church notes and sketches . . .

. . . and a visit from our missionary and good friend, Penny Dugan, founder of New Jerusalem Missions. She loves pink --- hence the pink drink container. Someone once told her that he saw an angel going with her as she worked in Africa . . . and that the angel was pink! BTW, scriptwriters in California are currently putting together plans for a movie about Penny.

Her bag confused me as it sat on the floor behind someone else's leg. Seemed to have too many handles --- afterwards, Penny showed me that there are actually 5 handles!, two of which she keeps tucked away in those large side pockets.

more from The Loft

On Friday I went once again to hear author Wayne Jacobsen talk in open conversation with a bunch of people, meeting in The Loft, an actual barn loft belonging to our missionary friend, Penny, of New Jerusalem Missions. This time I was listening and writing notes more, sketching less. Not really working at capturing anyone's true likeness.

I was blown away when a guy later peeked at this page (in pencil only at the time) and says "That's my wife, Shannon!" --- then I find out that he taught illustration at Wichita's WSU. How he could identify her from this sketch, I'll never know.

People came from all over --- this bald guy lives in the same small town as I do, though I'd never met him. (By the way, I found out that bald heads are not as easy to paint as I had imagined.) Another new friend, Faith, has a sister-in-law who teaches at the same high school in Sugarland, TX that my son teaches at!

at The Loft

Our friend and missionary Penny of New Jerusalem Missions has an old barn loft in Newton, KS converted for meetings. Wednesday through tonight, author Wayne Jacobsen has been there for informal conversation with whoever comes.

He is an un-credited co-author of one of my favorite books, The Shack by William P. Young.

I went Wednesday and plan to return tonight (drawing class kept me away last night). Great discussion among a widely diverse group of people, all believers in relationship with God.

UPDATE: Since attending Friday night's event, I've been listening to some of the free teachings that Wayne has available on his blog. Such rich truth about the Lord! I recommend others listen as soon as possible!

last Sunday

While putting together the illustrations for a friend's project, I got behind in posting what sketches I managed to do.
Last Sunday morning, our missionary friend, Penny Dugan, visited our church before heading back to Africa. I didn't catch a likeness of this lovely woman, but it was fun trying.
Those interested can read more about Penny and her ministry, New Jerusalem, here and her blog. Her story re: pink angels really made us laugh . . . . what other color could be assigned to Penny?

Sunday's sketch

A misionary that our church helps support came to visit us on Sunday. Penny Dugan just returned from Durban, South Africa where she lives half of each year.

Penny is the director of New Jerusalem Missions, a ministry showing the love of Jesus to those affected by HIV / AIDS. She and fellow worker, Prince Jobe Sithole, have such amazing stories of bringing hope to so many.

Meanwhile, the ministry's home base is nearby in Newton, Kansas --- they are busy renovating an old hospital building to continue serving people locally, both those dealing with HIV / AIDS and the city-run homeless shelter.

Penny has such an amazing story of her own; we have been blessed to know her for many years. She took a personal tragedy that would have devastated so many in like circumstances and turned it into a ministry that reaches a multitude. Sometimes she writes of her African adventures on her blog. Amazing woman!