Dear Family and Friends,

Greetings from cool California! What a trip this has been.

First the great news, Jared publicly joined the family of God on February 3, 2007. It was a very special occasion, made even more special by all the family and friends who were there to share it with us. Our program went about like this:

The service was held at the Sonora SDA Church, which had been our home church before leaving for Mali. This church was very loving and accepting when we moved there in 1988 and have continued to love us, pray for us, and financially support us while we have been away in Mali. We were delighted at the group of family and friends who were able to be there to celebrate with us! Several of them gave us pictures of the event, some of which I'll share with you here.

Pastor Jim McMurry is the pastor of the Sonora SDA church. He and his wife Betty arrived in Sonora just shortly after we did and have remained faithful servants of the church there.

Terri Taaffe is Debbie's youngest sister. Apparently God granted all the family's feminine vocal talents to her, and she blesses with her music. Unfortunately, her husband Patrick Taaffe was unable to be with us this weekend.

Emily Mathe is one of Jared's earliest childhood friends, as well as the daughter of one of Debbie's best friends. She read the passage Jared chose for this occasion,

Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Matthew 28:18 - 20 NIV

Jared was baptized by his uncle, Pastor Gary Curry. It was very special to Jared to be baptized by his Uncle. Sadly, the rest of Gary's family were not able to make it.

Scott and Tami Henning have been long-time friends of Debbie's since we were in Academy at Monterey Bay Academy together. It was a pleasure to have them participate in this special day. They were also our hosts for the weekend. After the first 2 songs, Jared wasn't out yet so Pastor Jim joined Terri, Scott and Tami in leading all of us in a rousing song, "When the Roll is Called up Yonder I'll be There!"

Uncle Gary led in opening up to the gathered family and friends a time for advice. Jared's childhood friend, Heather Palmer, was the youngest to offer advice. Mrs. Barker, a dear family friend of the Curry side, gave her words of wisdom and a loving tribute to Homer's parents who would have loved to see this day.

Debbie's Dad, Fred Webb, gave a short talk to Jared and all of us, on what baptism means and where we go from here. We are so glad that they are in the US now. They retired from mission service in the Philippines late in 2005 and this is the first time we have come "home" and found them living here.

Pastor Jim McMurry invited all the pastors and elders in the congregation to come forward for a dedicatory prayer over Jared. It was a beautiful and touching event.

Homer closed this service with his prayer of thanksgiving.

What a wonderful, special day this was. Thank you to all who came, to all who prayed for us, to all who gave Jared a card or gift of remembrance, and to all who rejoice with us in Jared's New Birth!

May there be many more who accept God's gift of Salvation!

That evening many of our Sonora friends gathered at the home of Wayne and Renee Mathe for refreshments and a time of fellowship together. As a famous song put it, "I'm so glad I'm a part of the Family of God!"

This message is getting long. I think I'll close this and write another one soon about the other events of this quick trip to the US.

May God bless and keep you today,

In service to the King,
    Debbie Curry (for Homer, Jared and Caleb too)

Jared pauses with Uncle Gary shortly before his baptism.

Jared and Uncle Gary in the Baptistry just After his baptism.

Uncle Gary gives Jared advice.

Jared with Dad and Uncle Gary just before the baptism.	A quiet moment before the baptism.
The elders gather to bless and dedicate Jared.	Family who came to help celebrate the baptism. David & Fran Christiansen, Evelyn Christiansen, Terri Taaffe, Gary Curry, Fred & Arlene Webb, Gerald, Cheryl, Nathan and Amanda Curry, Ron & Kellie Webb and us.