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What a time to
begin a long overdue newsletter from the Marshalls -- New Year’s Day,
2005! Marge was working
at the computer and I suggested we should try and get together an “On
the Road…with the Marshalls” newsletter and she had the nerve to
suggest that I do it! Can you believe that?
So, we’ll see
what will take place as this news unfolds…I want to preface my
comments with the fact that God has been so good to the both of us and
our families.
We’re
enjoying being near our children and their families, to listen to them
talk with each other, to hear them laugh over their experiences at their
grandparents, many to our surprise. The Bible tells us that a
merry heart does do good like a medicine. The King James
Version records“… but he that is of a merry heart hath a
continual feast” (Proverbs 17:22) the NASB translation is
this: 22a “…a joyful heart is good medicine.”
Hopefully, you will be able to do a little “cheerful thinking” as
you progress through these comments.
Please don’t walk around like the proverbial Missouri mule,
long-faced!
2nd
Retirement After
Marge and I returned from our vacation early in 2004, and at our annual
business meeting in February at Prince of Peace Assembly of God in
Klawock, Alaska, I announced my retirement with my final service to be on
Sunday morning, May 2nd, 2004.
The months that followed were filled with farewells. This is one
thing about being in the ministry that I have never enjoyed … telling
our congregations goodbye because we were leaving friends, not only in
the church but in the community where we lived. In this case it was the
entire Prince of Wales Island (POWI), which sorta became our parish.
Help Arrives…
One
of the things that made it just a little easier was the fact that our
daughter-in-law, Shannon Marshall (David’s wife) and their daughter,
Halee, arrived a week before we were to leave to help me with the final
packing of our “stuff.” They were such a help and a blessing
to have there. Shannon’s mom, Sharon Merrill, and her husband
Gene, still live in Klawock and attend the church Shannon’s dad &
mom founded in the early 1980’s and I had the privilege of pastoring
there for 5 years.
Shannon was excellent help with the driving; as a matter a fact she
drove the entire distance (excluding the water travel – smile).
Marge just was not up to do that much driving so she was co-pilot with
Shannon and some with me in the pickup.
~ Farewell Activities
~
**
POWI Monthly Singspiration that was held at the Church of God in Craig,
almost filled to capacity; fingerfood fellowship followed.
**
POWI Farewell at the community building in Craig on Sunday afternoon,
April 25th. Activities included a time of
reminiscing with friends. The Heinua Kwaan Dancers, led by Jon Rowan,
performed for nearly an hour for the almost 200 who had
gathered. A wonderful meal was prepared by the ladies of Prince of Peace
Assembly of God and others who brought food. The POW Bluegrass
Band sang and played to conclude the day. Marge and I were
extremely pleased with everything: the outpouring of love shown by all.
Hydaburg
Goodbyes During
our times of ministry in Hydaburg we made many friends, so we wanted to
spend a little time with them. On Sunday, April 18, we attended
the Presbyterian Church for the morning service and fellowship meal
following.
Among our friends were Mayor Steven Dilts and his family. Steve
and Jacque are members of Prince of Peace Assembly. Much of the
salmon we were able to “jar” came from them, including halibut and
venison. Ha’waa!
("Thank You" in the Haida language.)
Goodbye,
Prince of Peace Assembly
We
found the time passed quickly … Marge made an emergency trip to Kansas
to be with her mother before she was promoted to her heavenly home.
All of our folks at the church were so gracious and considerate to us as
we prepared to make the move. As their pastor I appreciated their
patience, their understanding and willingness to help in every area of
the move. (I didn’t interpret this as being anxious for us to
get gone…smile) Our memories are of Don Busse and Rob Steward
building the platform to serve as the loading dock; the meals we enjoyed
in a number of homes; the final service; the “peanut flavored”
potluck dinner; the money tree (I wish I had more trees like that!) and
your love…thank you, to those of you who will be reading this.
A
new home for Charlie Sue
One
of our regrets in leaving was that we would have to leave our Border
Collie behind. Marge had hoped we could move her, but I knew that
with everything we were moving in the car and pickup, there just would
not be room. A week or so prior to our departure date, I mentioned
it to Brian and Donna Templin, to see if they would be interested.
