Do You Remember Arline?

Last Thursday while we were on our way across Missouri to see Joanne and Mike, we passed near Republic, Missouri, where Arline Britton lives. Do you remember Arline?

She moved to Enid OK a few months after we went there when I became Pastor at Liberty Church. That was a LONG time ago, of course. Through many ministry experiences we became good friends and have remained in contact through all these years.

It was my sad experience as her Pastor to officiate at the funeral for her first husband, Wes, who died in a hotel fire while on a business trip in Texas. A few years later we were having dinner at a restaurant in Enid and saw Arline having dinner with another good friend and member of our church, Cecil Britton, who had been single for some years following a divorce. Within a few months it was becoming clear that they were becoming more than just friends.

As a Pastor, we have the tough times -- like the funerals. But there are also the times of much joy, just as weddings. I had the privilege of uniting Cecil and Arline in marriage in my only New Year's midnight wedding, right after midnight. Last summer, Cecil died after only 21 years of marriage and shortly after they had moved to Republic MO.

Arline is a mighty fine, Godly lady and very special friend. Debbie and I had a sweet visit with her before heading on to St. Louis. We're both thankful for her continued friendship.