Christmas Parties at Juv Hall/Boot Camp - Report from Carol Climer

12/12/08

Team Leaders!

First of all, forgive me for this late report – my life has been a little out of balance since last Thursday. Second, thank you so much for your prayers for Ronnie and me as we have faced several challenges. He is still very weak after being in the hospital for six days (much more since he no longer has the oxygen). The doctor’s have said it will take him time to be completely healed and to regain his strength. We will see the doctor next week.

Now for the amazing results of the 35th Annual Juvenile Hall and 10th Annual Boot Camp Christmas Parties!!!!

Pictures here

Juvenile Hall - Monday & Tuesday Night

19 So Bap Churches Involved
281 Southern Baptist Volunteers
351 Youth Ministered To
83 Juv Hall Staff
123 Professions of Faith
59 Rededications

Boot Camp

6 So Bap Churches Involved
37 Southern Baptist Volunteers
111 Cadets Ministered To
10 Guards
7 Professions of Faith
41 Rededications



Thank You cannot express my heart to you. I have prayed for God to give me words to express how much I appreciate each of you and your team for the excellence in which you conducted the parties, but the words just will not come.

Thank You for all the countless hours you spent in preparing for this event.

Thank You for enlisting volunteers that took direction and shared God’s love with these youth.

Thank You for the money your team spent on the delicious food you provided. I am always amazed at what you provide. Just a few examples of your generosity this year: Hot Wings, Pizzas, In & Out Burgers, McDonalds, Tuna Sandwiches, Egg Salad Sandwiches, Ham and cheese sandwiches, Nachos, Vegetables & Dip, Chips & Dip, Fruit, Cookies, Brownies, Candy, Juice, and Soda - and this year for the first time homemade tamales and home made burritos!!! Thank you for leaving your leftovers for the swing shift officers. They were grateful for the treats left in the staff lounge.

Thank You for sending money to purchase the gifts for the youth and the staff. Some of you have told me your church will be sending a check – for this we are grateful.

The staff at Juvenile Hall and Boot Camp praised our group for the professional way these events were handled. God has blessed us with 35 years at Juvenile Hall (JJC) and 10 years at Boot Camp without one negative incidence!!!!

Our youngest volunteer was 18 and out of high school – our oldest volunteer was 97!!!!! We were blessed to have several 70 and 80 year old volunteers participate this year. The wisdom and love among the volunteers this year was outstanding!!!!

I want to thank First Southern Baptist Church, Reedley and First Southern Baptist Church, Sanger for teaming up and hosting parties both Monday and Tuesday. They always provide an abundance of food!

I want to thank Cornelia Avenue for providing volunteers to help on Monday, hosting a party on Tuesday (they had to conduct “4” parties in their unit) and for purchasing the refreshments (a huge undertaking) for the Boot Camp Christmas Party. Not only did Janice Oxford lead Cornelia Avenue in hosting the Boot Camp party – she also put together the wonderful refreshments (beautifully presented) for all the staff not working in the pods at Juvenile Hall both evenings.

I want to thank Rich Johnstone and his daughter Eryn for taking pictures Monday and Tuesday. Eryn also went to Boot Camp Wednesday but we were not allowed to take pictures.

I want to thank Jason Oxford from Cornelia Avenue and Ken Hinman from Trinity for providing the music and message at Boot Camp on Wednesday. This is a very different kind of party and they did an excellent job with the cadets.

I’m sorry I am not including the prayer requests with this email. My niece, Melody, has been working on them each day after work. I’m so grateful for all the help she has given to me during these events. I will be sending you an email tomorrow (Saturday) with a personal note with the prayer requests for your Pods (and Boot Camp if you attended) attached.

My prayer is that God will reveal to each of you how much your efforts matter in the lives of each youth and staff you touched. Just know that the fingerprints of love that you left in the hearts of these will never be erased. May God bless each of you abundantly as you continue to serve Him.

Covered by His grace,
Carol

Brother Jim Garrido

Brother Jim Garrido of the Gideons, who has been in most of your churches and has been a friend to pastors in our area went home to be with Jesus at about 3:00 A.M. Friday morning. Pray for his wife Carol and his family, for the Gideons, and for his home church, Grace Church of the Nazarene.

Jim was a one of a kind. His trunk was always full of Bibles. He was ready to take them anywhere at a moment's notice. Often single-handedly he kept hotels and institutions supplied. He was a prolific story-teller who never ran out of fresh tales. He was a reader and lover of people and a deeply devoted follower of Jesus Christ.

On Thursday mornings in my office and on Saturday mornings with the Gideons, Brother Jim would always be found praying for you, the pastors of this city. Without you ever knowing it, you had no more faithful prayer warrior than Jim Garrido.

Jim was active in ministry up until last Friday when he suffered a cerebral hemorrhage.

All of us who knew him will miss him.

