Meet
William Eaton
William Eaton is very happy about becoming one of our camp’s
two newest Gideons. William is retired from Kennametal, Inc., manufacturer of
tungsten carbide cutting tool systems. His wife, Kathy, is an office manager at
Fonville-Morisey. Currently residents of Wake Forest, the Eatons have lived in
the Raleigh area 23 years. William is from Lancaster, Ohio and Kathy is from
Nutley, New Jersey. They have four sons: Chris, Sean, Joshua and Billy; and one
daughter, Laura. Two grandchildren (Sean’s) live in Charlotte and one
granddaughter (Laura’s) lives in Raleigh. The Eatons joined Bayleaf Baptist
Church about 8 months ago. William says, “We’re just getting started!” Both of
them also attend Bible Study Fellowship on Monday nights. William is in his 4th
year and Kathy is in her 3rd year.
Over the years, William found
himself looking in hotel bedroom night stands all over the world for Gideon
Bibles during his travels for Kennametal. Recently, he has heard Charlie Rabb
and other Gideons talk during Sunday School about visiting our local prisons
and jails. William says, “I thought that might be something I’d like to get
involved in and try to help as much as I could in some of those and other
areas.” Bill Hudson, another Gideon and fellow Sunday School class member,
invited him to our January camp meeting. William liked what he heard and signed
up! He says he would like to be of service wherever God wants him in return for
all God has done for him and his family.
Meet John
V. Massey
John has been friend and coworker with William Eaton for
years. Their careers at Kennametal, Inc. paralleled each other, but they are
both now retired—John, after 37 years. He is an industrial engineering graduate
but worked in sales and marketing his whole career. John grew up in Birmingham,
Alabama. Mary Lou, who hails from near Mobile, Alabama, is a retired
microbiologist who worked 7 years for the State of North Carolina. John and
Mary Lou have lived here twice. The first time was for 5 years when Kennametal
moved its divisional headquarters here in 1980. In 1985 his career took him to
company headquarters in Latrobe, Pennsylvania for 5 years, Germany for 4 years,
and finally back to Raleigh in 1990. The division moved back to Latrobe in 1998
but John opted to take the “better deal” and retire.
The Masseys have 3 children: a
daughter in Latrobe with a little boy and girl; a son in Gulf Shores, Alabama
with 2 little girls; and a daughter in Raleigh with 3 little girls. John jokes
that between his 7 grandchildren, the oldest is only 4 years old!
Like William and Kathy, John and
Mary Lou attend BSF and are members of Bayleaf Baptist Church where they attend
Sunday School. In past churches, John has been a Sunday School teacher, deacon,
chairman of a board of deacons, and building committee chairman.
And now John and William have
joined the Gideons together! John says, “I thought I needed to be doing
something else again. I’ve known about the Gideons all my life, and have gotten
to know several of them in my Sunday School class.” Six weeks ago, Lee Warner
gave a Gideon report to John’s class and gave him some Gideon literature to
read. Bill Hunt, Charlie Rabb and others were all instrumental in getting him
to come to the January meeting, where he signed up.
At the meeting, John heard about several areas of Gideon
ministry that he would like to look into. He says, “I’m open to whatever the
Good Lord wants me to do.”
NC
National Guard Units Receive Scriptures Just in Time
On very short notice, Scripture Chairman John Kay asked
Gideons International to send a rush order of camouflaged New Testaments for
the NC National Guard unit in our area. (He had already given them 200.) Many
guardsmen were being deployed on January 19. On Friday morning, January 17,
John delivered 200 testaments to the office of Major
General William E. Ingram, Jr. Adjutant General of the NC National Guard. Lil, the
general’s wife, wanted to include a personal note from herself and the General
in each New Testament that was to be given to the servicemen on their way out.
General Ingram was so grateful to receive the scriptures on such short notice,
that he presented John with a medal “For Excellence” (see photo) normally
reserved for senior officers.
With the General’s permission John
joined him and others for prayer. John committed them to the Lord and all those
involved in the imminent conflict that God would be their sufficiency in doing
what God wants done in the affairs of man right now. He also prayed that God's
people would uphold our military in prayer for such a time as this.
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From left: Mrs. Ingram, John Kay, General Ingram.
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General Ingram and his wife Lil write personal notes to servicemen.
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Medal “For Excellence presented by the Adjutant General of North Carolina” to John Kay.
