What can I get you for your birthday? What can I buy you for Christmas? I have heard those questions many times coming from Phyllis’ mouth. My answer most often to her is simply that I don’t need anything and while I appreciate her thoughtfulness I tell her please don’t buy me a gift. Maybe the other side of it is that anything I need I most often just go and buy. Are there any of the rest of you that feels that way? So, here is what I am thinking...next time I am asked that question, my answer will be that I want a gift of food to be given to the Trails End Food Pantry. Join with me in re-considering the gifts we get, and how they stack up against what we give. Our Trails End food ministry needs your help right now. A lot of food has been given to folks in need and your gifts make a difference.

Enrique works for the Lord and the Lord is helping Enrique with the Zuniga Garden. The recents rains He sent have helped the garden along. Enrique spends a lot of time there, he uses 7 Dust to keep the worms at bay. There is a lot of Okra that is doing very well. Anay is not an okra eater like many of us. The corn crop failed to make this year, there were too many hot days without watering the garden before Enrique took over. There have been a few folks gather from the garden, if you have not been by yet make it a point next time you are near the Trails End...

The Trails End served 7 families in need this week. We need your help in keeping the pantry stocked.

Today has not been a good day for James and Kay. Shortly after noon Kay was transported to Hendrick ER after having back to back Gran Mal seizures. James said this was by far the worst she has had. I left James a few minutes ago, he is still at the ER. Were told a couple hours ago they were preparing paperwork to transport her to the Betty Hardwick Center here in Abilene. Kay is heavily sedated and has been resting well. James is OK, there is much ahead that he faces and knowing all that is difficult for him. His faith is strong. He tells me,"Jesus is with me, he will always be there for me." A pause, then he adds, "For Kay too."

Yesterday, James and Kay take food to a family that live near Dyess. There is no food or money to buy food in this home. James and Kay spend time visiting with this couple. Last night they get a call, the man is very appreciative and thanks James once again. He tells James he has no money to repay him, but would give James a coyote pup if he wanted one. James tells his new friend he doesn't need a coyote pup..

Enrique and Anay tell of a young family in Buffalo Gap with small children. It is a story of losing a job, scraping by doing odd jobs when ever possible. The gift of food from the Trails End is most appreciated. Friday evening Enrique and Anay go to Wal-Mart to buy milk and fresh chicken to take to their home, there they spent time sharing life.

We have a new ranch hand at the Trails End. Ever since Kiki rode into town he has been itching to learn about being a ranch hand. James is showing Kiki that today’s cowboys do more than ride horses and brand little doggies, sometimes they cut and put up hay to the winter. Trails End garden and grounds look great thanks to Kiki, James and Enrique.

Sorry for the lack of news, I have been in Mexico. I traveled along with a group from the Southern Hills Church that was conducting a medical mission in Los Llanos. Sunday, we worshipped in an emerging church with about 100 people who are meeting in an old cafe in Lazaro Cardenas. It is mostly younger families with children, there are very few, if any, members over 50. It was good to spend time with people who have a vision that includes planting and building churches along the southwest coastline from Chiapas to Guerrero. My primary purpose for this trip was to see if this might be a place that our friends Enrique and Anay Carrillo might fit in. I came home at 2:30 last Sunday morning; the Carrillos arrived from Juarez about 3 hours later. We worshipped Sunday morning in Buffalo Gap. So, this has been a busy week, the Carrillos are getting settled in at the Trails End. They are planning to devote half of the living room area for Spanish Bible classes. They will also be helping us to distribute food from the Zuniga Garden and the Trails End. There are several ministry opportunities developing in Mexico and it is often difficult to remove ones self and allow God to lead you, please help the Carrillos by praying for the ministry God has for them. They have visas that allow them to stay in the USA until December. They would love for you to drop by and visit.