Philemon 6
“… that the communication of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in us for Christ’s sake.”
Year-end seasons greetings 2015 …
It was just over a year ago that we relocated from Rochester, New York back to Fort Worth, Texas. We had been away 30 years via South Africa (13 years), Minnesota (4 years), and New York (13 years). It was here in Fort Worth that we met, married and began our family and ministry. There may be a slight aspect of “coming full circle”, although, we have seen much, experienced much, and grown much in those 30 years.
Apparently, God had some reasons of His own, but we relocated back to Texas for one reason and one reason only: To be near to Frances’ family and help with caregiving. We have taken in Frances’ 70-year-old sister who is intellectually and developmentally disabled from birth. We live very close to Frances’ other sister who is in stage IV Parkinson’s. Frances also has another sister and four brothers all of whom also have health issues. We ourselves are faring fairly well health-wise. But at 70 and 75 we find ourselves in that particular season of life when family and friends are aging with chronic illnesses and dying. We recently had to put down our family dog, Lily, who lived to be 20 “dog years”.
Since July 2015, we have our grandson, David, his wife, Shyanna, and great-grandkids, Angelina and Adam nearby, as they have also relocated to Fort Worth. On the other hand, the phrase “Absence makes the heart grow fonder” has proven to be true, since our granddaughter, Amelia, is still up in New York. She and her fiancé, Charlie Davis, visited us in November. Being separated by distance, we find that we are spending unprecedented time on the phone and social media with our New York children - Mark, Ileana, and grandsons, Fernando, and Samuel. We do miss the family and some special Christian friends back up in Rochester, as well as the beautiful scenery of New York State. Although, we certainly do enjoy the much more moderate climate and almost always sunny days of Texas.
Being “retired” and therefore more available for loved ones I think has made our relationships more “symbiotic” (mutually beneficial): We are more available for our loved ones in their particular seasons in life, and this is proving to grow us in love.
Besides all of the above, probably the highlight of our year was our trip to South Africa. After 18 years, we were able to travel much of that beautiful country visiting old friends. Along with the wonderful scenery, the warm hospitality, the precious times of fellowship and the blessed times of ministry, all made our visit to South Africa “incomprehensibly incomparable” – “it couldn’t have been better”! I think the Lord’s purpose in the visit was to allow us to see some of the spiritual fruit of our labors invested into the church in that nation for 13 years. We came back to the States fully convinced that we “plant and water”, but truly only “God causes growth” – in both life and ministry. (1 Corinthians 3:6-7) (See the full report on our "Missions" page.)
We are renting a very modest house here in the old part of Fort Worth, but true-to-form, Frances has made our living environment, orderly, artistic and comfortable. As she keeps the household running smoothly, she also carries the main responsibility of caring for her sister's physical needs, visits almost daily with her other sister, and regularly touches bases with her other siblings. I try to help where I can, but mainly, I think my assignment is to try to provide a little comic relief.
To somewhat supplement our Social Security income, I continue to sell Christian books on the Internet, as well as, sing and play jazz standards a few times per month in senior living communities. But, mainly I busy myself with study, research, writing, recording, publishing, distributing Bible teachings, as well, as corresponding and mentoring Christian workers in various places in the world and in the States via electronic media like Skype, email, CDs and telephone.
I was looking for a quote that might begin with “Life doesn’t get any easier …” So I Googled that phrase. All I came up with was: “Life doesn’t get any easier, you just get stronger.” I suppose that’s true. But, as I’ve observed our children and other younger people entering new phases of life, it is clear to me that we have accumulated knowledge and wisdom just through years of living and experiencing life. So, life doesn’t get any easier, but, hopefully, you just live “smarter” – with more knowledge, insight, discernment, discretion and wisdom. Maybe the most accurate observation is this: “Life doesn’t get any easier, it just gets more meaningful.” Specifically, you become more and more aware of the astounding accuracy of the biblical worldview, the depth of the human condition, the amazing grace of God in Christ, and the beauty of being loved and loving.
In his end-of-the-year letter, a friend sent a quote from King George VI 1939 Christmas Speech at the beginning of WW 2. We thought it was quite appropriate for the times in which we live, so we are passing it on to you:
“I said to the man, who stood at the gate of the year, 'Give me a light, that I may tread safely into the unknown.' And he replied, 'Go out into the darkness, and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be to you better than light, and safer than a known way.'"