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Governor Mike Easley (rt. center), his wife and officials attend farewell celebration.
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Apache attack helicopter battalion commanders.
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Guardsmen at attention.
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NC
National Guard Farewell Ceremony:
Banner
Scripture Distribution day for our Camp
On Sunday, January 19, the first NC National Guard combat
unit mobilized since 9-11—some 328 soldiers—held its farewell ceremony at the
Morrisville armory. Lots of dignitaries were present in addition to all the
families and staff of base personnel. Logistically, General Ingram decided to
not give out the note-filled testaments during the ceremony, but to let the
chaplain individually present them to each man before he ships out from Fort
Bragg. John Kay presented the chaplain with 400 additional green-camouflaged
military testaments to cover all the troops not departing with this deployment,
for a grand total of 800 (in one week). Please pray for these commissioning
services, for the family support groups that are vitally involved at this time,
and for our continuing efforts to meet the needs of the military.
P.S. Chaplain
Harry Grubbs, NC National Guard State Chaplain, called John and requested
testaments for other National Guard units within the state that are soon to be
deployed. John called Jerry Campbell (Gideon State Scripture Secretary) who
contacted Chaplain Grubbs and then contacted International to have the
camouflaged testaments drop-shipped ASAP to the particular units. All future
National Guard shipments in the state will be handled by Chaplain Grubbs and
Jerry. Praise God for working this out.
Jail Ministry:
There’s Something About Super Bowl Sunday!
On Super Bowl Sunday,
January 26, millions of people watched the Tampa Bay Buccaneers whip the tar
out of the Oakland Raiders, 48-21. But 11 Gideons and 3 Auxiliary from our camp
visited prisoners at Wake County Jail and didn’t know who won the Super Bowl
until they got home. However, they already knew about a different Winner, Jesus
Christ, who won many souls that night!
Wake County Jail Chairman Charlie Rabb says
“There’s something about Super Bowl Sunday because, just like last year, we had
a Super Bowl Holy Spirit night at the jail!” (Dozens were saved during last
year’s Super Bowl.) Even at the Hammond Road Annex, Ray Cooksey and Richard
Justice led 13 prisoners to the Lord! And 18 more souls were won at the main
jail. Serving the Lord that night were: Monty & Jeannette Daniels, Bill
Hudson, John Dillard, Cliff & Liz Merrill, Charlie & Karen Rabb, Larry
Crowder, Ray Cooksey, Steve Blackmon, and John Gaydos. Some Gideons even got to
meet Donnie Harrison, our new Wake County Sheriff.
Charlie says we gave out 183 PWTs, 38 Auxiliary PWTs and 61 Spanish Testaments.
Larry Crowder prayed with 9 prisoners to receive salvation. Monty Daniels
and Bill Hudson led 9 others to the Lord. Monty reports that he was handing out
PWTs to youthful offenders on the ninth floor. Two or three came to the window
and were very interested in hearing what Monty had to say. He started
explaining God’s plan of salvation to them from the inside back cover of a PWT.
Soon, a group of four had gathered and then another man came. He said, “I want
to be saved, too.” All five prayed to receive Christ as their Savior! After
that, a security guard took Monty to another area cell to cell. The guard asked each prisoner in turn, “Do you want a
Gideon Bible or do you want prayer?” So Monty spoke to at least ten prisoners
and prayed with each one individually. Monty said, “They were so appreciative
that somebody would think to come and talk to them and to care that much about
them, especially on Super Bowl Sunday.”
Monty says of the guards at Wake County Jail, “I don’t think there are a
finer group of people anywhere. They are on a par with any Gideon group. They
are always in control and act just like parents to those people—men or women. I
am so impressed by how professional they are.” We can only say Amen to that and
praise the Lord.
P.S. Charlie Rabb reports that recently 28 Service Testaments were made
available to Wake County Sheriff cadets with the assistance of Chaplain Poole.
Butner Prison Ministry
Last Friday evening, February 7, a couple of prisoners set
off a fire alarm. As punishment, they were put in “the hole” (solitary
confinement). In addition, security suspended “free movement time,” and no one
was allowed in the halls, except those going to chapel. Prison Chairman
Tom Wallace says the crowd was still not as big as usual, probably because the
prisoners have to walk 100 yards outside in cold weather to get to the chapel,
a standalone building where all religious classes are held (Catholic, Muslim,
et al). Our Gideon-led Bible study continues to meet Friday nights from 6:30—8:30. The prisoners are studying Mark 10 (and beyond) with
the help of John Kay, who is filling in for the nearly recovered Ray Cooksey.
