2008
One Year Closer to Christ's Return

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March/April 2008

This year is moving quickly. I am giving praise to God for His love and care for me as I move cross the country to minister in song. I rejoice daily in His blessings and for the assignment that He gave me. It is thrilling to have been in full-time ministry for these 30 years. What a treat I had to be able to minister in Mesa, AZ with my long time friend, Pastor Orr; two morning services singing with the choir (which always blesses me), and a full concert Sunday night.

Psalms 34:1
I will bless The lord at all times. His praise shall continually to be my mouth.

Pastor Orr asked me to come for a conference with leaders who are developing Seniors Ministries in their churches. It was held 9am to 4pm, a very informative time, I learned so much as I ministered in song and heard the speaker challenge us.

Before I went to Mesa, I was encouraged to go to a pizza place that has the world's largest organ. It was awesome....as he did take requests from the audience. If ever in the area, please ask any local person .... where it is.

Returned home to continue making plans for my 70th Birthday Cruise. I thank God that I was introduced to a young lady who agreed to be the event planner (that's what she does for a living). We were on the phone together almost every day discussing the plans. I knew there was no need for me to be concerned about details as she seemed to be on top of everything.

Kam & Ms. Lillie

Easter is such a joyous time in the life of a Christian and I was asked to come to Sun City, AZ for a special Good Friday Service. The Director asked if I could bring with me a Southern Gospel Quartet. I contacted my friends, Golden State Quartet, and they agreed to come with me. What a night! They are special friends of mine. The audience loved them! I also sang at two great chruches Easter Sunday; am and pm.

John 11:25: Jesus said I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.

Ms. Lille with Golden State Quartet

It is always my privilege and pleasure to minister to Seniors Groups. They love hearing the old songs and I love singing them. Many opportunities open regularly for me to do that. I can come sing for your group if you would like. Just contact me at 909-948-2448.

What an exciting time of ministry at the Teen Challenge Castle (it's a real castle)....it's now owned by Teen Challenge and a place where hundreds of young men who want to come off drugs are enrolled in a program for 18 months. Teen Challenge was founded by Dave Wilkerson. This year marks the 50th anniversary. Being able to sing and minister in a service was so very special as the men are very eager to enter into praise and worship and to hear the Word. As I ministered, most of them had their pencils and a pad and were taking notes and writing down the scriptures I mentioned. Thank God for Teen Challenge. Many pastors have been raised up through the ministry and are in churches God has called them to.

Colossians 1:13: He has delivered us from the power of darkness, and conveyed us into the kindgom of the Son of His love.

Revelation 12:11: And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.

What an opportunity for me to go to Nashville to be in the audience....to hear if I had won the Dove in the "Best Traditional Gospel Album" for 2007....Well I did! God gave me an early Birthday present in letting me win. So much fun being led back stage with interviews, photo session, and answering questions from journalists. WOW! I'm thankful to all who voted for me and of course, to God be the Glory.

James 1:17: Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

Producer Wayne Haun & Ms. Lillie
April 23, 2008

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One week from that memorable night, I was on my 70th Birthday Cruise celebrating with 101 friends.

Proverbs18:24: A man (Lillie) who has friends must herself be friendly.....

Royal Caribbean Monarch of the Seas

It was a wonderful experience and humbling to realize that friends wanted to help me celebrate that milestone. Sitting together for dinner each night was a great time of fellowship....and ALL THAT FOOD! Would you believe there is even a late-night chocolate feast onboard. It begins at 11:30pm for the chocoholics. They are in man-made heaven. I didn't even go, someone took my camera and took some pictures. Here's one. She informed me that you can have all of the chocolate cakes, pies, cheesecake, syrup-covered strawberries and eat all you want. Not me....

Chocolate Heaven

The cruise date was Monday, April 28th, first stop was Catalina Island, second day was San Diego, third day was Ensenada .... everyone seemed to love the shore excursions. On my birthday, Wednesday, April 30th, was the Party Night. AND WHAT A PARTY! To my surprise, the captain of the ship came to wish me a Happy Birthday. It was apparent that he is a born-again Christian. I was especially happy to have my sister, Gladine, and her husband come along. It was actually a difficult time as I had two sisters in hospice care; one in San Jose and one in Seattle. My only brother was traveling between the two to be with them and another sister would not come because SHE DOESN'T SWIM . I was so thankful for Gladine being with me.

Psalms 68:19: Blessed be The Lord, who daily loads us with benefits, the God of our Salvation.

Ms. Lillie and Sister, Gladine

Onboard a big deal was made about my birthday. Many waiters came to my table to sing Happy Birthday.

Ms. Lillie with birthday cake

I'm so thankful to God for His blessings as I travel and minister. He sends goodness and mercy with me. Again, I have no plans to retire. Call me the little Energizer Bunny if you want. I plan to keep going and going and going. I believe my steps are ordered of The Lord and I want to hear Him say "Well Done!"

Psalms 37:18: The Lord knows the days of the upright, and their inheritance shall be forever.

Sincere thanks for your continued prayer support and financial giving. I am your hands extended. I know this ministry soil is good ground. Thanks for the seeds that you plant. All gifts are processed through my account in Springfield, Missouri and you will receive a receipt. I so appreciate friends & family....I want to tell you how much I love you.

If you find that I can come minister to your Seniors Group, speak to your Women, or even sing in your church....it will be a blessing to me and all who hear me. I love to reassure each audience that our God is in control of our lives....WE NEED NOT BE AFRAID .... we can trust Him no matter the circumstances, be encouraged.

Hebrews 10:23: Let us hold fast the professionof our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised)...

Until next time.

Happy to be His Handmaiden,