Bittersweet Farm Journal (Number 30)

Last week was an unusual week in our neck of the woods. It was bizarre-cold here on Bittersweet Farm but inside we were safe, warm, cozy and secure. I would like to have accomplished more, but sometimes the Lord just slows the world down and that’s alright.

Projects Up-Coming

I will be working on some videos and podcast episodes. I am also on a number of books all at the same time:

• Red Jeep Journeys
• The Bittersweet Farm Story
• The Village Parson, Stories from 40 Years of Pastoral Ministry
• Between the Fires (52 Ways to Keep the Camp Fire Burning All Your Life).
• God Still Speaks Stories (A Collection of Stories of Unusual Providence).

Speaking this Weekend

I would appreciate your prayers for the Bethel Teens who head to Camp Barakel this weekend. A large group is heading up for a snow-camp. I will be speaking to teens at Camp Selah on Friday night and Saturday. I will be in the Bethel pulpit on the Lord’s Day, Lord willing.

The Home-going of Chuck Perlos

Last week Charles Perlos, who renovated Bittersweet Farm and graciously saved it for us until our home in the Downriver sold, went to be with the Lord. I visited the night before he died and the morning of the day of his death.

The night before he died I found out he had been sent to hospice-care. It was dark and bitter, bitter cold outside. I bundled up and made my way to the facility. I parked as close as I could and hurried against the brutal cold to his room. He was surrounded with loving family members.

When I came into the room he had been unresponsive all day. I took his hand and said; “Charles, it’s Ken Pierpont.”

He immediately opened his eyes and a smile crossed his face. His family slipped out so I could talk with him alone. I talked to him for a bit, read him some Scripture, prayed, and thanked him again for his friendship and his kindness to our family. I promised that I would never forget him and that I would always be grateful for what he did.

In the morning first thing I sat with he and his daughter Lindy for about an hour, read Scripture, prayed and thanked him again for his kindness to us.

Lindy said, “The day you first visited, after you left, Dad said; ‘That was not an accident. That was meant to be.'”

It was. God sent us mercifully down the road that autumn afternoon. God moved Charles to renovate the house and to save it for us and to wait until we were able to buy it. He held our $1,000.00 down payment check until closing. He saved the house for us based on a handshake. He kept his word to us.

When I left his side on the day he slipped into the presence of Jesus, I reached out and touched his shoulder and said; “Goodbye my friend. I will see you soon.”

On an earlier visit Charles gave us a large album of pictures of the renovation of our home. It’s an amazing photojournal of the extensive restoration. Lois, Hope, and I live in a home that was prepared for us by Charles Perlos. As I walked away I realized in my heart that when I next see Charles we will both be enjoying the home the Jesus prepared for us. And I will have stories to tell him about the place we call Bittersweet Farm.

Tuesday afternoon I will preach his funeral. I am only a month and a few days older than he. He was my friend and I will always thank God for him.

Ken Pierpont | Bittersweet Farm | Summit Township, Michigan | February 4, 2019

I will have much more to tell about Charles Perlos and the incredible providence, provision, and blessing of God in The Story of Bittersweet Farm. I let you know when you can get your copy.