry at our church, Fairview Baptist. What a moving service it was with all of our children home to sing together, and to pray for their dad as he preaches God's Word!

The next day we took Rebekah to the Huntsville Airport and gave her to the Lord again as she left for another year in Taiwan. You'd think that we would learn the lesson of "letting go" and it would not be so hard to part, but it only seems to get harder each time. We're so thankful for the grace of God in our lives! It is only by His grace that we can send out these bright arrows in His service.

We drove to W Blocton, AL that Wednesday night to share in their worship service, and we enjoyed that last time to sing and minister with David before he left for Mexico. Three days later, we headed out for Louisville, KY where we met Nancy's parents for lunch before taking David to the airport for more sad good-byes! Hopefully, we will get to see David at Christmas, so we can endure for that long!

The "diminished" Gilley Family continued on to Mt Vernon, IL for a wonderful week of Revival at Ham's Grove Baptist Church. What a sweet fellowship of people there are at that church! We truly felt at home as we worshipped and ministered there. Pastor Church DePriest has such a heart for his people and for the family! While in IL we had the opportunity to drive to St Louis and see the arch and visit the Zoo! Rick and the children also enjoyed a 3 hour trail ride with the Mays Family at their horse farm!! What a family fun! We left IL for Ball, LA where we enjoyed a sweet week of fellowship at Hosanna Baptist Church with Pastor Bennie Hollingsworth and his family. God moved there in a mighty way, and we praise Him. We then left LA for Bruce, MS  and the Lighthouse Baptist Church. What a great time we had there with Pastor Greg Bray and his wife, Shell. We enjoyed a trip to the Memphis Zoo one day, and another day we drove to the new campus of Mid America Baptist Theological Seminary where Rick graduated in 1987. It still feels like home when you visit the seminary even though they have moved to a new campus. Our family was invited to sing in chapel that morning, and we enjoyed a dynamic message on missions by Dr. Howard Bickers, who was one of Rick's professors.

God continues to show Himself strong and mighty on our behalf! Everywhere we go we see evidence of His handiwork, and we continually see the need of revival among God's people. He tells us in His Word, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
2 Chronicles 7:14

It is our prayer that families will see the importance of following God's ways and His requirements for revival! He is coming soon!! Are you and your family ready?