Pics of Hailey Aliese Blakeslee

Albeit delayed but as promised, I am happy to post pictures of my newest grand child Hailey Aliese Blakeslee.

Born on 5 October 2008. Weighing in at 7lb 19oz (3.18kgs) and 19 inches long (48.2cm).

Looks like she is going to be a feisty one with a strong curiosity for the world she now lives in. The nurses told William and Stephanie that when she was being cleaned up after the delivery, she seemed like she was trying to lift her head around to see what was going on around her in the delivery room.

We know that she is going to be a happy baby. When the nurse gave the baby to Stephanie to hold and bond with after delivery, Hailey gave Stephanie a little grin when Stephanie stroked her little face.

I like happy Blakeslee babies. I'm sure that mom and dad do too since they have their hands full with two tiny tots, both under one year old. Bradley will be one year old on 5 December. ONLY the young can perform this feat.

When I asked if they knew what caused this "condition". They said "Yes".... Okay... I just wanted to check.

You'll notice that Hailey, like her “older” brother Bradley, arrived with a full head of hair.

Congratulations William and Stephanie for a job well done. Love you guys. Dad

All of God’s blessings on your families too,
Rev. Lawrence Blakeslee
Missionary to Europe & Asia

Time of Refreshing Conference

TOR Conference
It was great conference this year. The weak economy in the U.S. showed it’s affect on overseas missionaries. The missionaries only had to pay their own transportation costs to Leysin, Switzerland, but only about 45 attended instead of the normal 70 or 80 missionaries. All the other conference expenses are paid by various supporters. Even the TOR Team member attendance was went down to 11 from the normal 25 members. Rev. Bill and Emogene Kaiser have hosted the TOR for 20+ years.

God showed up and blessed us. The intensity of each meeting may have been due to the smaller more focused group. Nearly all of the missionaries in this group are like me, have independent ministries that are not directly connected to a larger, well funded denomination or organization. We’re like “small business” missionaries. Anyone that is self-employed understands the freedom that gives, along with an abundance of challenges. This group is no different. There’s nothing wrong with solid denominational backing and support. God bless them. It is whatever works for the individual and led by God - works.

Under One Banner
The conference meetings are not theology but relationship based. They are not about teaching, training or learning. It’s not about discussing the nuance of a particular scripture. It is about building relationships, personal and spiritual restoration. It is about networking with the Christian missionary community serving in Europe.

We stand with each other to praise, worship, laugh, and cry. We gather together under one banner – our Savior Jesus Christ. That is the purpose.

A Different Perspective
Bringing a group together like this always gives someone a chance to take another look at their own situation and the challenges they face. Quickly you realize that your “challenges” may not be as overwhelming as the person standing next to you. You might have lost 50% of your support because of the economy. But you could be standing next to someone in a life or death struggle with health problems. Your problems — suddenly became smaller.

All Were Blessed
All agreed that it was a more intense than previous meetings. Every one there knew and felt the pressure of economic problems world wide. This was the week that was… Markets worldwide were collapsing by the hour and the day. Everyone wondered out loud where it was all going to end up. But we all agreed that our trust had to be in The Lord. He is our provider. He is your provider.

All of God’s blessings to you and your family,
Rev. Lawrence Blakeslee
Missionary to Europe and Asia

New Blakeslee Arrives & Goin' South

New Blakeslee Arrives
My youngest son William and his wife Stephanie had their second child Saturday night at about 10:30 p.m. E.D.T.

Hailey Aliese Blakeslee arrived three weeks early, 19 inches long (48.2cm) and 7 lb 12 oz. (3.18kgs). Mom, baby and dad are doing fine, albeit a little tired. Praise The Lord. There’s more to come about Baby Hailey. The new dad promised some good pictures of her. I'll post them as soon as I get them. Honestly, do you really think this Grandpa is not going to brag about our latest addition to the Blakeslee family?

Goin’ South Again
It's been a busy, busy month in September and I’m heading out of town again. It all starts tomorrow with another two week trip to Switzerland.

TOR Conference
After an overnight near Basel, Power House International Church’s, Pastor Desmond Frey, his wife Sandy and I will be heading to the small village of Leysin, Switzerland, located near Lausanne, to attend the annual Time of Refreshing (TOR) Conference. You’ve heard me talk about this conference for the past three years.

A group of American’s, some pastors, some ministers and some lay people sponsor this three day event for American missionaries ministering in Europe. It’s always great to see old friends and make new ones. For most of us missionaries, this is the single largest group of Americans gathered in one place, unless we are in the U.S..

Pastor Bill Kaiser and his wife Imogene have been sponsoring this event for over 20 years. It’s a testimony of God's love to us, to them and to the hundreds of Christians in America, who give their finances and their time, unconditionally, to bless us, who serve God in Europe.

Power House International Church, Zurich
At the end of this week, I’ll be leading the church’s monthly worship night and preaching the Sunday morning service on the 19th. It’s been over a month since I was last there and I’m looking forward to seeing everyone again.

It’s Winter or at Least Fall
During last few days, the seasons have definitely changed in Germany. Fall has hit but it seems like it is winter. I’ve been told that it has already snowed the Black Forrest area of Southern Germany. Oktober Fest in Munich had the temperatures drop to unseasonably cold. So I’m not sure what to expect in Switzerland.

If I had a question about taking my down jacket and winter gear; that question has been answered. In Germany it’s better to have and be prepared for anything; than not, and wish you had.

God’s blessings,
Rev. Lawrence Blakeslee
Missionary to Europe.