News Cafe

 If you ever find yourself near Owen County, it is worth the drive to the small Kentucky River town of Gratz and grab a bite to eat in News Cafe. Owners and operators Earl and Linda New offer breakfast and lunch each day with the exception of Wednesdays and Sundays. Attached is an antique shop and a small general store. Take a gander at the old photographs blown up in frames that line the walls. Also, take a look at some artwork of an area painter.

What is most intriguing is the homely, small town atmosphere. Area residents come in and enjoy a good meal, and are not too shy to say hello and strike up a conversation with out-of-towners. A big hit, according to Earl New, is the oyster soup. I passed, taking up some eggs and sausage with a good ole cup of coffee. The Cafe is located at the Gratz entrance of the historic steel truss Gratz Bridge, which is set for demolition as the new Gratz bridge is set to open. "This is kind of a mission for us," expressed Linda New. A mission that involves preserving area history, but most importantly sharing their genuine faith in Christ Jesus with patrons. So go on in, take a seat, and tell them STNL sent ya'.

The Duggar Family

My wife and I attended an event called Momentum held at Southeast Christian Church that featured the Duggar Family from 19 Kids and Counting, a popular television show on TLC. Most of the children joined their parents, Jim Bob and Michelle, in a few hymns, even playing violins, prior to the main event of the evening. The children are quite talented, and a few exhibit a personality that most certainly enjoys the spotlight.

The main segment of the evening was Jim Bob and Michelle giving a testimony on how God has richly blessed their family and marriage, and how Christ truly is Savior and Lord. What was so striking to observe was a soft spoken woman's deep love and respect for her husband, and a man with strong leadership utterly dependent upon the grace of God. Michelle assured the crowd that they do not have perfect kids, and the struggles of life in their household all depend on Christ and His Word. Jim Bob explained how his obedience to God's calling into politics, which led him to the Arkansas House of Representatives for two terms and an unsuccessful run to the U.S. Senate, was richly blessed by God in what led their family down the road on television.

In an interview with Southeast Senior Pastor Dave Stone, Jim Bob explained how his wife Michelle chooses to be soft spoken, and how he wrestles with anger. This is the result of their life together in Christ, Jim Bob explained, and an openness to one another about their personal struggles with sin. Michelle shared that Jim Bob has taught her how a man thinks and the sins that men in general struggle with. Jim Bob explained that one Satan's power is in secrecy, where we want to keep our sins in private. The power of God is in confessing, furthered Jim Bob.

What a joy of an evening to see such a strong faith, which is a faith totally dependent on the grace of God and living for His glory.