SAINTS OF CHRISTIAN HALLS! Howard & Ray

Howard was a builder! He built houses! He would buy a piece of property and build a house; then he and Ruby would move in. I don't know how many he built but after they sold the last one, they moved into a nice mobile home closer to his son. When he lived near the church, you could set your clock as you watched him walk, with bible in hand, to church. At first Ruby didn't come with him but after they moved further away from the church, he would drive and she would come.

Ruby and Howard were in Jim's flock and that was how we came to visit them often. We loved listening to Howard and his stories. he was only 17 when one morning he climbed onto his trusty horse and road across the prairie away from the only home he knew and never looked back. He had only the shirt on his back, no saddle on his horse, no shoes on his feet.

He told us how, he came upon a farm house towards evening that had smoke coming from the chimney. He stopped and asked if he could spend the night in the barn. The farmers wife welcomed this young man into her kitchen where the pot of soup had been cooking all day just in case a traveler came by. Howard ate his fill and then she took him to the barn where he spent the night. In the morning he was on his way again. Where were you going, Howard?

Howard didn't know where he was going, he only knew if he didn't go then he never would. He married a young girl who had a son, while he was gone to war. He received a dear John letter that he had a son but she would be gone. He later married Ruby who raised his son as her own, as she never had any children.

Towards the end of Howard's sojourn here, we would always find him in good spirits. He was always glad to see us no matter what condition he was in. His battle with cancer was long but Howard was patient to the end. Such a man of gentleness and strength!

Another one of these fine Saints, was Ray. Ray, in his elderly years was faithful in Sunday School. We always had breakfast snacks along with coffee available each Sunday morning. We had a basket on the table where you could contribute to the cost of the goodies and the first Sunday of the month Ray would put his contribution in and say; "I'm paid up!" When Ray wasn't able to attend as his time for departure was drawing near, we would go and visit with him. He had a wiry build, very much on the thin side and so with his illness, he looked a little more gaunt. His twinkle was still there and pleasure would show on his face when we would show up.

I remember once as he laid on his couch across the room, propping his head up with his arm, Jim and he would discuss the things that are always invigorating to men. The wars they have served in! Remembering the physical confrontations caused the adrenaline to flow once again as the two of them discussed their male prowess. Ray told Jim how he had fought in the 'battle of the bulge, in World War II.' They had taken a town called Bastogne and subsequently became surrounded by the Germans. The Germans were confident they would take the town but our American Fighters including Ray, stood them off until help came. This was a battle of renown!

This day Ray was again fighting a battle of renown! Some would have said he was losing but Ray knew as we did, that his battle was being won and his victory was at hand.

Many look at the passing of family and friends as just another part of life. I always find it hard! I find that these changes in my life cause me to feel the pain, even if it is for a moment; a day; or years. I soon become conditioned to their being gone but the initial shock to my being is an ache to my soul. I miss these men still, but their being in my life have been priceless to me. Recounting just a portion of their story is a pleasure; remembering them is a joy! Taking the time to listen to them has been a gift from God. By Jane Ann Crenshaw 12/4/09