They thought it over, and announced they would be glad to take her.
So, Brian, Daniel and Donald loaded up her dog house, offered her a
wiener as a bribe (not even needed - she loves the Templins - grin) and she made the move. We know
she is well cared for, which makes the both of us very happy!
Thanks, Templins!
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Our
Trip South
On Monday, May 3rd, we left POW
Island with mixed emotions, because we knew we would never come back to
the most beautiful part of Alaska to live…oh, maybe someday to visit.
The trip on the Inter-Island Ferry was without too much excitement, just
enjoyable.
We had a layover in Ketchikan until 11:15 p.m., when we left for Prince
Rupert in British Columbia, Can. We were not really looking
forward to sleeping in the seats or on the floor. The Lord had
other things in mind.
In 1996, while we were living in Hydaburg, temporarily pastoring the
Assembly there, a lady by the name of Gina Such attended a few of our
services. She and her husband Dennis work for the Alaska
Marine Highway ferry
system and she “just happened” to be on duty on that run. When
Shannon and she were talking, Gina learned we did not have a cabin, and
she went to work and made arrangements for us to have beds for the
6-hour trip. What a blessing this was to the four of us!
Matthew 6:33 applies here!
What
beautiful sights! One of
our friends from Craig, Alaska was on the ferry with us from Hollis to
Prince Rupert. We met up again in Jasper, Alberta, Canada.
From there to Banff is one of the most beautiful areas to travel.
A portion of it we drove in snow…. Doug Viet e-mailed us here in
Kansas City and told about his experience of doing “donuts” in the
highway and decided to “layover” for a few hours. Then to his
surprise, he saw our little Subaru and a little later my pickup making
our way through the snow…that is the last he saw of us!
Moose, Elk, Black Bears, Mountain Sheep
or Goats and of course Eagles were of the wild life we saw while
traveling. IF you ever get the chance to make that drive from
Calgary to Jasper, Alberta, Canada…do it, you will never regret the
gorgeous sights!
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Something
to Make You Smile
This
took place one Sunday morning in the service at Prince of Peace Assembly
of God, shortly after their new pastor and family arrived. One of
the ladies who faithfully brought her little granddaughter to church
would sit right up front in the 2nd pew.
Little Paige, 3 years old, was acting up and her grandmother couldn’t
get her to settle down and neither could the lady sitting with her.
So another lady, who was sitting behind them, took her into the
fellowship hall. Well, Paige wanted to play in the Nursery and was
told that was for little babies.
She then asked how come God was mad in there? She meant the preacher
preaching…and was told, he is not mad, he is excited about being at
the church as their new pastor.
Her response was…”I don’t like the ‘new God’, I want the
‘old one back’.” Meaning Pastor Howard.
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Pastor Roy and Sharon Lovegrove and family moved to Klawock just a month
after we moved! He was elected as the new pastor on Mother’s Day,
2004. We praise the Lord for him and his family - the reports we
get from Klawock are great!
Their
website is at www.spaciousskies.me/PrincePeace/
- Marge is their webmaster.
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Snack
Break: Halibut
Spread or Dip
Our very first time in Hydaburg
and when we had fellowship with the Presbyterian folks, one of the
elders, Alma Cook, brought Salmon Spread. She told me how she made
it and I learned to make it as well. Using many of the same
ingredients I started making Halibut the same way. Ok, here is
what you do…
1
pint of Halibut (jarred)
8
oz cream cheese
8
oz mayo
1
small jar of dill relish
1
small onion (chopped)
Season
to taste: garlic; pepper; herb seasonings
1
small can of diced peppers
1
small can of diced olives
Blend
together with mixer until all items are well mixed…chill and serve
with crackers, pilot bread or regular sandwich bread. Very good!
Try it…you’ll like it! If you can’t get halibut, use canned
salmon, ‘cause it’s good too!
Happy
Birthday…at the McGuffeys’ Home in Montana! Friday,
May 7th was my 73rd birthday and before arriving
at Hosanna Ranch, we were pulled over by a patrol car! To our
surprise it was Forest Service Law Enforcement Officer Clint McGuffey.
He recognized the pickup and having seen our car ahead of me, pulled us
over and gave us directions to their ranch … actually he led us.
