This Christmas, our ABF gave Dr. and Mrs. Wellum a trip to one of Kentucky’s most-beloved restaurants, Patty’s 1880’s Settlement at Kentucky Lake. Since then, we had been waiting on a beautiful Saturday for my husband, Robert Patterson, to get us there in a 6-passenger, high performance Piper Saratoga II.

On February 2nd, we met at the Glendale Flying Club hangar at Bowman Field, where the Saratoga is kept. The Wellums had a flurry of questions before we took off. Robert happily explained the aerodynamics of the plane for a few minutes. Airplanes have many redundancies in place to ensure that no one has to pull over and lift the hood while in flight. Thankfully, it is much safer than driving in a car.

We pointed out the downtown cityscape as we flew out of Louisville. By the time we reached our cruising altitude of 6,000 feet, we had fantastic views of the rural countryside. The Ohio River turns and coils like a snake on the Kentucky/Indiana Border, and we cut over it several times. Making our approach to the Kentucky Dam Airport, the sun was glinting off the Kentucky and Barkley Lakes like glass. Although the Wellums had the back seat to enjoy by themselves, we talked together for most of the flight.

A van from Patty’s came to the airport for us, and soon we were seated in the restaurant, each with an enormous menu. Dr. Wellum ordered the world famous 2” thick pork chops, and we couldn’t believe he nearly finished it! Afterward, we made the waiter recite the 19 items on the dessert menu and picked four different pie slices. The waiter looked like he would tip over as he brought them all out!

After dinner we shopped at a few of the 10+ stores situated around the settlement. Karen and I swooped over to a 75%-off sale, while Dr. Wellum and Robert discovered an outdoors store. Several purchases later our stomachs were settled, so we said our goodbyes to the pork chops and mile-high meringue for good.

Blood orange rays were peaking through the trees as we got to the airport. Our ascent into the air was silky smooth as the cool of the day kept winds at bay. The city lights were the only boundaries we saw to distinguish the land from the stars. With a near 60 mph tailwind, Louisville’s lights appeared like an artificial sunrise in 40 short minutes, having traveled at nearly 250 mph. Back at Bowman, Robert softly landed on Runway 24, ending the peaceful flight.

We had hoped the day would allow Dr. and Mrs. Wellum to relax and enjoy being treated to delicious views and venues. On several occasions, the Wellums expressed their gratitude to the ABF for giving the gift. They themselves serve us faithfully each week, and it was a privilege to be entrusted by the class to make the trip possible.

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Visit the Patterson’s Picasa Web Album for photos from the Flight

On February 5, 2008, an EF-4 tornado hit Union University in Jackson, TN, damaging 80% of the dorms and many other buildings. Our ABF has at least 3 members who were former students of Union. Some of us personally know people who were saved from the rubble. $40 million is the current cost associated with the recovery.

Heroes abound as Union rebuilds. I have been told that due to requirements from the insurance company, students were not allowed to go back inside the dorms to salvage belongings. Instead, their very professors and administrators carefully filled bags and suitcases in their place. Truly, this is what it means to love your neighbor as yourself. The other testament to the leadership’s dedication is that the school has made housing accommodations for all 1,200 students to continue the Spring Semester, beginning February 20th!

The Union University website has a plethora of information about the Disaster Relief Fund, stories from the recovery, and some amazing footage taken by students. Southern Seminary is raising $35-50K to replace much of the Christian Studies library. Check out the Seminary News service to make a donation.

Please continue to pray as these dedicated students and faculty deal with the traumatizing effects of the storm and as they gather on move-in day, February 19th. Praise God for His miraculous mercy, sparing all of their lives! Praise Him as onlookers see true Christian service in action.

Want to know more about the exciting new Women’s Events and Classes?

Check out the NAOBC Women’s Ministry weblink to learn more. This year’s Women’s Retreat (April 18-19) and Tea & Fashion Show (August 23) have already been announced!

In addition, Ninth and O’s 2008 Academy women’s classes begin on Wednesday, starting with Workshops for Women! Every Wednesday at 6:45pm a fantastic facilitator will teach a different workshop. There’s no cost involved and you can sign up in the church lobbies.

The six Workshops for Women include:

2-13-08: Developing a Personal Quiet Time
2-20-08: Creating a Budget for Your Home
2-27-08: Cooking on a Budget
3-05-08: Decorating Your Home on a Budget
3-12-08: Hospitality and Etiquette Part I
3-19-08: Hospitality and Etiquette Part II

If you’re looking for a way to serve, please speak with me on Sunday and share some of your interests. There are many opportunities - big and small!

~Jennifer Patterson