The love of Christ motivates us,
Bill & Frances
~ DECEMBER 2014 ~
At year end, we thought we would write a bit of an update for our friends following our relocation from New York to Texas.
THE MOVE
We arrived in Fort Worth the beginning of November. Since then, we’ve been primarily settling in and getting "the affairs of this life" (2 Timothy 2:4) organized. That has been time consuming, but it gives a sense of peace having one’s life in order, as it were. I very much appreciate being fully retired from secular work – being able to just “go with the flow” at a relaxed pace with no routine schedule to conform to. Thus far at least, our life has been quaint and quiet; and we have had opportunity to be quiet before the Lord.
We've been learning our way around Fort Worth (getting lost quite a bit), finding out where to shop for food (The prices are about the same as up in New York, but there is absolutely no real Italian sausage here – We had to start making our own!). We applied with the government, and qualified for “Food Stamps” (We’re receiving a whopping $15 per month!). We also enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, which includes something called the “Silver Sneakers” (smile) – a fitness program covering membership at the YMCA, which we hope to start in the new year. To be honest, the past month has been pre-occupied with finding medical care for Frances (i.e. intense Sciatica pain, which, thankfully is starting to get a little better - but she still has somewhat sleepless nights). Except for a few “threats”, I haven’t experienced any real “flare ups” with my condition. (Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis).
We live in a very ethnic part of old Fort Worth - our immediate area is totally Spanish-speaking, illegals, 3rd-worldly but quaint and quiet (except for Mexican music blaring on the radio every time our next door neighbor decides to work on his car. ( smile) Grocery stores in our immediate area are quite ethnic, but we are able to use them, as well as, shop at some chain supermarkets a little further away. There are plenty of small, family-owned take-away restaurants with good authentic Mexican food.
The house we are renting is old and in need of some attention, but actually very suited for us - all one-level, first-floor laundry, etc. Frances has done her decorating magic and it looks great. I like it better than our house up in NY (which Amelia and her friends are happily occupying). We have two pecan trees in the front yard which are almost finished for the season, but have yielded enough pecans to last me the rest of the year. It is also nice to see people (occasionally whole families) walking by and helping themselves.
We are spending a fair amount of time with Frances' brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews – particularly during these holidays.
It seems that all our children are doing quite well without us in New York! They are all adults, and each in their own unique way, seem to be successfully moving forward in their lives. But, we remember them in prayer throughout each day. There is truth in the saying, “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.”
THE MINISTRY
Honestly, we feel a bit like “strangers in a strange land” – i.e. the “Bible Belt”. We, of course, remember it from back in the early 80s. But, now, we are just observing, and waiting on the Lord for how we are to conduct ourselves here. We think about what we might do locally (e.g. Spanish-speaking Bible study in our home, or a group made of Frances' relatives), but we are slow to initiate anything. We are looking to God to bring to us "those whom the Lord has given" (Isaiah 8:18). In this land of mega ministries, our only heart-felt interest is simple house church (I prefer the term "organic church"). If we do anything here locally, it will probably be that - along with one-on-one mentoring, as we have been doing.
I have writing projects I continue to apply myself to. I also continue to spend a lot of time corresponding with overseas pastors. I feel this is the most fruitful thing I can apply myself to - pouring into indigenous pastors who are working in countries where the Spirit of God is making disciples of the kingdom.
We have been invited to minister in Brazil. Our hosts have offered some financial help with the air fare, so we stepped out in faith, and have purchased air tickets. I’ve been to Brazil 5 times, but this will be Frances’ first visit. We will be doing discipleship and leadership training from March 11 to April 14. Our good friends, Weber and Loudres Chagas, will host us. They pastor a large church in Rio de Janeiro, and have recently opened a retreat center in the mountains outside of Rio. Their passion is spiritual renewal in the Church through prayer and communion with God.
We are also still planning to go to South Africa for the month of August 2015 with Matt and Kerry McMillan, overseers of a new home church back up in Rochester, New York.
