I had the privilege to speak at a ladies meeting for Bethel Baptist Church of Simcoe last Saturday, and did I ever have a grand time!! I really enjoyed the fellowship, and I don't know about the speaker, but the food was excellent!!!! It was held at the Greens at Renton, and it was so nice. Nicer than nice! It was just plain FANCY!! It was great to see some familiar faces and to meet new ones. Everyone was so kind. To top it all off my pastor's wife, Marlene, was there. I wasn't even expecting her to be there, but I am glad she was. I know that she and others were praying me through that time. Not that it was all that difficult, but I was extremely NERVOUS! Mrs. Bohman, my new to be pastor's wife, had asked me to give my testimony about becoming missionaries to West Africa. As these past few months have been emotional for me, I really expected to be severely emotional during the speaking time. But, thankfully, the Lord kept me from "coming apart". Back to Marlene. I have really been wanting to blog about her too, as she has been such a great influence and godly example to me since I have known her. But she is so modest and humble, I wasn't sure she would like for me to write about her. I can just see her now, putting her head back, waving her hand out, and saying, "OHHHH"! But then, maybe she doesn't even know about this blog and doesn't read it. So I am going to take a chance:).

Marlene and her family welcomed Alan and me into the church and their home as if we were already family. They encouraged us, taught us by their godly example, showed us the love of Christ, and had great faith in a time when it would have been so easy to throw in the towel. She possesses that quiet, godly strength that comes with being a Wiedrick. She will never know just how much she helped me. Never, did she take me aside and say, "You're doing something wrong". Nor did she ever reprimand me for anything. And I KNOW I made many mistakes, and she would have been justified in doing so. Many times. But that was not her way. She led by example. She looked to the Lord for guidance, and served alongside her husband, as she continues to do to this very day. We have had many laughs together, shared many tears, and prayed many prayers together. Together, we went through many fantastic times, and one or two VERY DIFFICULT times. Marlene was the same no matter what situation arose. I did see her get riled up a couple of times, but that was only when her family was attacked and mistreated. I am a much better person, wife, and mother for having had her as an example. I know that she would not want to be praised. But she is a Proverbs 31 woman. She certainly points people to Christ. When her husband resigned as our pastor 11 years ago, I was really upset because we really loved them and couldn't see anyone else as our pastor's family. And then, when he recommended that the church hire Alan, I was even more upset. I knew that Alan would be great as a pastor, but I KNEW I couldn't fill those shoes. Thankfully, the church didn't expect me to be Marlene. I am so glad for a loving Father Who takes us with all of our imperfections and works His will, using what little we have to offer. I am thankful for people like Marlene who just want to serve the Lord, no matter where God has placed them. I think that everyone needs a Marlene as a friend. She will forever hold a special place in my heart.

Thanks for reading, and thanks especially, for praying for us!! Praise the Lord for ALL HE HAS DONE!!

Psalm 113:1,2

Have a wonderful day,

Love,

Ida