June 25, 2011
I thought I would sneak off to Nikolaev, Ukraine and avoid all the fanfare that goes with turning eighty. But, low and behold, they got the word in Ukraine and surprised me with a party.
During our mission effort in Nikolaev, the teachers and a few students had lunch together in a nearby restaurant each day. But, on June 22, I walked into the restaurant and was escorted into the banquet room.
The banquet room looked like the dining hall in a king’s palace. Five graceful pillars ran through the middle of the room, each topped with a Corinthian capital. A long, beautifully decorated table was surrounded by students and teachers. I was so shocked that I hardly remember them singing Happy Birthday.
I have decided that turning eighty isn’t so bad after all.
David and Galina Binkley reported, “Dick Ady’s wife and daughter let it slip that he was having his 80th birthday. So, we spoke to Alina who manages the restaurant where we eat each day, and she opened up the large banquet hall for us and decorated the table very nicely for Dick’s birthday celebration. Almost all of our students took time out of their busy schedules to come for this great time of fellowship. Most birthdays here are celebrated with alcohol, and our students were pleasantly surprised that we had joy and laughter by being filled with the Spirit and not spirits.”
When I returned home July 2, there were more than forty birthday cards and 110 e-mail birthday greetings waiting for me. I was overwhelmed and humbled. Thank you.
But WEI is not about me. It is all about Jesus Christ. It is about getting the Good News out to every man, woman, and young person on earth.
To keep this work going, we need your help. Please include the WEI Gresham office in your budget and join us in making disciples of all nations.
Maudine and I are grateful for your love, and we love you back. We praise God for you and the fellowship we have in Christ.
—Dick and Maudine