I would say the pinnacle experience ministry-wise has been, and I think will continue to be, the gift of "the fellowship of the Holy Spirit" - internationally (i.e. via Skype, email, etc.) with home churches in India and New York, as well as with friends in Africa and Brazil - all hearing and pursuing the same/related things. It's not so much that "one size fits all", it's more that there is only one Lord! I recently posted this on facebook: "I love this verse: "Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard them." Malachi 3:16 This past year, I've become aware that "the fellowship of the Holy Spirit" is truly a gift which He gives to us. I have so enjoyed it - and I believe He enjoys it too!"
Check out our At Christ's Table facebook & the rest of this website where there is quite a bit of information. Well, that’s probably enough for now. We'll keep in touch – that is a priority for us.
Love,
Bill & Frances
Email: billfurioso@gmail.com
Phone: 817.744.8567
"The love of Christ possesses us,
therefore we have determined
to no longer live for ourselves
but for Him Who died and rose again for us."
[2 Corinthians 5:14 paraphrased]
~ October 2014 ~
RELOCATING
Something has developed in our lives – something we had been considering and praying about, but now will be taking place. Frances and I are relocating from New York to Texas – “before winter” (2 Timothy 4:21) – actually, November 1st.
I met and married Frances, and essentially began the work of ministry in Fort Worth, Texas back in the early 80s; and it was from there that we left for South Africa. So, in one way, it is a “coming full circle” and a “return to Antioch”. (Acts 14:26-27)
The are many aspects connected with this move, but essentially, this is a season of life decision. Shortly, I'll be 68 and Frances will be 75. We've been looking ahead to the season when I will no longer be able to do even part-time secular work, and we will have only $1535 USD per month Social Security income to sustain ourselves (no other retirement plan for these missionaries). This income level would normally require government subsidized housing. But by God’s grace and mercy, Frances’ niece’s father-in-law is willing to rent us a small house in Ft. Worth which is affordable on our Social Security income: (Click on Google Maps)
http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/3701-N-Crump-St-Fort-Worth-TX-76106/28984106_zpid/
Frances left Fort Worth with me in 1984, and after 13 years in South Africa, we returned to Rochester, New York, reconnected with my family and helped with the care-giving for my parents. So, my faithful wife (Ruth 1:16) has been away from “home” for a little over 30 years. We will be staying just a block away from two of Frances’ sisters: the one sister, who has advanced Parkinson’s disease and has been acting as care-giver for her other sister, who has Epilepsy with brain damage from birth. A number of her other family members are also chronically or terminally ill. We think it is right and good for Frances to be nearby to help with care giving, and be able to spend time with her family. Also, I suffered a lot last winter with my medical condition (Search on "D.I.S.H."), and feel I need to be in a warmer climate.
Our Children
Obviously, a crucial factor in the decision and timing of this move was our children. While a couple of them are open to the idea of also relocating to Texas in the future, at least for now, all our children will remain in New York. They have all been “out of the nest” for a while now, and by God’s grace, they are all doing well, enjoying stability in their relationships and employment, and busy pursuing their individual lives. All the grandchildren are engaged with their schooling, and also doing well.
Our Friends
Frances and I will miss all our friends at Cornerstone Christian Fellowship, where we have been serving locally for the past four years. It has been a rich season of fellowship we’ve shared together in the Lord and His work.
All the details involved in relocating, along with the work of packing and moving, are a bit overwhelming at our age. The cost of the move is also stressful financially.
Ministry Plans
Ministry-wise, our expectation is to continue in what the Lord has had us doing – writing, distributing ministry resources to church leaders primarily in Third-World countries, and doing occasional missions. We also expect the Holy Spirit to connect us locally in Texas with those who are open to our “teaching and fellowship” (Acts 2:42), and mentoring “those whom the Lord has given” (Isaiah 8:18). We have two missions planned for 2015 – Brazil and South Africa – for which we are trusting in the Lord’s provision for the airfares.
We would appreciate you remembering these two old sojourners in prayer; and we’ll remember to keep you updated on what is developing in our lives and ministry.
2 Corinthians 5:14
[ paraphrased]
"The love of Christ possesses us,
therefore we have determined
to no longer live for ourselves
but for Him Who died and rose again for us."
