2010 Christmas Banquet..."God Is So Good!"

Thank you to all who prayed for our Christmas Banquet. The Lord really blessed. There were a total of 83 present; many first-time visitors; and many family members of mayors of different surrounding cities whom we had never met. 4 people were saved: Patricia, a congresswoman; Lourdes, a former mayor’s sister-in-law; Erika, a 9-year-old girl who is dying of bone cancer; and Erika’s daddy, Martin.

Mom did such an excellent job leading the program. She wrote and read an essay called, “God Is So Good.” (I advise you to write her and ask her for a copy…or ask if she’ll put it on her blog. It greatly blessed my heart.)

We were able to put together a power point presentation of photos of her life over the years, and my brother and his wife and my husband and me and another man sang a song dedicated especially for her called “50 Years…”

My brother, David, preached a sermon titled, “And Thou Shalt Be Blessed,” taken from Luke 14. We were encouraged to seek to help those who cannot help us, and see how God blesses and provides for us in time of need.

All in all, it was a wonderful evening. Much prayer, many hours of hard work, inviting others, and the effort of many people paid off. Our hearts were truly blessed.

I hope you enjoy the photos. Thank you to those of you who gave and who prayed. May the Lord richly bless you for the part you had in this special event.

My sister-in-law, Liz and my sister, Elizabeth (very affectionately referred to as Fizzie), were responsible for the decorations. They did a beautiful job. Because we were celebrating Mom's 50th year in Mexico, the main color they used was gold. It looked absolutely breath-taking! Great Job, Liz and Fizzie!!!

The Lady of the Hour! My sweet Mother, Mrs. Billie Jean (Ashcraft) Sloan

Those involved in the program...Philip and Liz, Fizzie, David, Mom....

...and Joel (my husband's nephew) and me (and my husband, who was the photographer!)


These children are from an orphange in a nearby town.

Our hearts were blessed by their songs and testimonies.

Mom's grandchildren (10 who were here) sang...

"I Have a Friend Who Loves Me..." in Spanish and in Russian

...and "When He Cometh..."

Our dear friend, Mrs. Debbie Morris (a missionary's wife) led the children

in a special bell presentation. Thank you, Mrs Morris!

David preaching...Our hearts were blessed!

Presenting gifts to the David Sloan Family!

"Amazing Grace," piano special by David and David, Jr.

Philip and David...singing "Down From His Glory"

Mom chooses a special lady as queen every year. This year she chose Jolene.

She gave her sweet testimony and Mom translated. So touching!

Thank you, Jolene!

Mom honored the "First Ladies" who were present.
She has given a Bible to every lady (who has come to our banquets) who in some way serves or has served our city and surrounding cities.

Left to Right:

Olga Lydia...wife of next mayor in a nearby town;

Patricia del Carmen...congresswoman who was saved that night;

Veronica...wife of mayor of a nearby city

Mercedes...wife of former mayor,

and one of the first people Mom and Dad met when they came to Chiapas.

This lady was saved at last year's banquet.

Gaby...wife of former mayor of our city. Her sister, Lourdes, was saved that night.

"God Bless Mexico," sung after the First Ladies were honored.

The little girl to the right of the flower arrangement is Erika,

the little 9-year-old girl who was saved....

...and her Daddy, Martin, for whom we have been praying for about 4 months....Praise the Lord!
Ulises and Fizzie...worked so hard! Thank you! Great Job!!!

Ahh! At last to be able to sit and relax, and reflect on what was a wonderful, blessed event!

Thank you for coming, David and Jolene, and for making this night so special!