What a refreshing experience we all had with them for the weekend!
See Hosanna Ranch by clicking
here.
They
treated us almost like we were king and queens … and they did have a
cake and ice cream which we all enjoyed! I’m not sure they sang
to me, though....
You
need to hear my “sob story” about never having my own birthday cake.
When I grew up with my sisters and my brother, all with May birthdays, Mom decided she wouldn’t make four cakes but just one for all of us.
So, that is why I never had a BD Cake!
Another
surprise for us was to visit the Assembly of God in Superior, MT…where
Charles Tucker and his wife now live and pastor! They were pleased
to see Shannon and Halee. Marge and I had only met them
once, but succeeded them in pastoring Prince of Peace Assembly.
Then we went with our host family to visit the evening service at their
church.
Just
a note to the McGuffeys: thank you so much for the R&R.
We all needed it very much … ya know the showers, the good beds, and
the wonderful fellowship!
Final
Lap Home…Our ways parted in
Cheyenne, WY. The ladies were a little slow getting around and I
knew we were going to get a late start, so I loaded up my things in the
pickup, kissed and hugged them goodbye and headed for Kansas, via Denver
through rain and heavy traffic due to construction, which would have
made it difficult for us to find a place to part ways there. Hays,
Kansas was my over-night spot; on to Lyons to visit family; then on into
Kansas City…3,200 miles later from Prince Rupert! Wow!
Marge,
Shannon and Halee made stops along the way to Texas. One to call
Val Steward’s mom in Colorado Springs; a night with Larry and his
family in Albuquerque, NM and finally to Alpine, TX. Marge stayed
until late July, when she knew our new manufactured house had been
purchased and was in place and ready for her appearance!
Howard
& Marge Marshall
Janet Marshall
1044 S. 74th
Street
Kansas City KS 66111
(913) 788-8637
Seaton
Family Reunion Marge’s
family met in Ardmore OK for a reunion the last weekend in October.
We had a great time and enjoyed having some of the younger family
members too. With Mom and Dad Seaton both gone, we still want to keep the family
together.
Guests
of Honor at Northland Cathedral!
Each
year our home church here in Kansas City has the first Sunday in
December as a time to bless ministers and their families who live in
smaller communities and have smaller congregations. Early in
October our Pastor had invited Marge and me to share some of our own
experiences as “home missionaries” to Alaska at this service.
It was held after an all- church dinner following the morning service.
We felt humbled and honored to have been selected to participate.
Our thanks to the Missions Board and to Pastor and Carol Harrup and the
congregation for their generous outpouring of love. They
included many of our family members who live in the Kansas City
area!
See www.spaciousskies.me/HomeMissions.html.
Praise
the Lord! Marge is better!
Marge
has been having problems with anxiety and depression over the past
several years, and we’ve found out it was caused by “sleep apnea.”
So now she uses a CPAP (elephant nose) mask at night, and the short term
memory problems and inability to concentrate are “fixed”! What
a difference it is making in our lives!
Summer
2005
There is an ole
saying “…you can take a boy out of the country but you cannot
take the country out of the boy” and I think it applies to me.
My heart is still in Alaska and the desire is still to be available to
minister wherever I can. So, doors have opened for me to return.
I’ll leave Kansas City May 26th to go to Kotzebue for
about 2 weeks to be with Jim and Nancy Mercer. Then to
Anchorage to “fill in” for Jim and Linda Schulz at Crossroads
Assembly of God, while they are at Camp AN out on the Yukon River.
After that I'll leave for Emmonak July 17 and fill in for Bob &
Carolyn Wheeler while they are down in the lower 48 for a couple of
months. I should be returning to Kansas City September 17th,
in time to attend my 55th Lyons KS High School reunion in
late September. If I make this one, it will mean Marge and I
haven’t missed a single one in all these years.
Living
Clay
I
took a piece of plastic clay
And
idly fashioned it one day,
And
as my fingers pressed it still,
It
bent and yielded to my will.
I
took piece of living clay
And
gently formed it day by day,
And
molded it with power and art—
A
young child’s soft and yielding heart.
I
came again when days were past,
The
clay was hard at last.