- Tom Sims

News from Mid-Valley Southern Baptist Association

Mid-Valley Southern Baptist Association News and Notes June 26, 2008 Pastor's Fellowship Breakfast Tuesday mornings, 8:00 - 9:30 am, Country Waffles, Dakota/Blackstone. Promise Keepers - Manhood '08 Woodward Park Baptist Church has extra tickets for $65 each. Call the church office at 298-7087. Church News... Are you planning to purchase fireworks to celebrate July 4th? If so please visit one of the following locations hosted by Mid-Valley churches: Crosspoint Church Booth location:2518 N. Cedar Ave (across from McLane High School) Dates: June 28th - July 2 (1 pm - 10 pm) July 4 (10 am - 12 midnight w/free snow cones!) July 5 (1 pm - 5 pm) Benefits: Students attending 2008 Tsunami State Youth Conference First So. Baptist Church Sanger Booth location: Jensen & Academy in Sanger Dates: June 28-July 4 Benefits: FSBC Sanger Youth Group Woodward Park Baptist Church Booth location: Herndon & Blythe on Spaatz (near Northpointe Church) Dates: June 29 - July 4 Benefits: WPBC Youth Ministry Fellowship of Christian Atheletes Booth location: NE corner of Chestnut & Butler (Vallarta Market shopping center across from Seminary @ Fresno Pacific) Dates: June 29 - July 4 Benefits: Fellowship of Christian Atheletes Cornelia Avenue Southern Baptist Booth location: on church property at SW corner of Cornelia and Clinton Aves Benefits: Youth Group and AWANA Ministries Copper Springs Church Clovis Booth location: on church property at 1363 Fifth St, Clovis (Fifth/Sunnyside) Church News..... Vacation Bible School.......Several Mid-Valley churches have been busy this past week with VBS: FSB Selma, FSB Hanford, Copper Springs, NewLife, Trinity SB. We will try to get pictires posted next week. Woodward Park Baptist Church is conducting Rock Your World, a week long ministry to children and their families. They started out with 250 children. Look here for pictures. News from Pastor Moises Cabrera of Iglesia Bautista Central: Nueva Iglesia en Corcarán Estamos orando para iniciar una nueva iglesia bautista hispana en Corcoran, estamos haciendo todos los ajustes y planes para iniciar el día primero de julio, 2008. Se ha llamado al hno. Jorge Cortez como pastor de la nueva congregación. El hno. Cortez es ciudadano Salvadoreño, residente en los Estados Unidos desde hace 8 años. Hoy vive en Arizona, donde pastorea. Hermanos sigamos orando para que todo marche bien y pronto llegue a California a plantar la nueva congregación. Pastor Marvin Davis of Grace Community Baptist Church Fresno has posted over 30 sermons on YouTube. You can check out the latest sermon here. Upcoming Events ESL Training: Grace Community Church in Madera will be hosting Evangelistic ESL Ministry training September 4-6. The training is open to anyone interested in starting an ESL ministry at their local church. Monta Jo Erickson, California Literacy Missions Coordinator, will be training us using TELL the Good News (Teach English Language Learners). For more information please contact Mark Lacaze at 674-1172. Dates/times: Thrusday, Sept 4, 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm Friday, Sept 5, 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm Saturday, Sept 6, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm Mid-Valley Association Golf Tournament September 6, 2008, 8:00 am Fresno West Golf Course (7 miles west of Kerman on Hwy 180) Create your own foursome $40/person includes cart, 18 holes of golf, pre-golf menudo, lunch, prizes Register your foursome by August 25. Send a check to MVSBA along with the names of the players. Mail to Mid-Valley Association, 825 W. Ashlan Avenue, Ste 101, Clovis 93612. Tournament Director: Alan Hix, 441-3690. Disaster Relief help needed The Disaster Relief assessment team has been to the Santa Cruz area checking on properties destroyed by recent fires. They currently have 7 requests for clean-up and are expecting more requests. The need trained disaster relief workers as well as un-trained volunteers. Please contact Renee McKinley at c-r.mckinley@sbcglobal.net and let her know if and when you can help and if you are trained or untrained in disaster relief. Un-trained volunteers will be provided on-site training. This is a good opportunity for us to show our Christian love by helping people in the Central Coast Association. Clovis World Changers 275 students from across America are in Clovis this week to communicate the love of Christ by refurbishing 27 homes. Mid-Valley churches and other sister evangelical churches have adopted work crews and are providing lunches for them daily. The California Baptist Foundation has also adopted two work crews. Dave MacNiell of Clovis Hills is directing this largest-ever effort. Terry Maldonado, also of Clovis Hills, and Bill Jones of FSBC Sanger, are the Mid-Valley Association coordinators. All are invited to the closing celebration tomorrow night at 7:30 pm which will be held at Clovis North High School. Pictures here.

Email Marketing by Mid-Valley Southern Baptist Association 825 W. Ashlan Avenue, Ste. 101 Clovis CA 93612

Update from Ron Prentice of Protect Marriage

Starting Monday at 5:01 pm, several California counties began issuing same-sex “marriage” certificates. This follows the order of the four Supreme Court judges striking down Proposition 22, which the voters overwhelming approved just a few years ago to reaffirm marriage as only between a man and a woman.

Yet, this debate is not over. Thankfully, the Protection of Marriage Amendment will appear on this November’s ballot. The campaign of the next few months will be our opportunity to remind Californians why the unique role of traditional marriage in society is worth protecting.

The major media would love to see us engage in fierce protests and hostile demonstrations of outrage against the licensing of same-sex “marriages”. Of course they will take any opportunity they can find to portray us as unreasonable. We must not fall into this trap.