If you want to be part of this ministry, call Tom Wallace at 782-0903.
Auxiliary Report
At the Auxiliary Cabinet meeting on Thursday, February 6,
tentative plans were made for the upcoming One-on-One meeting and for table
favors at the Pastors Appreciation Banquet. Also discussed were potential
nominations for officers in the April election. Other plans call for the March
camp meeting’s Special Feature to be on the Jail Ministry, where several
members will share the experiences they have had distributing copies of God’s
Word at the jail. It was reported that Rex Hospital’s head chaplain, Nancy
Osborne, said they were out of Medical Testaments. Consequently, we have
provided them with 200 Medical Testaments.
Bible Dedication
at Raleigh Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center
Following the example of our camp’s well-received Bible
Dedication Service at Cambridge Hills, we did another one on January 27—this
time at the Raleigh Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center (formerly Hillhaven
Convalescent Center) on 616 Wade Avenue. Taking part in the dedication were
(see bottom left photo, l-r): John & Nadine Kay, Frank & Dot Rawley,
Bill Swart, Lee Warner, Linda & Ray Cooksey, Pat & Anne Simpson. They
led 25-30 residents in singing 2 hymns and told them about the Gideons and the
Word of God. They also provided 150 Hospital Testaments, one for each bedside
table, and 170 Medical testaments for the staff members. Our thanks to Chandra
Warren, Activities Coordinator; Karen Williams, Activity Director; and Felton
Wooten, Building Administrator for their help and appreciation. Pray that the
residents will be encouraged to seek the Lord as they read His Word and enjoy
His presence.
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Residents
gather for song and prayer.
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John Kay (l) and Nadine Kay (r) present
Bibles to Felton Wooten (building administrator) & Chandra Warren
(activities coordinator).
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Dot
plays while Gideons & Auxiliary sing “Glory to His Name.”
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Gideons & Auxiliary at Raleigh Rehab
Bible Dedication.
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Everyone
sings “My Redeemer.”
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(l-r)
John Kay, Karen Williams (activity director), Chandra Warren, Nadine Kay.
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Other
Scripture Distributions
·
Jan 17—Motel 6, 3921 Arrow Drive. John Kay (left) and Frank
Rawley give Hotel Bible to Theresa, the clerk at Motel 6. Eleven Bibles were
replaced that day. Theresa decided to receive Jesus a couple of years ago in
that very same reception area during a previous Gideon visit.
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January 29, 31—Correctional Institute for Women, Chaplain James Hales. 50 used Bibles, 50 Auxiliary PWTs,
25 Spanish PWTs and 10 Spanish-English New Testaments.
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February
7—North Raleigh Hilton. 50 Hotel Bibles.
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February
7—Army Reserve unit, Chaplain Daniel Sun. 100 camouflaged Service
Testaments for a battalion of reserves
leaving Saturday, February 8.
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Through
February 12—The Heritage of Raleigh (independent living). 34 Bibles, 36
Hospital Testaments, 20 Medical Testaments.
Church
Speaking Opportunities
Charlie Rabb spoke at the new Bayleaf Baptist Church North
Campus on Sunday, February 2. Will Graham (Billy Graham’s grandson—Franklin
Graham’s son), age 28, is the preacher there. Please keep Co-Church Assignment
Chairman Larry Davenport in your prayers as he lines up new services. He has
called 8 pastors already this week. Call him at 841-4610 or e-mail larrydvnprt@aol.com if you want to
schedule a Gideon report.
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Praise
for these churches and speakers:
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Feb 2
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Bayleaf
Baptist Church North Campus
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Charlie Rabb
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Pray for these churches
and speakers:
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Mar 16
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North Raleigh Church of the Nazarene
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Kyle Compton
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May 18
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St. Mark's
United Methodist Church
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TBA
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A Wonderful
way to Say “I Love You”
With Living
Memorial Bibles
EASTER CARDS
ARE AVAILABLE
-- ORDER NOW!
