Ministry Update :: June 30, 2009

It has been awhile since we updated everyone as to what is happening with the Johnstones and there were a few things we wanted to let everyone know.

Naomi’s Grandparents
Naomi was down recently to Ontario to attend her Grandmother Ratcliff’s funeral. She also had the opportunity for one last, very precious visit with her Grandfather – he is not expected to live beyond this week. It was a busy, yet very special time. We are so thankful for the heritage of two faithful and godly grandparents. They have been faithful prayer warriors, encouragers and supporters of ours for many years and we will miss their presence in our lives.

Newsletter
A newsletter to tell you about a newsletter? Sure, why not. Starting July 1, 2009, GoodSeed is creating a new, monthly email newsletter:

This e-Newsletter will bring you up-to-date with what God is doing through the ministry of GoodSeed. Every month you’ll be encouraged by stories from around the world. You’ll get great tips and ideas for how you can introduce people you know to the God of the Bible using GoodSeed tools and resources. Keep an eye out for valuable discounts on our website, FREE resources, upcoming training seminars, and a whole lot more—available for you, our e-Newsletter members. Look for the GoodSeed e-Newsletter every month to be a source of information that will motivate you to share the Good News with others.

Sign up at http://www.goodseed.com/about/enews/

Seminars
This Fall, Troy will be helping teach two seminars training people how to share their faith with others. One of the seminars is the one we do each year at the Word of Life Bible Institute in Owen Sound, Ontario. The other will be at my home church in Sackville, New Brunswick. This one will probably be the only one we do in the Maritimes.

If you are in either of these two areas, why not make the time to attend?

Seminar dates
Owen Sound, Ontario :: September 21-25, 2009
Sackville, New Brunswick :: October 29-31, 2009
www.goodseed.com/seminars/seminars-home/

Doris Ratcliff

RATCLIFF, Doris Clarice (nee Baker), November 18, 1917 ~June 17, 2009

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RATCLIFF, Doris Clarice (nee Baker), November 18, 1917 ~ June 17, 2009 – The family announces with both sadness and joy her death at 91 years of age, in the comfort of Fairvern Nursing Home, Huntsville, ON. Sadly missed because she was such a loving and caring wife and mother; joy because she has left this world for a far better place and we know we will see her again some day. She is survived by her beloved husband of almost 69 years, Floyd, formerly of the family farm west of Stouffville, and three children, MaryLou (David) Hisey, of Huntsville, ON, Malcolm (Doris M.) of Timmins, ON, and Janice (John) Cross of Olds, AB. Doris is survived by sister-in-law, Helen Baker of Stouffville, ON; Shirley Baker of Chester, CT; brother- in-law, Howard (Helen) Ratcliff of Stouffville, ON; sister-in-law Pauline Ratcliff of Stouffville, ON; and sister-in-law Maureen Ratcliff of Huntsville,ON. Doris is predeceased by two brothers, Merlyn and Alan Baker, and sisters, Alma (and husband, Jim) Oldham and Mary (and husband, Keith) Hutchinson. Grandma is fondly remembered by seven grandchildren, Scott, Meredith, Brad, Stephanie, Julie, Andrew and Naomi as a kind and gentle grand- mother. She had six great-grand- children, Jasmine, Cody, Robyn, Ellie, Adelaine and Ethan. A private committal service will be held at graveside of Springvale Baptist Church cemetery on Monday, June 22 followed by a memorial service commencing at 3 PM in the church auditorium. Remembrance donations may be made to a mission of one’s choice through the church office. Springvale Baptist Church is located 4 miles west of Stouffville on the family farm.

Floyd_Doris_wedding

While the cats away..

..the train engineers will play!

Thomas Train Set

Naomi is away in Ontario for her grandmother’s funeral for three days. She took Ethan with her, so I am here watching the girls. Normally my the kid’s Thomas train set is banished to the girls room, but now it is out and all the extra bits are put together in a massive track. We have taken over most of living room, and since the plans I had for spending most of our time outside have been rained out, we have been playing with the trains a lot (which sure beats getting asked to play with the doll house!).

train tracks

And Naomi, if you read this, the photos are all photoshop trickery and it never happened.

The shots that required shots

Naomi came home at 9:00 Friday night after a quick trip to town and told me the light from the setting sun was wonderful out there and suggested I go get a few pictures. She assumed I would be back in a few minutes.. Two hours later I was back with some pictures and something else.

I was trying to get the best angle of a sunset and the golden light on a stand of poplars, and that angle happened to be on the other side of an old barb-wire fence. As I climbed through it, I managed to give myself a 5 inch scratch down my leg. I lost a lot of blood that night, mostly to the local mosquito population, but also some from the cut too.

The next night it was suggested to me that I may need a tetanus shot. Hadn’t thought of that… Since I couldn’t remember when I had last had a shot, Monday morning I was off to public health to get a needle in the arm. Now my arm has been sore for two days. I hope the pictures are worth it.

Poplars at sunset

Through the trees

I didn’t suffer any cuts to get this one, but it was the last picture of the night. Silo at Sunset

Old Silo