Wednesday, October 31, 2007

And We're Done

The Ventura Vikings bowed out of the play offs last night at the hands of the Armstrong/Ringstead Mustangs. Bowed out seems almost too mild, perhaps "given the bums rush" would be a better description!

You could blame it on any number of factors, a very physical final season game and a very short turn around. Boys who were just flat tired, sore and emotional shot. A team who just was not prepared for the juggernaut that was the A/R Mustangs.

But the best commentary was given by our Mason City Globe Gazette: "It didn’t take Armstrong-Ringsted long to turn the lights out both literally and figuratively on Ventura in a first round eight-man playoff game Tuesday night.

The Mustangs (9-1) scored 21 first quarter points on their way to a 55-20 win.

Armstrong-Ringsted avenged a 21-13 loss to Ventura (8-2) from earlier in the season.

“They were a different team,” Ventura coach Mike Horstman said of Armstrong-Ringsted. “We knew they’d make some adjustments against us, but we didn’t think we wouldn’t be able to run the football at all.”


Armstrong-Ringsted completely shut down Ventura’s offense in the first half, holding the Vikings without a first down until the two minute, 55 second mark of the second quarter.

“The offensive line wasn’t getting a lot of great blocks, and they were getting through,” Horstman said. “When you can’t run, it makes you one-dimensional and then they were able to go after the quarterback.”"

The bottom line is that the Ventura Vikings were just beaten by a better team.

Now, as for the Vikings and their overall season ... CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

These boys took a program that was very ones beating pole and won 8 straight games this season . These boys got to the playoffs for the first time since 1989.

The Ventura Vikings finished this season 8-2! Boys, you have nothing to hang your heads about, be thankful for the opportunities this year afforded you!

Pastor Steve

Monday, October 29, 2007

Not What We Had Scripted

I'm a bit behind on the update but you know how it is.

The Ventura Vikings suffered their first loss of their season last Thursday night at the hands of the NE Hamilton Trojans. The final score was 56-24.

The Vikings played the worst game of their season. 7 turnovers of which 4 of 5 fumbles lead to short field touchdowns and one interception was returned for a touchdown as well. When you spot a team 5 touchdowns you've created a hole that is very difficult to climb out of!

The 8 man playoffs begin this Tuesday and has Ventura heading to Armstrong/Ringstead; a team that we defeated in the regular season.

More to come!

Pastor Steve

Monday, October 22, 2007

Ventura Vikings Are 8-0

The Ventura Vikings are 8-0 in their quest for an Iowa 8 Man football title.

Last Friday evening the Vikings played the team from Clarksville and put a 71 to 0 beat down on them. But perhaps the best moment of the night was late in the 4 quarter when one PHILIP COX caught a pass on about the 5 yard line, juked the defender and walked into the end zone for the final touchdown in the final regular season home game of his senior year!

Huge congratulation to Philip and to the Vikings of Ventura! BTW, Philip is #16 in the picture.

The next big test for the Vikings will be this Thursday when they travel to Blairsburg, Iowa and play NE Hamilton in the final regular season game of the year. The key to this is that both teams are undefeated and the NEH team are the defending Iowa 8 Man State Champions. Win or lose the Vikings are in the playoffs and are poised to go deep in the playoffs. I'll keep you posted!

Pastor Steve

Monday, October 08, 2007

A Champion Is Crowned

It is my pleasure to announce that Daniel Cox has won the first annual BBQ contest at the Nevada Baptist Church.

Daniels entry was a Pork Shoulder Roast, seasoned, cooked and smoked to perfection!

Great Job Daniel!!!

Pastor Steve

Wednesday, October 03, 2007

26 Years Ago Today

Today is a very special day for me.

26 years ago this evening, in the missionary bedroom in a pastor's house in Wisconsin I accepted God's Free gift of salvation and received Jesus Christ as my personal Savior.

This is without a doubt the best decision I have ever made. I'm not going to try to tell you that my life has been nothing but a bed of roses, but I would not trade one minute of it for anything. Walking with God has been the greatest adventure that I could have ever imagined.

In the fall of 1984 I choose 1 Timothy 1:16 as my live verse; "However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life."

Thank you Lord for drawing me to You!

Pastor Steve

PS: If you would ever be interested in the full version of the story of my salvation just let me know I love to tell the story!

Now This is Funny!!!



Tuesday, October 02, 2007

Back in the Blogging Saddle Again

Just when you thought you had heard the last of me ... I'm back!

As you know we've been walking through the aftermath of Lynn's brother's death. This has been a time of real spiritual growth as it has caused us to continue to work out our theology toward its logical conclusion and it has truly been a blessing.

In the midst of all of that , we know that life goes on.

Susan has just completed her final youth deer season and again we did not score a deer. Not for lack of opportunity, just didn't seal the deal...YET! The Iowa law has changed and Susuan will be able to use her tag in later seasons! She is looking forward to another opportunity to BLAST Bambi.

Susan has also begun her quest entitled "DRIVERS ED"! She is getting her class time in and some driving time with her Mother. If you need to ask "why her Mother and not her Dad?" You don' t know me very well! Lynn has done all the driving with our kids and they have all risen up and called her blessed!

Philip is playing JV football for the Ventura Vikings and really enjoying his games. He plays safety on defense and wide receiver on offense. He plays very well! The Vikings varsity team is 5-0 and having a really great year!

Amy is home now trying to decide what she wants to do before she invests any more time and money in her college education. Right now she is working as a part-time teachers aid in the Clear Lake Community School District and she is really waiting for a full time position to open up.

Daniel and Maggie are living in Ankeny and going to school full time and working as much as possible. I could not be more proud of them.

Lynn and I just keep moving forward, serving the Lord together and constantly seeking His perfect will for our lives.

Well that's the update more to come real soon ... I promise!

I Remain,
Pastor Steve

PS: Thanks for all of the birthday wishes!