Spearsville Happenings

Barbara Walton
May 6, 2010

It is hard to know where to start as we think of the Happenings in Spearsville over the past week. As I sit here I am thinking of the tornadoes that by-passed us and hit Arkansas with such violence; then, the tremendous rains that caused unbelievable devastation — flooding resulting in several deaths in the Memphis and Nashville areas. My son’s house took on three inches of water and it is not in a flood zone. Bonnie Rhodes’s son and his family were also watching helplessly as the water began to rise near Jackson, Tn. They have been hit with a double whammy as their little daughter, Amber, is in the hospital with a serious throat infection. Our hearts go out to each family that has been affected, as we give thanks for His mercy to us.

Sunday was Youth Sunday at our church and what an experience it was. The kids took over every aspect of the service from greeting each person, to the special music, teaching Sunday School classes, the children’s sermon, preaching and even feeding us afterwards. It is great to see our kids with such enthusiasm under the leadership of our Youth Director, Chris Canterberry. Chris was our minister of the day and he delivered a powerful message on the mercy and grace we have received through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Justin, Blake and Meghan Ramsey, Dewayne Ramsey’s kids, from Dubach with the help of their friend, Dakota Black, sang and signed to a beautiful song that enhanced the message. C. C. Hopper did a great job with the Children’s sermon and special music was by Chris, Kristin and three year old Cameron. The Spaghetti Dinner, as a fundraiser, was quite successful with over $1600 donated for the mission trip that is planned to Gatlinburg, this summer. We are so proud of our kids and the growth we have seen in number as well as their spiritual growth. May God continue to bless them as they strive to serve Him in their daily lives.

The classes of 1943 and 1944 met for a combined reunion at the home of Jack and Maxine Taylor. Jack fried fish that Wilbur Upshaw furnished, and others brought in side dishes. There were nineteen in attendance; we need not ask if they had a good time. Anytime you get that many old classmates together there is lots of laughing and catching up to do. Joan Brewster, from Lake Providence, attended for the first time. She lived in Spearsville two years – during her junior and senior years – with her aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. P. A. Griffon. Joan has such fond memories of that time and has wanted to attend in previous years but due to health problems has been unable to. It was a joy to see and visit with her once again.

Romana and Scott Barron took their bike out for a little spin last week, ending up in Fl. – all the way to Key West with a stop off for a visit with Scott’s brother, Lee, at Ft. Pierce, Fl. When we were talking to Scott’s dad, Clyde Barron, about this trip — his remark, with dry wit, was, “They left on two less wheels that I would have”. They were back home and in church on Sunday. This was an experience of a lifetime but you know us “old folks” worry; we were sure glad to hear they were back home safe and sound and had a good time.

Vergil Rhodes continues to improve a little each day. It has been quite painful for him to eat due to the radiation he had on his throat a few months ago; therefore, it was necessary for him to have a stomach tube inserted until he can hear properly, gain some strength and get back on his feet. Vergil is surrounded by his family and friends which makes this stay quite comfortable for him. Last week Laura Smith, their daughter from Bentonville, AR. came to be with her dad. She left on Sunday with Beth Lawson, visiting with Vergil while Mary Gene came to Sunday School to hear her grandson, Layne Lawson, and his friend Jackson Mason teach our Ruth Class. This is such a good loving, Christian family and they are all working together to make this stay as painless as possible for Vergil.

I heard through the grapevine that Danny Manning is doing some better and is able to communicate a bit now. Some of Danny’s co-workers came for a visit last week and that really boasted his spirits. This family is grateful for the many prayers that have been offered on Danny’s behalf and ask that you continue to ask for God’s healing so that he might soon be able to return home to his family.

Bro. James has had a time this week. He started off with an extreme dizzy spell and has ended up with a high fever. He was unable to be at church on Wednesday night or either service on Sunday. Alan, his son came and took him to the doctor late Sunday afternoon. I’m anxious to hear from him; they have had a tough year and they need our special prayers at this time – he and, also, Shirley. They have been so good for this church and this community; we pray for healing so they can get back to doing what they do best – ministering to people.

Lots of work is being done on the park …. 10 loads of topsoil has been brought in for preparation for the grass to be planted at the Little Yellow House Museum. Sonny Harris and Billy Rea brought their tractors and did a great job spreading and smoothing it out. These volunteers did such a good job and we are so grateful to them and to all the others that give so generously of their time!!