September 2021 Update
I’m writing this update from our hotel room in Las Vegas, NV, as we begin our FEDs for World Wide Dream Builders at the Thomas and Mack Stadium. We are so excited to be together after such a long time of being on Zoom for our meetings. We are expecting 16,000 the first weekend and at least half of that the second weekend.
This has been a difficult two years for so many people. Meeting over a computer is one. Losing loved ones is the top grief, which includes our family. As I thought back over this year, 2021, I was saddened by the family and friends we have said goodbye to, but we know we will meet again someday. Our son-in-law, Mark Rush, was the first we had to goodbye to after his long battle with brain cancer. We often wonder why God takes the best, but we must leave that to Him. Jack Taylor, a precious friend, pastor, evangelist, writer, teacher, is another. He was such an encouragement to Paul and me through some of our darkest days. He was a restorer of the brethren. Buddy Murphrey, who was my mom and dad’s pastor at the ripe age of 21, lived a full and glorious life for 87 years. He pastored the same church in Corpus Christi, Tx, for over 50 years. He was a faithful and loyal friend to us. Dr. Allen McKeithen, another faithful pastor in Wrightsville, NC, is enjoying heaven, also. We were in Bible School with Bro. Allen’s daughter and son-in-law, Lee and Nikki Spearman, who introduced us to this precious man of God. Joe Foglio and Dave Severn, leaders and men of God in the business we pastor, men who affected thousands of lives for Christ, are celebrating with those who have gone before. John David and Barbara King, dear friends Paul led to the Lord in 1971, left this world holding hands. Barb left this earth 6 minutes before John. He always said, “Ladies first.” Chris Gradoville, a wonderful young 38-year-old man, dear friend of our family, faithful son and husband, was senselessly killed just a few days ago. We call it senseless, but we know God is the author of life and death.
Paul preached a powerful message at Chris’s Life Celebration in Omaha, Nebraska. His heart was broken for Chris’s parents. He was heartbroken for Nikki, Chris’s beautiful wife. Paul married this loving couple just nine years ago. He was burdened for the lost who were in the audience at Creighton University. I know God spoke to many through this powerful message of the Cross of Jesus Christ. You can watch this life celebration on YouTube or the Creighton University page.
So much loss! So many tears! Yet, we are a people who have hope! Our hope is in Christ. If we only had hope in this world, we would be miserable people. (1 Cor. 19) This life is way too short. It’s like a flower that blooms in the morning and gone at night. It’s like a vapor that appears and then is gone in an instant. Psalm 103 tells us how short this life is, yet God’s lovingkindness is everlasting. Hallelujah!
We have had days of sadness, but we have had days of rejoicing. Paul and I have been blessed with three amazing children, three amazing spouses for our children, 10 grandchildren, 8 who are married, five exceptional great grandchildren, and as of now, four on the way. How great is that! Our desire for them all is to love and serve the Lord.
We have two very busy weekends here in Vegas. This is the first time we have Paul’s new book, Language of Leadership, available. We also have Kelley’s new children’s book (her second), Lumi the Light Learns about Friendship. We also have a study course for new believers, Living your new Life. Mark put this together and Paul is teaching through this course. It’s a must have for those who have a hunger and desire to know more about their Christian Faith.
Thank you for your prayers and support to this ministry. We are so grateful for God’s faithfulness to us through the years. You are a huge part of everything we do. We are blessed,
- Billie Kaye