HEART TO HEART 

By Dave Gentry

I pray that this newsletter arrives at your house finding you well and aware of God's presence in your life.  These past months have been eventful and blessed.  Norma and I have  enjoyed several months of sabbatical and healing from these past 15 years of ministry.  It truly was a blessing in our lives.  We are back now and very thankful for our strong staff at Westwood.  Jim Morris, who served as interim director while I was away, has remained on staff as administrator.  This is a blessing to me as it allows me to function in my strength gifts with more of my time.  Also, since our last newsletter, my sister Sharon Gentry has rejoined our staff.  During the early years of Westwood Sharon was a great help to this ministry.  When God moved Westwood to the Kerrville area, Sharon was unable to make the move until now to rejoin the team.  Sharon helps in the office, thrift stores and just anywhere she is needed.  It is a blessing to have her on the team.

This is the season of Christmas and celebration and therefore the time for our annual Westwood Christmas Gala.  Saturday evening from 6-10pm December 10th, we will gather to celebrate Christmas, say thanks to our Westwood partners,  fellowship, enjoy holiday music and food, and enjoy our Annual Silent Auction.    The theme is 'formal attire' but that covers everything from very formal to 'Hill Country Chic'.  There will be door prizes, surprises, carriage rides, live nativity scenes and even a 'best dressed' award.  You come and dress any way you want, just come and help us celebrate!

I encourage each of you to check out our website (www.westwoodministries.org).

You will find out everything about this ministry, and even why you are such an important part of what God is doing here at Westwood Ministries.  It will inform you concerning our ministries and even how to pray for us.

Just this past few months I received a letter from a pastor  and wife who had spent time here on campus.  Their words were:  '…it was such a restful stay.  We had never taken time to get away from our church and just rest.  The counseling we received was quality and God-centered.  God used it to save our marriage and ministry.  Thanks. May God continue to bless Westwood."

It is 'worth it all' when we receive these words of what God is doing in the lives of his people.  This makes your partnership with us vital.  This particular couple could not afford financially to come to Westwood to get help.  Your financial support and prayers enable this ministry to exist for leaders like this couple.  Later they were able to scholarship another couple to come to Westwood  to get rest and healing.  Thanks for helping the chain of ministry continue.  You are important to me.  God uses your partnership to save lives, families and ministries.

Blessings!