>Nancy and I will attend a graveside service later today.  Bessie Hardin Chenault is an important person in our history.  She was an encourager to dozens of college students in Abilene, often inviting large groups into her home for lucious curry suppers and other get-togethers.  After her first husband, John, died, she made a trip to Southern Africa to visit the places she and John had worked.  We were so honored that she took several days out of her time in South Africa to travel up and visit us in Zimbabwe – our first visitor from “home” (and, incidentally, the only visitor from our sponsoring congregation…!).  Bessie and John together helped influence us to go to the mission field in the first place, and I know their example challenged and encouraged many others in our “circle” to do the same.  Thank you, Lord, for giving us Bessie!  Please comfort her sons and their families today as they tell her, “good bye.”