Quarterly Update

Beloved,

I missed blogging for the whole first quarter, so I guess I'll just fill in the gaps by sharing some highlights! Simple Grace traveled throughout the southeastern states during January, February and early March. Cold weather stalked us everywhere!

The early part of our tour included the annual WE CARE Prison Crusade

One of the prisons we ministered in was Bullock Prison near Union Station, Alabama.

Even though the institution looks formidable, a strong church resides

within these fences and the inmates were receptive to Jesus Christ and His gospel of love and forgiveness. It was our tenth year of prison ministry. We joined over 400 volunteers who visited 20 institutions with the united purpose of redeeming lives!

Our southern tour always includes Henderson State Beach near Destin, Florida.

While others on the beach wore parkas and stocking caps, Bristol and I plunged into the chilly water! Pretty obvious we are Northerners!

Simple Grace in Concert

Sunset at Henderson State Beach, Florida.

"They who dwell in the ends of the Earth stand in awe of Your signs;

You make the dawn and the sunset shout for joy." Psalm 65:8

The Atlantic Ocean was cold and gray while we were there. Yet every day it appeared different from the prior day. We didn't swim! =)

Just a few days after this, we encountered a white-out snowstorm in Atlanta and up to 4 inches of snow in South Carolina and Georgia! It was party time for the locals.

Sterling and Havilah enjoyed the sunshine and fresh air at Atlantic Beach, FL.

This campground resembled a tropical rainforest. Signs warned of alligators!

We found fish in the sky!

"You who ride on white donkeys, you who sit on rich carpets, and you who travel on the road - -

Sing!" Judges 5:10

"Have you ever in your life commanded the morning,

And caused the dawn to know its place?" (Job 38:12)

"If I take the wings of the dawn

If I dwell in the remotest part of the sea,

Even there Your hand will lead me,

And Your right hand will lay hold of me." (Psalm 139:9-10)

"But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn,

That shines brighter and brighter until the full day." (Prov. 4:18)

"Then your light will break out like the dawn,

And your recovery will speedily spring forth;

And your righteousness will go before you;

The glory of the Lord will be your rear guard." (Isaiah 58:8)

Sharing testimony about God's faithfulness and mercy.

Bristol steps up to share a song about our Savior.

Another chilly day near Sarasota, Florida, with friends Dale and Mary, and Roger and Evie.

Worship with Gospel Express at the Sarasota auction. Soon we were on our way back to Nebraska!

Sterling had medical tests scheduled the day we arrived home. He received a 'normal' report on every test. Hallelujah!

This stinky little critter met us on our porch the minute we arrived home after seven weeks!!

He didn't live long enough for regrets. . .

This quilt was in the mail waiting for us when we got home! Avery made it for my birthday and sent it to Pennsylvania to be quilted by the Amish. What a gift! Beautiful!

Avery's dog had 9 puppies while we were gone! They are adorable! (And available!)

(smile)

Our bus burned a quart of oil about every 25-30 miles as we left Florida.(groan!)

It required an entire engine rebuild, which necessitated traveling by auto, SUV and travel trailer to our concerts when we returned to Nebraska. The bus is repaired and back on the road, PTL. We all have a new appreciation for traveling by the comfort of our coach!

"Bless our God, O peoples,

And sound His praise abroad!" (Psalm 66:8)

Kathy, for the Hitch family