Bill and Frances
“… that the communication of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in us for Christ’s sake.”
Year-end seasons greetings 2015 …
It was just over a year ago that we relocated from Rochester, New York back to Fort Worth, Texas. We had been away 30 years via South Africa (13 years), Minnesota (4 years), and New York (13 years). It was here in Fort Worth that we met, married and began our family and ministry. There may be a slight aspect of “coming full circle”, although, we have seen much, experienced much, and grown much in those 30 years.
Apparently, God had some reasons of His own, but we relocated back to Texas for one reason and one reason only: To be near to Frances’ family and help with caregiving. We have taken in Frances’ 70-year-old sister who is intellectually and developmentally disabled from birth. We live very close to Frances’ other sister who is in stage IV Parkinson’s. Frances also has another sister and four brothers all of whom also have health issues. We ourselves are faring fairly well health-wise. But at 70 and 75 we find ourselves in that particular season of life when family and friends are aging with chronic illnesses and dying. We recently had to put down our family dog, Lily, who lived to be 20 “dog years”.
Since July 2015, we have our grandson, David, his wife, Shyanna, and great-grandkids, Angelina and Adam nearby, as they have also relocated to Fort Worth. On the other hand, the phrase “Absence makes the heart grow fonder” has proven to be true, since our granddaughter, Amelia, is still up in New York. She and her fiancé, Charlie Davis, visited us in November. Being separated by distance, we find that we are spending unprecedented time on the phone and social media with our New York children - Mark, Ileana, and grandsons, Fernando, and Samuel. We do miss the family and some special Christian friends back up in Rochester, as well as the beautiful scenery of New York State. Although, we certainly do enjoy the much more moderate climate and almost always sunny days of Texas.
Being “retired” and therefore more available for loved ones I think has made our relationships more “symbiotic” (mutually beneficial): We are more available for our loved ones in their particular seasons in life, and this is proving to grow us in love.
Besides all of the above, probably the highlight of our year was our trip to South Africa. After 18 years, we were able to travel much of that beautiful country visiting old friends. Along with the wonderful scenery, the warm hospitality, the precious times of fellowship and the blessed times of ministry, all made our visit to South Africa “incomprehensibly incomparable” – “it couldn’t have been better”! I think the Lord’s purpose in the visit was to allow us to see some of the spiritual fruit of our labors invested into the church in that nation for 13 years. We came back to the States fully convinced that we “plant and water”, but truly only “God causes growth” – in both life and ministry. (1 Corinthians 3:6-7) (See the full report on our "Missions" page.)
We are renting a very modest house here in the old part of Fort Worth, but true-to-form, Frances has made our living environment, orderly, artistic and comfortable. As she keeps the household running smoothly, she also carries the main responsibility of caring for her sister's physical needs, visits almost daily with her other sister, and regularly touches bases with her other siblings. I try to help where I can, but mainly, I think my assignment is to try to provide a little comic relief.
To somewhat supplement our Social Security income, I continue to sell Christian books on the Internet, as well as, sing and play jazz standards a few times per month in senior living communities. But, mainly I busy myself with study, research, writing, recording, publishing, distributing Bible teachings, as well, as corresponding and mentoring Christian workers in various places in the world and in the States via electronic media like Skype, email, CDs and telephone.
I was looking for a quote that might begin with “Life doesn’t get any easier …” So I Googled that phrase. All I came up with was: “Life doesn’t get any easier, you just get stronger.” I suppose that’s true. But, as I’ve observed our children and other younger people entering new phases of life, it is clear to me that we have accumulated knowledge and wisdom just through years of living and experiencing life. So, life doesn’t get any easier, but, hopefully, you just live “smarter” – with more knowledge, insight, discernment, discretion and wisdom. Maybe the most accurate observation is this: “Life doesn’t get any easier, it just gets more meaningful.” Specifically, you become more and more aware of the astounding accuracy of the biblical worldview, the depth of the human condition, the amazing grace of God in Christ, and the beauty of being loved and loving.
In his end-of-the-year letter, a friend sent a quote from King George VI 1939 Christmas Speech at the beginning of WW 2. We thought it was quite appropriate for the times in which we live, so we are passing it on to you:
“I said to the man, who stood at the gate of the year, 'Give me a light, that I may tread safely into the unknown.' And he replied, 'Go out into the darkness, and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be to you better than light, and safer than a known way.'"