So let us keep in mind: Our battle is not against the same-sex couples who are pursuing the opportunity to “marry” granted them by the activist judges on the California Supreme Court. Our battle is against the flawed reasoning of the court’s decision; our purpose is to reaffirm the traditional definition of marriage. Marriage is at the core of family security and is an essential element in our society. The Supreme Court has effectively rendered marriage meaningless at a time when we should be taking steps to strengthen families.

Fortunately, the Protection of Marriage Amendment will give voters the final say in this debate. We are confident that voters will reaffirm the traditional definition of marriage, just as they overwhelmingly did in 2000, and overturn the court’s flawed decision.

To succeed, however, we must raise the funds needed to launch an organized grassroots campaign and purchase statewide TV and radio advertisements urging a “yes” vote on the Marriage Amendment. Please mail a check or donate online today to support our campaign for marriage.

Thank you,

Ron Prentice, Chairman
ProtectMarriage.com

P.S. Please help us reach even more supporters like you… please forward this email to at least 5 friends or family members who can join this important battle to save traditional marriage. Thank you.

Mid-Valley Update 6/12

Mid-Valley Southern Baptist Association News and Notes June 12, 2008 Pastor's Fellowship Breakfast Tuesday mornings, 8:00 - 9:30 am, Country Waffles, Dakota/Blackstone. Church News... Iglesia Bautista Central de Riverdale celebrated their first anniversary last Sunday with a celebration service and concert by Rabito. Alci Rengifo is pastor of Iglesia Bautista. Pastor Ernie Sanchez of Annadale Baptist Church Sanger is celebrating 12 years of ministry at Annadale plus 52 years of marriage this month. Congratulations! Ashley Duke, daughter of Pastor Mike & Sandy Duke, FBC Firebaugh, was able to come home from the hospital last Sunday. She was to have more tests this week to determine diagnosis and possible treatment. Thank you for your continued prayers. There was a joyous celebration Saturday, April 19, at the opening of the new Slavic Baptist Church of Open Doors in Fresno as they begin their ministry in a new location, Sierra Heights Baptist Church. The first church service was held in September 2007 at CBF office but the congregation quickly outgrew the space. Salvic Baptist Church was started with the joint efforts of CSBC and Pacific Slavic Baptist Assoc. Ivan Mileyev is pastor of Salvic Baptist Church of Open Doors. Is your church hosting a fireworks stand? Is so, please give us your church name, stand location, dates, and what group will benefit from the proceeds. We will be glad to "get the word out" for you. Mid-Valley Children's Summer Camp "The best way to see five kids get baptized is to scholarship five kids to camp." Pastor Tom Sims Date: Monday, July 7, 4pm - Friday, July 11, 10am Cost: $180/camper Track I: 3rd, 4th, 5th graders Track II: 6th, 7th, 8th graders Please turn in all registration & signed camp forms to the Mid-Valley office by Thrusday, June 19! Look here for registration forms. Call 297-5550 if you have any questions. Missions Feeding Those Who Feed Us Four Mid-Valley churches came together to conduct a VBS at the Parlier Migrant Center. Frank Sanchez coordinated this mission effort. See pictures here. Our Summer Missionaries, Andrew and Hannah, have spent their first week working with Frank Sanchez, Oscar Sanchez and FSB Reedley at the Parlier Migrant Center. Annadale Baptist Church of Sanger is one of the many MV churches using Vacation Bible School to effectively share Jesus Christ with children and families this summer. Ernie Sanchez is the pastor. World Changers, the short-term-mission arm of the North American Mission Board is returning to Clovis June 22-27. Nearly 300 high school aged boys and girls from five western states will present Christ to twenty-seven homeowners by rolling up their sleeves and providing cost-free labor for some major home repairs. We need local churches to come alongside this ministry by providing on-site lunches to one or more work crews for that week. If you can help, please contact or Bill Jones at kd7s@verizon.net Leadership Resource Clovis Hills Community Church is hosting the Leadership Summit this year. In addition to the On Target conference in February, this is one of the top leadership development events for church leaders in California. August 7-8, 2008 - Thursday-Friday. Pastors and church leaders will benefit from the messages, leadership ideas, and connecting with hundreds of other leaders from throughout the area. Promise Keepers - Manhood '08 The goal of this Promise Keepers is to "equip men to get a handle on their life and mission, amidst a shifting culture that is sometimes outright hostile." June 27-28, 2008 at the Savemart Center in Fresno. This event can help men's groups get started or jump started. Men Needed: Ron Climer is coordinating an effort to take 68 incarcerated youth to PK. His goal is that each youth would have a mentor to connect with at PK. Call Carol at 292-5449 if you or your men's group can help.

Email Marketing by Mid-Valley Southern Baptist Association 825 W. Ashlan Avenue, Ste. 101 Clovis CA 93612

New Pastor's Website, PK, and Pray Fresno Clovis

There is a new community web site for pastors in our area: ( http://fresnoclovispastors.com ). We can receive news and post news there. It will be the main vehicle for dissemination of vital information to cluster leaders and then to their cluster members.

The recent Pray Fresno Clovis event was such a blessings. Thanks to all who participated.

I (Tom Sims) have a site up for my, and Feeding Those Who Feed Us cluster group (http://feedthevalley.com ) . Pray for Frank Sanchez and me as we lead the work in this area.


Don't forget the Promise Keeper's Pastor's conference at Cornerstone on Tuesday. Take a lay leader, pay the $10 registration for each of you, and receive two tickets to the main Promise Keeper's event June 27-28. Go to http://www.promisekeepers.org/conferences/pastor-conference to register for the pastor's conference.

