As I travel all over Nebraska and Iowa District West, I have the joy of meeting special people that are such an  encouragement to me.  But, more than that, they are sometimes quiet people that do the Lord's work and truly have the Lord Jesus in their hearts.  Sometimes the load is heavy and the hours are long, and the traveling becomes a problem at times, but God seems to put special people in our path in this journey of live to "keep us going." About 12 years ago God provided a very special helper for me and this person has been such an encouragement.  Yes, I can remember the first time that I went to the farm and I had the privilege of having a devotion and Bible study with Erwin Harmening and his wife Iva.  It was such a joy to visit with a couple that truly understood "the mission" of the church.  Erwin was very ill with cancer, but he had a full and complete understanding of "what we are doing here."  After the Lord called Erwin home, Iva has always remained a special friend and a great encourager for the work of the mission of the church.  Iva has been a faithful worker at her congregation at Immanuel Lutheran Church there at Lidderdale, Iowa.  A small church, but yet they are interested in telling people about Jesus and support our Charter Oak, Iowa, Missionary Brent Friedrichs and his wife Eugenie in Nigeria.  Rev. Ray Reinbolt has been a faithful shepherd and pastor for this flock for many years.  I thank God for special helpers and encouragers like the people of Immanuel Lutheran at Lidderdale and for Special Missionaries like Iva Harmening.