The love of Christ motivates us,
Bill & Frances
~ DECEMBER 2014 ~
At year end, we thought we would write a bit of an update for our friends following our relocation from New York to Texas.
THE MOVE
We arrived in Fort Worth the beginning of November. Since then, we’ve been primarily settling in and getting "the affairs of this life" (2 Timothy 2:4) organized. That has been time consuming, but it gives a sense of peace having one’s life in order, as it were. I very much appreciate being fully retired from secular work – being able to just “go with the flow” at a relaxed pace with no routine schedule to conform to. Thus far at least, our life has been quaint and quiet; and we have had opportunity to be quiet before the Lord.
We've been learning our way around Fort Worth (getting lost quite a bit), finding out where to shop for food (The prices are about the same as up in New York, but there is absolutely no real Italian sausage here – We had to start making our own!). We applied with the government, and qualified for “Food Stamps” (We’re receiving a whopping $15 per month!). We also enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, which includes something called the “Silver Sneakers” (smile) – a fitness program covering membership at the YMCA, which we hope to start in the new year. To be honest, the past month has been pre-occupied with finding medical care for Frances (i.e. intense Sciatica pain, which, thankfully is starting to get a little better - but she still has somewhat sleepless nights). Except for a few “threats”, I haven’t experienced any real “flare ups” with my condition. (Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis).
We live in a very ethnic part of old Fort Worth - our immediate area is totally Spanish-speaking, illegals, 3rd-worldly but quaint and quiet (except for Mexican music blaring on the radio every time our next door neighbor decides to work on his car. ( smile) Grocery stores in our immediate area are quite ethnic, but we are able to use them, as well as, shop at some chain supermarkets a little further away. There are plenty of small, family-owned take-away restaurants with good authentic Mexican food.
The house we are renting is old and in need of some attention, but actually very suited for us - all one-level, first-floor laundry, etc. Frances has done her decorating magic and it looks great. I like it better than our house up in NY (which Amelia and her friends are happily occupying). We have two pecan trees in the front yard which are almost finished for the season, but have yielded enough pecans to last me the rest of the year. It is also nice to see people (occasionally whole families) walking by and helping themselves.
We are spending a fair amount of time with Frances' brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews – particularly during these holidays.
It seems that all our children are doing quite well without us in New York! They are all adults, and each in their own unique way, seem to be successfully moving forward in their lives. But, we remember them in prayer throughout each day. There is truth in the saying, “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.”
THE MINISTRY
Honestly, we feel a bit like “strangers in a strange land” – i.e. the “Bible Belt”. We, of course, remember it from back in the early 80s. But, now, we are just observing, and waiting on the Lord for how we are to conduct ourselves here. We think about what we might do locally (e.g. Spanish-speaking Bible study in our home, or a group made of Frances' relatives), but we are slow to initiate anything. We are looking to God to bring to us "those whom the Lord has given" (Isaiah 8:18). In this land of mega ministries, our only heart-felt interest is simple house church (I prefer the term "organic church"). If we do anything here locally, it will probably be that - along with one-on-one mentoring, as we have been doing.
I have writing projects I continue to apply myself to. I also continue to spend a lot of time corresponding with overseas pastors. I feel this is the most fruitful thing I can apply myself to - pouring into indigenous pastors who are working in countries where the Spirit of God is making disciples of the kingdom.
We have been invited to minister in Brazil. Our hosts have offered some financial help with the air fare, so we stepped out in faith, and have purchased air tickets. I’ve been to Brazil 5 times, but this will be Frances’ first visit. We will be doing discipleship and leadership training from March 11 to April 14. Our good friends, Weber and Loudres Chagas, will host us. They pastor a large church in Rio de Janeiro, and have recently opened a retreat center in the mountains outside of Rio. Their passion is spiritual renewal in the Church through prayer and communion with God.
We are also still planning to go to South Africa for the month of August 2015 with Matt and Kerry McMillan, overseers of a new home church back up in Rochester, New York.