Updated Camp Information

Check out our new information on camp at the Camp Ideas site and read the announcement that Mark Jackson will be our camp pastor!

We hope to make an exciting announcement about our band next week!

Iron Sharpens Iron

Check out the Fresno Bee story about Iron Sharpens Iron ministry at Fresno Korean Baptist Church. Noel Price is the leader of the ISI, the English speaking ministry.

Late Monday Update on Lori Climer 4/1

Friends & Family,

Lori has had an extremely difficult day and evening. I had to take her to the doctor late this afternoon to get new prescriptions ( California law is different from Massachusetts law) for her pain. We didn’t get home until almost 8:00 p.m. by the time we found a pharmacy that had what she needed.

Great Concern:

Before surgery Lori had a twitch at the upper right corner of her lip. This twitch helped her eye blink. The twitch is gone at the present time. Therefore the eye is not blinking or closing. There also appears to be a block to the right side of her mouth which weakens her smile. Lori is very depressed (which doesn’t happen to her) and withdrawn. She is extremely concerned. When the nerve transplants were put into her face several years ago to give some definition to the right side - the surgery was done by one of the world’s greatest plastic surgeons – who unfortunately died this year. Lori has experienced a very emotional day. Our prayer is that the swelling in her face has caused a temporary condition and will soon be back the way it was before surgery.

How to Pray

Please pray for the movement in Lori’s lip and eye on the right side to return. Please pray for the swelling to pass quickly so the block from her smile will go away.

1. Please pray for Lori to find peace and to trust the Lord in this most difficult time. She has been through so much and for a young woman to face the challenges of having her face have more malfunctions is not something she is willing to accept. This is very serious.
2. Please pray for the pain control – our doctor here is trying to work with her to make the pain manageable until she can get over the postoperative phase.

We don’t seem to have the right words to be able to encourage her. Sometimes words are so empty and placating. Lori spends so much of her time trying to make others feel good that it is very easy to look over her pain and discomfort. Thank you so much for your willingness to pray for Lori as she deals with this very serious and painful time in her life. Thank you for the emails of encouragement to her. Hopefully she will soon be willing to have some visits. We are pleading for God’s love to cover her with assurance that He is in control.

We are covered by His Grace,

Carol

VBS Workshop Pics

Check out the Mid-Valley VBS workshop pictures here:

Update on Lori Climer - 3/28

Friends & Family,

We are HOME!!!!! Without your prayers Lori could not have made the trip. The flight from Boston to Fresno was 6 1/2 hours - she could not be still and suffered severe pain - she said she had a heartbeat throbbing in her face - her forehead - and the back of her neck - but with God's grace and your prayers she was able to endure the flight - even the noisy one hour flight from San Francisco.

How to Pray

1) Please continue to pray for the relief of pain.
2) Please pray for the irritation and blisters from the arch bars in her mouth.

Praise for Today

1) We praise God for his traveling mercies - we didn't take it for granted for one minute how blessed were to have a safe flight.
2) We praise God for the generosity from Jackie and Woody providing upgrade 1st class seats for us today - we can't imagine what the trip would have been for Lori without this gift.
3) We praise God for each of you and your faithfulness for praying for us.
4) We praise God for Jamie, Chau, Jayden, Cheryl, Wayne and Paula for meeting us at the airport to offer their love and support to Lori.
5) We praise God for Lori's healing and progress enough to make the trip home.

Words cannot express our love and gratefulness to our Lord for His love for Lori and the miraculous hands He has given her surgeon. We don't understand why this accident happened to her or for how long surgeries may take place - but we do understand God is sufficient for all that we have needed - He has provided - and we know He will continue to do so. Thank you all for being a part of this miracle trip and thank you for leaving your hand prints in our hearts.

We are covered by His Grace & Mercy,
Ron, Carol & Lori

Update on Lori Climer - 3/27

Friends & Family

 

Today was an exceptionally difficult and painful day for Lori.  We saw the surgeon and his interns today for staple removal and an overall follow up before returning to California.

 

1)  The staples were removed from Lori 's head - the stitches in front of the ear will dissolve - very painful even for Lori who has an exceptionally high pain tolerance.

2)  Several measurements in the mouth - open measurement and side to side jaw movement measurements - lots of stretching.

3)  Because of the paralysis on Lori's right side she manually lifts her right eyebrow several times a day - since surgery this causes an extreme sharp stabbing pain in her head across from her forehead.  This pain stays as long as she lifts the eyebrow.  The doctor is not sure how long this will last but said it is a result of the surgery.

4)  They examined her throat and ear thoroughly because of the pain she is experiencing.  The doctor told her she has some swelling and irritation deep in her throat and in the ear.  He said this was caused from the difficult time they had intubating her.  This will cause some discomfort for her on the flight so he prescribed some meds to help with this.
5)  The arch bars will stay in her gums for 6 to 8 weeks until her bite is stable.  She is suffering from lots of small cuts and irritation inside her lips and her cheeks.  She will continue to use wax to help protect the tissue inside her mouth.
6)  The jaw movement exerciser arrived today and Lori was given directions on how to use and how often to use.
7)  Head pain - separate from jaw surgery - is escalated because of surgery and hopefully will begin to decrease.  The surgeon instructed Lori to contact her doctor in Los Angeles to begin treatment on this as soon as possible.

