EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RETURNS FROM TEXAS--2/20/08

Mark and his wife, Lynn, just recently returned from Texas after seeing Mel and Wanda Miller, some dear friends of the Rains' family. Although the ministry Mark provided them is the same he offers when ever he visits those who are aging and the various medical problems associated with growing older, every now and then Lord creates a time for one to minister and care for those you deeply love and this was, indeed, one of those special occasions. When Mark was born, Mel was living with his folks while attending Azusa Pacific Bible College in California where his parents were teaching. Since he was five, Mel had been a foster child and told Mark that his folks were the only real parents he really ever had. Mel and his wife, Wanda, were married in 1955 and through the years Mark has cherished their relationship. Although Mel has a PhD in Political Science, he and his wife have been missionaries most of their lives. In fact, Mark and his brother visited Mel in India in 1966, traveling the country for three weeks by train. This would become a formative experience in Mark's life. In his testimony, he indicates that it was in India where the needs of the poor were planted in his heart which remains a core part of CRM. Mel also honored Lynn and Mark 30 years ago when he gave the Homily at their wedding.

From time to time, Mark is asked what he thinks heaven will be like. He always tries to personalize his response and said in this case that it was a blessing seeing his "ole buddy" and some of his family face to face. And it's just a glimpse of the joy and blessing of that one day when those committed to Christ will see Him "face to face." (I John 3:2)