Osborne, KS

This week I went to Osborne, KS. Where is Osborne, KS? Glad you asked. It is in the middle of nowhere. It's about 50 miles north of Interstate 70 from the Russell exit and about 100 miles NW from Salina, KS.

This first picture features Hailey (in the white) and Vicki (in the black) and Barb in the background. You can read more about these people further down the blog.

The pastor at Bible Baptist Church is Billy Neumann. Billy has been in Osborne for 11 years and has done a fantastic job in this small town. Small town ministries have challenges that big cities will never understand. I am convinced that it takes a special individual to carve out a ministry in a small town. It is something that does not take place in a year or two.

When I first met pastor Neumann his average attendance for the previous year was around 7-10. Yes! 7-10! Oh, did I tell you that in his immediate family there are 6? It had been a difficult year, one that many would have thrown in the towel and quit. I am sure he thought about it. Yet he stayed the course and today he has a ministry with an average attendance of around 40. How many big city churches can show a 400% growth in just 4-years?

In the big city, most people don't even know their neighbors across the street, aahh, but in Osborne, not only do you know your neighbors across the street, but you know just about everyone else in town ... and ... they know you.

Billy has some of the greatest people in the world in his church. There is the local farmer (I'm terrible with names) who works hard every day and still has time to make it to church.

Then there is Jack, Barbra and Hailey - what wonderful people. Jack works the land and Barb keeps the people of Osborne healthy ... that is, if they will let her. She is the town doctor - "Doc" to many. Hailey just graduated from High School and is headed off to college in a few months. The first time I saw Hailey she was 14. She has grown from a budding teenager to a beautiful lady. Any guy should count himself lucky to have Hailey by his side.

Jack is the kind of guy that you look forward to seeing. He is not a complicated man, at least not that I know of. He is a hard worker and it is evident that he loves his wife and children. Not only that, he is the kind of man that every pastor wants to have around. He is an encourager and you can tell that he will defend his pastor to the end.

How do I describe Barb? Barb is quiet at first; she seems to soak in her surroundings. Not only is she skilled in her profession but she can probably out work most men. She's not afraid to get her hands dirty in the field or on the job. She has a quick wit as well. If you are not sharp, she will slip a quick jab under that table and everyone will be laughing while you are trying to figure out where it came from.

Next on the list is Tim and TJ along with their three precious daughters (and two dogs). I had the joy of staying with this great family and got to know them much better. Tim is the PA (Physician's Assistant) and is a tremendous asset to 'Doc' while TJ is "just a mom." I said it that way on purpose as TJ and I talked about this one day. No one is "just a ...." anything. They are someone special. TJ is a dedicated mother who delights in the smiles of her children. Jess (on the right), Sarah (on the left) and Charlie are the delight of her life. TJ has mastered the "Mom thing" as far as I am concerned.

Tim has quickly become what I would consider a personal friend. Even though we are separated by 700 miles, when we get together it's as though we live next door. I really enjoy his company and friendship. Tim is a Marine (there are no 'ex-Marines' I gather) :-) and a sharp shooter, getting best in rifle and pistol while in the service.

Tim met TJ while aboard a ship that she was on. Yes, TJ was also in the serivce ... at the same time Tim was. She was in the Navy (to which Tim says, "So, you weren't REALLY in the military! Were you?"TJ just smiles. I don't know what is behind that smile, and I am not sure I care to know. Remember, I have a wife. :-) I think the best common denominator between Tim and I would have to be that his love for cats matches mine ... The best cat is a dead cat. :-)

I mentioned Tim and TJs' two dogs. Angel has been a member of the family for 13-years. She was happy to stay in the background most of the time so there is not a whole lot to say about her. She is a mini-Doberman and really is a sweet dog. Then there is "Honey". Honey is the newest addition to the family. She is a Doberman ... full sized ... all puppy and full of energy. She wore me out playing on more than one occasion.

I got to know Joan this week. Joan is a very accomplished pianist. She teaches piano privately and also teaches music in the school. Joan and I played a few pieces together while I was there and we really had a ball ... at least I did. She has perfect pitch (I hate her for that ... but in a kind, loving way of course) and she can play by ear very well.

Of course I can't forget Bro. Neumann and his family. Shelley is a MK (Missionary kid) turned pastor's wife. Shelly pours a lot of time and energy into their four children. Joey is the youngest, then Sarah, then Zach, then Vicki. As with Hailey, I have got to watch these kids (at least from a distance) grow up over the past four years.

Vicki was 10 the first time I saw her, now she blossoming into a beautiful young lady. It won't be long and dad will be getting out his 'big stick' to chase the guys off.

The first time I saw Joey he was bouncing off the walls ... he still is. I don't think I have ever seen a boy with more energy than Joey has. Mom and dad are going to have to watch this one, he has 'mischievous' written all over. He is destined to become a preacher.

Sarah is a lady in the making. At times, I saw glimpses of the little lady in her, but most of the time she was trying to keep up with Joey (and doing a good job I might add). This is the only picture I was able to 'sneak' of her that didn't have her tongue sticking out. I will save the others to use as blackmail somewhere down the line.

Zach is next. Zach is the more studious one of the bunch. He is a gifted piano player, even at his young age and you can tell that he enjoys reading and is a thinker. I can see Zach doing great things one day. He also has a tender heart that already shows. His actions remind me of myself so much that it is scary. I just hope that he turns out much better than I did and with application, I have no doubt that he will.

Well there are others that I could tell you about but time is limited. I met Jeremy for the first time this week ... what a sharp young man. He is studying to be a pharmacist. I have known his parents and their boy for several years (again, names slip my mind). They are always a joy to be around.

I could list about 10 more people, but have forgotten their names, that I always look for when I go to Osborne: The older gentleman who sits in the back. He walks with a cane and is in his 80's. Billy had the joy of leading him to the Lord just a couple of years ago. The couple who drive the Ford truck (I will forgive them for that ... I drive a Dodge) :-). Tim pulled a great practical joke on them Wednesday night. He got their keys and kept setting off the alarm. They couldn't figure out what was causing that. Tim is so much like me ... it's a ton of fun.

I look forward to my next Osborne trip. It really is the highlight of my year. I think the main reason is because these people have become friends. I don't know if they enjoy me as much as I enjoy them, I hope so, but I can tell you this, Osborne, KS and especially the people of Bible Baptist Church are my kind of people.