How to Pray

 

1)  Please pray for our trip home in the morning to be as comfortable as possible - with a decrease of pain in Lori's throat and ear.
2)  Lori will be exhausted during the trip and will experience head pain because of the pressure.  Please pray for the medication to be effective.
3)  Please pray for calmness and peace for us as we fly.

I continue to be amazed at how much suffering - in so many areas of her head and mouth - that Lori can endure while being kind and gentle to those around her.  When I wrestle with the "why" this had to happen to her - I see her ministering to someone else in pain - usually much less that what she experiences.  She loves people and is a magnet to so many different walks of life.

Thank you for praying for us - for without your petitions on our behalf - this journey would have been unbearable.  May God each of you abundantly for your faithfulness.

Covered by His grace,
Carol

News from Mid-Valley Southern Baptist Association

Mid-Valley Southern Baptist Association News and Notes March 27, 2008 Pastor's Fellowship Breakfast Tuesday mornings, 8:00 - 9:30 am, Country Waffles, Dakota/Blackstone. Church News... 1972 School Bus available for little or no cost. Contact Pastor Tom Sims, Baptist Temple, 647-2203. Sierra Baptist Church of Ahwahnee will be hosting award winning Christian Country recording artist Peter Lewis Whitebird on Sunday, April 27, 11:00 am. Peter Whitebird is a Southern Baptist minister, musician, singer and comedian. Sierra Baptist is located at 41808 Road 600, Ahwahnee. Leadership: Upcoming events, classes, retreats... Building Godly Men Conference -- April 12, 2008. This conference will be held at The Bridge Evangelical Free Church, 3438 E. Ashlan Avenue, Fresno 93726. You may read more about this event and register here. Don Hargis, CSBC Men's Ministry Specialist, will be one of the speakers at this event. Ministers' Leadership Conference -- April 21-24, 2008, Hume Lake Christian Camp. The theme for 2008 is Relevance. Look here for more information or call Sherri Bridges at 256-0814 to register. Escuela Teolgica Central Nombre del curso: Introducción al Nuevo Testamento Inicio del curso: Mayo 12, 2008 Termina el curso: Agosto 11, 2008 Profesor: Felipre Aaron con basta experiencia en el pastorado y Maestría en Divinidad Costo del Curso: 50.00 Sitio del curso: Iglesia Bautista Central. 3721 E. Olive Ave. Fresno, CA 93702 Director: Moises Cabrera (Información (559) 477 3249) Horario: Todos los jueves de 7 a 9:00 PM Textos Requeridos La Santa Biblia. Willmington, Harold L. Compendio Manual Portavoz. Grand Rapids, MI: Editorial Portavoz Kregal Publications, 2001. 0825418771 Ministers' Wives Retreat -- May 16-18, 2008, Jenness Park. Theme: Instruments of the Master. Rejoice, reflect and renew yourself with other ministers' wives from across the state! Register by April 15. Details here. Vacation Bible School 2008 Mid-Valley Association VBS Workshop for VBS leaders and teachers --- Saturday, March 29, 8:30 am- 12:30 pm at Cornelia Avenue Southern Baptist Church. Cost: $5/person. Mid-Valley Children's Summer Camp In 2008 Children's Camp will be held at Quaker Meadow Christian Camp. This camp is located in the Sequoia National Forest approximately 45 miles east of Porterville, nestled among majestic sequoia and fir trees. For more information on Quaker Meadow look here. You can find the registration, medical and camp counselor forms here. Get ready for some great activities: hiking, zip line, crafts, climbing wall, rappelling station, basketball, volleyball, and boating. Date: Monday, July 7, Noon - Friday, July 11, Noon Cost: $180/camper Track I: 3rd, 4th, 5th graders Track II: 6th, 7th, 8th graders Summer Missionaries Mid-Valley Association will host two college-age Summer Missionaries this summer. The missionaries are available by request to serve in your church for a week this summer. They can fit into a variety of evangelism and ministry projects. The cost of making Summer Missionaries available is made possible through the North American Mission Board, however, your church would be responsible for lodging, food, local transportation, and transportation to the student's next place of service. If interested in hosting the Summer Missionaries for a week please contact Alma Bray, Association Coordinator, at 299-3454 or by email at ajbray@sti.net. There are two weeks still available: July 26-August 2, and August 2-9. Prayer Request Please be in prayer for Sherri Bridges, CSBC Business Department, and her family. The Celebration of Life service for her son will be held at Trinity So. Baptist Church, 4890 E. Holland Ave, Fresno, on Saturday, March 29, 1:00 pm.

Mid-Valley Southern Baptist Association 825 W. Ashlan Avenue, Ste. 101 Clovis CA 93612

Update on Lori Climer 3/26

Friends & Family,

Today was a day of walking - Lori could not bear to be in the room - so we spent the afternoon walking - resting - walking - resting - walking. We will see the doctors at 9:30 a.m. tomorrow. The right side of her throat is still very sore - we continue to pray this is all a result of the surgery and not an infection. She has not had a fever but this just adds to her discomfort.

How to Pray

1) Please pray for the exam to go well tomorrow so she can be released and come home.
2) Continue to pray for the sore throat not to advance.
3) Please pray for us as we will have a very long and different day tomorrow. We will pack and put our luggage in the baggage hold in the hotel. We must leave the hotel Friday at 4:00 a.m.
4) Please pray for Lori as she is working on stretching the time between her pain medication.