I would say the pinnacle experience ministry-wise has been, and I think will continue to be, the gift of "the fellowship of the Holy Spirit" - internationally (i.e. via Skype, email, etc.) with home churches in India and New York, as well as with friends in Africa and Brazil - all hearing and pursuing the same/related things. It's not so much that "one size fits all", it's more that there is only one Lord! I recently posted this on facebook: "I love this verse: "Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard them." Malachi 3:16 This past year, I've become aware that "the fellowship of the Holy Spirit" is truly a gift which He gives to us. I have so enjoyed it - and I believe He enjoys it too!"
Check out our At Christ's Table facebook & the rest of this website where there is quite a bit of information. Well, that’s probably enough for now. We'll keep in touch – that is a priority for us.
Love,
Bill & Frances
Email: billfurioso@gmail.com
Phone: 817.744.8567
"The love of Christ possesses us,
therefore we have determined
to no longer live for ourselves
but for Him Who died and rose again for us."
[2 Corinthians 5:14 paraphrased]
~ October 2014 ~
RELOCATING
Something has developed in our lives – something we had been considering and praying about, but now will be taking place. Frances and I are relocating from New York to Texas – “before winter” (2 Timothy 4:21) – actually, November 1st.
I met and married Frances, and essentially began the work of ministry in Fort Worth, Texas back in the early 80s; and it was from there that we left for South Africa. So, in one way, it is a “coming full circle” and a “return to Antioch”. (Acts 14:26-27)
The are many aspects connected with this move, but essentially, this is a season of life decision. Shortly, I'll be 68 and Frances will be 75. We've been looking ahead to the season when I will no longer be able to do even part-time secular work, and we will have only $1535 USD per month Social Security income to sustain ourselves (no other retirement plan for these missionaries). This income level would normally require government subsidized housing. But by God’s grace and mercy, Frances’ niece’s father-in-law is willing to rent us a small house in Ft. Worth which is affordable on our Social Security income: (Click on Google Maps)
http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/3701-N-Crump-St-Fort-Worth-TX-76106/28984106_zpid/
Frances left Fort Worth with me in 1984, and after 13 years in South Africa, we returned to Rochester, New York, reconnected with my family and helped with the care-giving for my parents. So, my faithful wife (Ruth 1:16) has been away from “home” for a little over 30 years. We will be staying just a block away from two of Frances’ sisters: the one sister, who has advanced Parkinson’s disease and has been acting as care-giver for her other sister, who has Epilepsy with brain damage from birth. A number of her other family members are also chronically or terminally ill. We think it is right and good for Frances to be nearby to help with care giving, and be able to spend time with her family. Also, I suffered a lot last winter with my medical condition (Search on "D.I.S.H."), and feel I need to be in a warmer climate.
Our Children
Obviously, a crucial factor in the decision and timing of this move was our children. While a couple of them are open to the idea of also relocating to Texas in the future, at least for now, all our children will remain in New York. They have all been “out of the nest” for a while now, and by God’s grace, they are all doing well, enjoying stability in their relationships and employment, and busy pursuing their individual lives. All the grandchildren are engaged with their schooling, and also doing well.
Our Friends
Frances and I will miss all our friends at Cornerstone Christian Fellowship, where we have been serving locally for the past four years. It has been a rich season of fellowship we’ve shared together in the Lord and His work.
All the details involved in relocating, along with the work of packing and moving, are a bit overwhelming at our age. The cost of the move is also stressful financially.
Ministry Plans
Ministry-wise, our expectation is to continue in what the Lord has had us doing – writing, distributing ministry resources to church leaders primarily in Third-World countries, and doing occasional missions. We also expect the Holy Spirit to connect us locally in Texas with those who are open to our “teaching and fellowship” (Acts 2:42), and mentoring “those whom the Lord has given” (Isaiah 8:18). We have two missions planned for 2015 – Brazil and South Africa – for which we are trusting in the Lord’s provision for the airfares.
We would appreciate you remembering these two old sojourners in prayer; and we’ll remember to keep you updated on what is developing in our lives and ministry.
2 Corinthians 5:14
[ paraphrased]
"The love of Christ possesses us,
therefore we have determined
to no longer live for ourselves
but for Him Who died and rose again for us."
Bill and Frances