The
form I gave it still it bore,
But
I could change that form no more.
I
came again when years were gone,
He
was a man looked upon.
The
early imprint still he bore,
But
I could change the form no more.
-Author
Unknown (Borrowed)
Read
Jeremiah 18:1-6
~~Notes~~
E-mail:
howardmarshall@yahoo.com
Ministry
website
www.spaciousskies.me/howard/
E-mail: margemarshall@yahoo.com
.
Our
Home Page:
www.spaciousskies.me/home/
[Learn
more about Alaska by clicking all the “links.”]
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Contribution
information
(No
obligation implied!)
Please
make check payable to Rev. Howard W. Marshall,
with #2077055 on the memo
line.
Thanks for your consideration.
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A
scripture to live by “And
we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those
who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
Romans 8:28 NASB
Empty
boxes from Alaska,
ready to be hauled away
Stuff
and More Stuff…
I am talking about what most of us
accumulate over the years. When we moved  to Alaska 5 years ago, we
said we would never move this “stuff” again… well, guess what? We
did and now we don’t have enough room for all of it.
Janet and I appreciated so much the
wonderful help we received when the container arrived from Alaska, when
a crew from Northland Cathedral came to help unload it.
While talking with my brother-in-law, Carl Seaton, I told him there is
no way I have the strength to move all this “junk” myself and that I
was going to hire a local mover to come and move it from the storage
unit to our house…and he was gracious enough to have 4 of his
men come with two trucks with storage containers on them. His
daughters, Lori and Marla, helped too. We separated what went into
the house and what needed to go into storage …hey… they did this in
only 3 ˝ hours! Carl and crew … thanks a million!
Thanks also to Kari and Jami, our granddaughters who helped organize the
kitchen area, and to our grandson Tasso who connected all our
electronics.
Other
enthusiastic "assistants" were our great-grandkids, Jaden and
Jaxen, Jacey and Hunter - children of Kari and Jami.
..
.
 Klawock
Visitors About the middle of
June I received a phone call from Gary Lawton. He said they would
be traveling to Wisconsin from Denver and would like to stop by for a
visit on July 2nd. Of course it was OK, and early that
evening, he, Karen, and Kathleen arrived. They were our first
visitors in our new home which was very much empty of contents at that
time. We went to dinner at the Cracker Barrel restaurant here in Kansas City,
Kansas, just off of I-70. We were able to spend a couple of hours
together. Thanks, Lawtons, for thinking about us.
Open invitation to any of our friends or relatives traveling across
Kansas … we’re only 2 miles off of Interstate I-70. Believe
us…you will be welcome!
As
I mentioned above, this issue of On
The Road...With the Marshalls is
long overdue, so let me bring you up-to-date with what we did after our
most recent issue.
2002 became a year of
celebration for my bride of 50 years and me! On June 23rd
our church prepared
a fine reception for us with many of our friends
from Prince of Wales Island sharing the special time with us.
August 31, 2002 our children, Larry, Janet and David, and their families
honored us with
a reception at Northland Cathedral Assembly of God
located in Kansas City, Missouri. Our Pastor, Rev. Owen C. Carr, who conducted our ceremony in June 1952,
agreed to come and help us renew our wedding vows. Pastor J.
Lowell Harrup, our KC pastor assisted him. There were 15 of
our original guests there. We were surprised by Jim and Coral Smith from
the Los Angeles, California area, who flew in for the occasion! A
shocker!
In September, we visited with Kath and Norm Green
in
England. Kath
and Marge had written to each other since 1947 and had desired for many
years to meet. These folks treated us royally for a time of
treasured memories!
My traveling wife, had driven (by herself) all the way to Kansas, then
on her return trip, via New Mexico and Texas, she drove the California,
Oregon and Washington coastline and finally took the Alaska Marine
Highway Ferry from Bellingham, WA to Ketchikan! Over 11,000 miles …
one brave lady, wouldn’t you say?
From
Marge:
This has been a fun newsletter to put together – Howard did the
writing, and all I have to do is edit and add some pictures. I
like it!
Credits: Photos, Howard Marshall;
background and rainbow line, sources not known. Text art by Marge
Marshall.
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