With Easter coming on
April 20, now is the time to order your Easter cards. Celebrate the
resurrection of our Lord by sending
a gift that can change a life. The cost is 5 for $1.00, and they can be ordered
by copying the form below, or after March 1, 2003, printing it from the web
site at www.gideons.org. You can send one or more Bibles to a friend, a pastor,
or even a Memorial Bible Program donor, and help provide Scriptures in your
camp area and around the world. These are the same cards that were introduced
last spring. This year, you will want to bless someone with a special gift of
Scriptures during the most joyous of all celebrations. Order now so you can
send your Easter cards on time!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - - -
EASTER CARD ORDER FORM
Number of Amount Method of
Packs ($1/pk of 5) Enclosed Payment
__________
$_______________
______
Check _____ Credit Card
Send to: Credit Card Expiration Date______________________
________________________________________
________________________________________ Credit Card
Number_________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
Cardholder’s Signature_______________________________________
MAIL TO: The
Gideons International, 2900 Lebanon Road, Nashville, TN 37214
- - - - - -
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- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Memorial Bible Plan Chairman Doug
Schmidt (782-5311) encourages us to “use the Memorial Bible Plan, exchange
outdated church racks for ones with current prices, and show the video.”
Remember, for only $1.50 you can get a package of 6 assorted Memorial Bible
cards from Memorial Bible Co-Chairman Frank Rawley (847-1366).
Charlotte
Scripture Blitz:
You are
Needed
Make your plans now to attend the
Scripture Blitz in Charlotte March 23-27. From 200-375 Gideons and
Auxiliary are needed to distribute over 50,000 Scriptures to open hands. They
will try to touch base with all the area hospitals and universities. Auxiliary
are needed for hospitals and rest homes. Eric Howe (former British Isles
Trustee, from Scotland) will be the leader and International Representative.
The January Tar Heel Gideon contains a registration form on page 4. Pray
for willing servants, open doors, open hearts, and souls for eternity. Contact
Don Rhodes at 704-394-4811.
Bible Blitzes Around the
USA
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Date
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Place
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Contact
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Phone
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E-mail/“Snail-mail”
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March 2-7
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San Jose, CA
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Jerry Schrimsher
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510-881-0243
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GideonJerry@hotmail.com
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March 9-12
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Mobile, Alabama
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Jim Blanton
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205-455-2426
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PO Box 794, Grove Hill, AL 36451
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March 23-27
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Charlotte, NC
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Don Rhodes
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704-394-4811
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CharlotteScriptureBlitz@hotmail.com
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April 7-9
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Albuquerque, NM
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R.E. Stinebaugh
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505-275-3170
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RCStine@MSN.com
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DUES RENEWALS
Haven’t
paid your dues yet? PLEASE DO IT NOW! You are a much valued member of this
ministry. Use your renewal slip or send your check marked “Dues Renewal” for
$40 ($55 for Gideon and Auxiliary) to: The Gideons International Headquarters,
PO Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214-0800.
Join us for Prayer and Breakfast!
We
would love to have you join us on Saturday mornings for Prayer and Breakfast.
We meet at the Clarion Hotel (formerly Fourpoints) across from Crabtree Valley
Mall at 7:30 a.m. Breakfast (optional) is at 8:00 a.m. We typically meet in the
executive meeting room on the 10th floor. Gideons and Auxiliary are always
welcome! For more information, call Lee Warner (846-7726) or Nadine Kay (870-9266).
Camp Calendar
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Feb 18 (7:00pm)
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Camp
Meeting: One-on-One. Speaker, Jimmie
Coggin, Area 7 Director
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Mar 11 (6:45pm)
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Camp
Meeting: Church Assignments
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Mar 17 (6:30pm)
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Pastors Appreciation Banquet, Salon ABC, North Raleigh Hilton; Kyle Compton, speaker; Tank
Kersey, testimony speaker.
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Mar 21-22
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NC Camp President’s meeting
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Apr 15 (6:45pm)
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Camp
Meeting: Camp Elections
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May 1-4
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56th State Gideon
Convention—Adams Mark Hotel, Winston-Salem
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May 20 (6:45pm)
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Camp
Meeting: State Convention Reports
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Jul 22-27
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104th International
Gideon Convention, Birmingham, Alabama
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Respectfully submitted,
Pat Simpson, Newsletter
Editor
(919-877-0434
or e-mail
PatSimpsonBooks@cs.com)
This newsletter is published by the
Raleigh North Camp of
The Gideons International
P.O. Box 33635
Raleigh
NC 27636
Phone:
919:781-0305
WEB:
https://members.tripod.com/patsnews
January 2003 Status
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