Thank you so much for praying - I see some improvement in her strength level and determination. I have had peace and strength just knowing we have been prayed for by people who love us.

We continued to be Covered by His grace,
Carol

Update on Lori Climer 3/25

Friends and Family:

Today has been a difficult day for Lori. She woke up with a sore throat and sore ear and severe pain this morning so we had to go back to the hospital to see the doctors this afternoon as soon as they got out of surgery. When they saw her they asked what her pain level was - she said an "8+" on the jaws and a "10" on the head pain. After examining her they concluded the hot spot on the right side was the exact location of most of the surgery repair. The stitches in front of her ear and up into her head is approximately 7 inches but the most severe pain is in front of her ear into her face. She just finished two strong antibiotics so they don't want to start another one unless she spikes a temperature. The doctors were very pleased with the opening in her mouth but believed she was perhaps exercising too much. They gave her more medication and we will see them again on Thursday.

How to Pray

1) That there is no infection and there will be no fever.
2) Lori has the arch bars embedded in her gums both lower and upper with hooks on them which is painful and cuts the inside of her lips - we keep wax on the bars but please pray for the lips to heal quickly - this is very uncomfortable for her.
3) For pain control to be achieved soon.
4) She is pretty tired today - I think mostly from fighting the pain now for a week and not being able to get any uninterrupted sleep. Please pray for strength for her.

Our Trip Home

As we anticipate the trip home on Friday please be in prayer for this challenge for Lori. Our flight leaves at 6:00 a.m. Friday morning (which means we will leave the hotel at 4:00 a.m.). Being in the airplane will play havoc in Lori's head with swelling and pain. The doctors will talk to her Thursday about what they want her to do while in flight.

Thank you again for your diligence in praying for her and sending her encouraging emails. When I read them to her she smiles. I stand amazed at how much pain and discomfort she can endure and tolerate while being so kind to her caregiver (Momma) and her doctors. She continues to try and do so much for herself (never asking to be waited on). She could give classes on how to be a great patient.

We remain covered by His grace,
Carol

Update on Lori Climer - 3/24

Carol Climer writes regarding Lori Climer, her daughter (via Debbie Campbell)

Friends & Family:

Today Lori and I went for a short walk - the winds in Boston are like none other we have experienced - it feels as though your face and any other body part not covered has been placed in the snow and then a fan has been turned on high. It was not as windy as it has been but was difficult for Lori. She is getting cabin-fever and just had to go outside. Unfortunately the mouth exerciser did not arrive today - hopefully we will get it tomorrow.

How to Pray

1) Please pray for some pain relief - Lori's pain is still severe - she can't get comfortable - constantly up and down - she is miserable.
2) Her right eye was black and now is that ugly yellow - pray for this to go away quickly.
3) Please pray for the swelling in the right side of her face to go down.

Thank you again for the time you spend thinking and praying for Lori and our family.

Covered by His grace,
Carol

Easter Sunday Update on Lori - 3/23

Friends & Family:

A pretty stressful day for Lori - very miserable day - we didn't leave the room even to walk to the elevator today - trying to get all the body functions to work again - she is trying to go longer before taking pain medication but it's not working so we will go back to the original time.

How to Pray

1) Please pray for some comfort for Lori - she is very miserable.
2) Please pray for her pain to begin to be tolerable.
3) Please pray that the therapy tool the doctor ordered will arrive by Monday afternoon - he wants her to begin these exercises immediately to stretch the jaw joint.
4) Please pray for Ronnie to have some decrease in his painj level. Also he visited his sister in the hospital today while she was being given two pints of blood. This was sad for him.

Thank you so much for your continued prayers and concern for Lori and our family. Your thoughfulness and care is invaluable to us.

Covered by His grace,
Carol

Update on Lori - 3/22

From Carol:

Update

1) Ronnie made it home safely - in pain and discomfort - but so blessed to have been flown home by our friends, Woody & Jackie, flying him home 1st class.
2) Today is a "want to climb out of my skin day" for Lori. I think this happens to everyone after surgery. She and I walked a couple of blocks today - took all of her strength and energy but she felt some calmness afterwards.
3) The hotel staff continues to be a blessing to us in so many ways. This morning they brought Lori flowers, and a card telling her they were praying for her, and a candle from Sephora. She was so surprised and grateful. The staff has been so helpful and accommodating.

How to Pray:

1) Please continue to pray for her pain to be controlled - the head pain especially is difficult.
2) Please pray for her as she stretches her jaw - more to come on Monday.
3) Please pray for strength and energy for her.

Thank you again for your prayers and support for us and Lori. Words cannot express our appreciation.

Covered by His grace,
Carol

UPDATE on Lori Climer 3/21 AM/PM

AM

Just got back to the hotel (5:45 am) to shower and Ronnie and I will return to meet with Lori's surgeon. She will be released this morning at 10:00 a.m. - probably by the time everything is processed we should be back to the hotel by noon.

