Saying good-bye to a dear friend...

Chuck's sister called today with news of a good friend that had passed away. We were assigned to our first circuit in the Free Methodist church in Snover, Michigan where we met Winston Dorman and his wife, Florence. They were among many good people who welcomed us as a young minister, just starting out in the pastorate. They lived just down the street and so we had many times of sharing in the Lord's work together. If we had a question we could ask Winston about it. He was the head trustee and regularly watched out for the church and parsonage. He also could fix most things. He and his wife were gracious and invited us into their home many times where we were privileged to eat a wonderful meal together or just share over a cup of coffee. Florence taught school and was a gifted teacher. I got to visit her classroom and substitute teach a few times for her. She taught special needs children and was so patient and loving with them. One of the things I remember about Florence and Winston, they were very giving people. They always made sure our little girls had a Christmas and Birthday present from them. One day Florence came down and said that she got a double order  in the mail. So she decided to give Julie the extra order. (Cyndi was not born yet.) It was a dolly, and crib for her. Julie just loved that doll and  crib.

Another time I remember, we were shopping down town and went into the clothing store. On the rack they had the cutest little coat, a pretty furry one in aqua color, with hat, leggings and a muff to match. I took it off the rack, and looked at Chuck and said, wouldn't Julie look cute in this.?" He said, "She sure would." But we both knew that our budget would not afford that outfit and we would do with the nice red coat that she had handed down to her from his sister. (it did have a hat, but no muff. ) I hung it back on the rack and we looked around a little more, we were about the only one in the store. Christmas was in about 3 weeks. A couple weeks went by and I got a call from Florence wanting me to come down to her house as she was sorting through a big bag of Barbara's little girl's clothes that didn't fit her anymore. She said that if any of them would fit Julie, I could have them.  Well, almost everything in the bag she could wear, and it seemed hardly worn. There were shoes, socks, dresses, pants, I was elated. I had just about finished going through the bag and she said, "Oh, I almost forgot, I saw this cute little snow suit at the clothing store the other day and I thought it would look so cute on Julie. IT WAS THE EXACT SAME OUTFIT I HAD ADMIRED ON THE RACK IN THAT STORE! How could she have known, she wasn't there, and I never told another person about it. But somehow, I think, that God had communicated it to Florence and nudged her heart. I said after that, WOW! God meets our needs but He sometimes even blesses us with our desires. It ministered to our hearts as a young pastor and family that day and for many years to come. It was so creative of how God works in hearts to bless others.

I want to leave with you the Obituary for Winston, as many of you knew him. Be in prayer for the family and especially Florence as she will miss him dearly, I'm sure.

Winston A. Dorman 1914 - 2011

Winston A. Dorman Snover Winston A. Dorman, 97, of Snover, died Sunday, December 4, 2011 at Deckerville Community Hospital in Deckerville, MI. He was born March 27, 1914 in Snover, Michigan the son of the late John and Daisy (Moore) Dorman. He was a lifelong area resident, a member of the Laing Free Methodist Church, past member of the Snover Lions Club and a 1932 graduate of Sandusky High School. Winston married Florence Emily McKenney on June 22, 1940 in Decker, MI. He is survived by his wife Florence; Barbara & Ronald Gerstenberger (daughter) of Sandusky; 5 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, son and daughter in law, John & Shauna Dorman, a grandson, Andrew Gerstenberger, brothers, Leonard, Vivian, Dallas and sisters, Violet Price and Fern Bricker. Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 8, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. at Marsh Funeral Chapel, Sandusky. Rev. Dale Wood Sr. and Rev. Dale Wood Jr. will be officiating. Burial will be in the Moore Township Cemetery in Snover. Visitation will be held at Marsh Funeral Chapel, Sandusky on Thursday from 10 AM - 1 PM Memorial suggestions to the Marlette Regional Hospital, Sanilac County Child Abuse Prevention Council or United Hospice. Arrangements by Marsh Funeral Chapel, Sandusky, www.marshfuneral.com.