Praise

1) We have finally found the right mixture of medication that has controlled Lori's pain level on a consistent basis - this has been a battle!!!! God literally used an "old school nurse" and a brilliant intern to bring this about. We have had so much care and love given to Lori by the entire staff and teams that have worked with her. She is so appreciative of everyone and everything that is being done for her. She is by far the best patient we have every seen (and trust me we make a lot of hospital visits).
2) We have had the opportunity to visit and share the love of our Lord with the nurses caring for Lori. It is very different here in Mass General. You are given a nurse for an 8 to 12 hour shift. That nurse does what is needed - she/he has no nurse assistant to help. We are so grateful for Lori's surgeon training us in what to do for Lori as it would be impossible for the nursing staff to do all that he requires. It has been a team effort and the nurses have been so thankful for the 24 hour care we have been able to give.

What to Pray For:

1) For Ronnie and Lori to be able to endure the weather today (their bones feel every weather change). When I left the hospital this morning to catch a cab the wind was blowing fiercely - they expect the wind gusts to be 30 miles an hour today - it is very cold and feels like the wind is a knife cutting one's body in half - Boston wind is something one never forgets.
2) Please pray for us as we get her settled into the hotel and begin her care here.
3) Please pray for me as I face the fact that Ronnie will be leaving at 4:00 a.m. in the morning to fly back to Fresno. He has been invaluable to Lori and me. We are so thankful that he has been able to bear this trip and the difficult stress it has added to his body.
4) Please pray for me to be calm as this will be the first time I will be left to care for Lori on my own. Pray for wisdom and strength for me. Her after care requires 24 hour care.
5) Please pray for a safe flight for Ronnie tomorrow.
6) Please pray for Lori's pain to remain controlled.
7) Please pray for Lori and me as we spend Easter alone together without our family - this will be the first time as a family we have not been together.

"Thank you" cannot express our hearts gratitude for your prayers for us. Please continue to pray as we face each days challenges. God has literally carried us through these past few days with peace and calmness and assurance that "He is God."

We will continue to give updates during our stay in Boston. May you all have a blessed Easter!

Covered by His grace,
Carol

PM

We got Lori back to the hotel from the hospital just before 5:00 p.m. It was a much longer day than we anticipated - several doctors and teams visited with her and we continued to do some pain management control. The weather has been absolutely frigid today - over 45 mile an hour wind and the temperature at 35 degrees - difficult to manage. We will see the doctor on Monday to get an instrument Lori will use in her mouth to exercise and stretch the muscles in her face. We will return on Thursday to have the staples removed from her head and the stitches removed from in front of her ear.

Prayer Request

1) Lori has several blisters inside her bottom lip due to the rubbing of the bars and hooks - please pray for comfort.
2) Please pray for the swelling to decrease in her face.
3) Please pray for Ronnie as he prepares to leave in a few hours.
4) Please pray for our family - my aunt died today at 1:45 p.m. - this is the 3rd death in our family in five weeks. I've talked to my cousins but this is a difficult time for them. I am sad we cannot be with our family during this time.
5) Please pray for Ronnie's sister Nellie - she is dying of mouth and throat cancer. I talked to his other sister last night and she said the home health nurse said everything would be shutting down very soon - this is a horrible cancer. Please pray that Ronnie will be able to spend some quality time with her when he goes home. She cannot speak and must write to communicate - please pray that she will have the strength to do so.
6) Please pray for me as I make trips out in this challenging weather to get things Lori will need in the next couple of days.

Beginning tomorrow if everything goes well - I will be sending the emails to you directly. Thank you again for your constant prayers as we continue to climb the "hill of hope." Your prayers have power and are invaluable to us. May God bless each of you for your thoughtfulness.

Covered by His grace,
Carol

(From Carol via Debbie)

News from Mid-Valley Southern Baptist Association

Mid-Valley Southern Baptist Association News and Notes March 20, 2008 Church News... Pastor Terry Glover, First Southern Baptist Church Coalinga, wrote a Guest Opinion article for the latest issue of the Calidornia Southern Baptist newspaper. Check it out here. El domingo pasado 9 de marzo, la Iglesia Bautista Central de Fresno se llenó de gozo al ver bajar a las aguas del Bautismo a tres nuevos creyentes, como testimonio de su fe en Cristo. Los hermanos son: Francisco Pérez, Victor Valdez y Quirino Con estos tres hermanos sumados a la membresía de la iglesia llega a los primeros setenta miembros. Aun cuando el número de personas que la iglesia ministra es por mucho superior; nos llena de gozo poder alcanzar memorable número de miembros. Esto nos recuerda el número de setenta discípulos enviado por el Señor para predicar. Leadership: Upcoming events, classes, retreats... Eric Bryant will be the concluding conference speaker at the Veritas Forum at Fresno State on March 28, 2008. Bryant is serves at Mosaic Church in LA and teaches at Golden Gate Seminary, Southern Campus. He will share his vision of how we can break through tolerance and into love for those who are different or less fortunate than we. In Defense of the Faith -- A Debate and Symposium sponsored by New Covenant Church Fresno. April 18-19, 2008. Dinesh D'Souza, author of What's So Great About Chirstianity will participate in a debate and symposium. For details and to register look here. WPBC Leadership Summit -- April 18-19, 2008 Woodward Park Baptist Church is hosting Josh Hunt to lead a seminar on "What Does a Disciple Look Like?" Contact Pastor David Peugh at 298-7087 for more information and registration. Women Aware -- April 18-19, 2008, Valley Baptist Church, Bakersfield. Registration before March 15th is $60; afterward $75. No on-site registration. Online registration and hotel information available here or by calling Cathy Glover at 229-9533 ext. 255. (this event was formerly Refresher Weekend). Ministers' Leadership Conference -- April 21-24, 2008, Hume Lake Christian Camp. The theme for 2008 is Relevance. Look here for more information or call Sherri Bridges at 256-0814 to register. Escuela Teolgica Central Nombre del curso: Introducción al Nuevo Testamento Inicio del curso: Mayo 12, 2008 Termina el curso: Agosto 11, 2008 Profesor: Felipre Aaron con basta experiencia en el pastorado y Maestría en Divinidad Costo del Curso: 50.00 Sitio del curso: Iglesia Bautista Central. 3721 E. Olive Ave. Fresno, CA 93702 Director: Moises Cabrera (Información (559) 477 3249) Horario: Todos los jueves de 7 a 9:00 PM Textos Requeridos La Santa Biblia. Willmington, Harold L. Compendio Manual Portavoz. Grand Rapids, MI: Editorial Portavoz Kregal Publications, 2001. 0825418771 Ministers' Wives Retreat -- May 16-18, 2008, Jenness Park. Theme: Instruments of the Master. Rejoice, reflect and renew yourself with other ministers' wives from across the state! Register by April 15. Details here. Missions Because Mid-Valley Churches Cooperate in Missions: A new church, Iglesia Bautista Stratford, was launched last weekend in Stratford (S on 41). Templo Luz del Valle of Lemoore sent out Carlos Rubiano to Stratford as Pastor. Other supporting partners include FSBC Hanford, Baptist Temple Central Valley Hispanic Baptist Fellowship, our Association our State Convention. 180 people from 11 churches met in Stratford last Friday night to install Pastor Rubiano and to launch the church. Danny Sotelo did substantial "apostolic" work to facilitate this new church. Valley Springs Fil-Am Church celebrated its second year by moving their meeting place to Clovis West High School campus this month. The church started in a living room two years ago, moved to Woodward Park Baptist Church, then moved to Garfield Elementary School, and now to Clovis West. David Mortiz is the pastor. Pictures by Ben Angeles here. Slavic Baptist Church was launched last September in the facility of another significant mission partner, California Baptist Foundation. They are now working to establish a building sharing agreement with a sister Mid-Valley church. Iglesia Bautista Central of Riverdale has converted an undeveloped field into a soccer field. They are using soccer as a connecting point in the community as a way to meet needs of youth and to communicate Jesus Christ. Alci Rengifo is the pastor. Vacation Bible School 2008 Aloha! Surf's up so grab your surfboard and head to Outrigger Island! During 2008, kids will know, speak, and live God's truth----aloha style-- based on Psalm 86:11.. Mid-Valley Association VBS Workshop for VBS leaders and teachers will be held Saturday, March 29, 8:30 am- 12:30 pm at Cornelia Avenue Southern Baptist Church. Participants of this workshop will be able to confidently lead children and families to Christ through a high quality VBS in their own churches. Cost: $5/person. RSVP to Rita at MV office 297-5550. Put on your best Hawaiian outfit and come join us (there will be Aloha give-aways)! Mid-Valley Children's Summer Camp In 2008 Children's Camp will be held at Quaker Meadow Christian Camp. This camp is located in the Sequoia National Forest approximately 45 miles east of Porterville, nestled among majestic sequoia and fir trees. For more information on Quaker Meadow look here. You can find the registration, medical and camp counselor forms here. Get ready for some great activities: hiking, zip line, crafts, climbing wall, rappelling station, basketball, volleyball, and boating. Date: Monday, July 7, Noon - Friday, July 11, Noon Cost: $180/camper Track I: 3rd, 4th, 5th graders Track II: 6th, 7th, 8th graders Summer Missionaries Mid-Valley Association will host two college-age Summer Missionaries this summer. The missionaries are available by request to serve in your church for a week this summer. They can fit into a variety of evangelism and ministry projects. The cost of making Summer Missionaries available is made possible through the North American Mission Board, however, your church would be responsible for lodging, food, local transportation, and transportation to the student's next place of service. If interested in hosting the Summer Missionaries for a week please contact Alma Bray, Association Coordinator, at 299-3454 or by email at ajbray@sti.net. There are four weeks still available: June 6-14, July 26-August 2, and August 2-9. Prayer requests Victoria, grand-daughter of Pastor Ed Lee, Mt. Olive Baptist Church Fresno. Victoria underwent successful emergency brain surgery earlier this week at Children's Hospital to address a severe infection. Pray for Victoria's recovery, her parent's, and Pastor Ed & Bea Lee. -Lori Climer, daughter of Ron & Carol Climer. Lori underwent facial surgery earlier this week in Boston. Updates on Lori's recovery can be found here. Cards may be sent to: Lori Climer, c/o Counseling Resource Center, 875 W. Ashlan Ave, Ste 103, Clovis, CA 93612. -Mrs. Elinor Hull and Family. Pastor Dan Hull, former pastor of First Baptist Church Firebaugh, passed away late last week, after a fall which caused brain injuries. Cards may be sent to: Mrs. Elinor Hull, 825 Talcott Street, Sedro Wooley, WA 98284.

Mid-Valley Southern Baptist Association 825 W. Ashlan Avenue, Ste. 101 Clovis CA 93612