“For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6) 
Coastline Bible Church, Ventura, CA: We had an exhilarating fourteen months (April ’16 to June ’17) at CBC serving as Interim/Transitional Pastor. We lived there in a condo for nine months, and for the next 4 months we commuted, staying in San Diego for half the week and Ventura half the week with friends. The Lord did marvelous things during our time there. We saw miraculous church restoration and made many wonderful friends, and the church gave us a beautiful send-off when we left. As many of them have suffered through the Ventura fires, we have suffered with them. Some very dear friends just lost their lovely house in the fires. They are an inspiration to us as they exhibit the peace of Christ and joy of their salvation.
Israel: We made our first trip to Israel (April 18-May 1). Ted and Linda Walker were amazing hosts and tour guides. What a spectacular time we had, hanging out with these dear friends and going at our own pace. Clay had the privilege of speaking on a brand new Christian radio station broadcasting from Tiberias, Israel. This is the first Christian station with government approval and reaches many Arab countries. Clay also got to preach in both Arab and Messianic congregations.Other trips and opportunities: Clay continues as National Co-Director of Holy Spirit Renewal Ministries. Two days after our trip to Israel, we flew off to Scottsbluff, Nebraska for a blessed time of ministry at the American Baptist Regional Convention. We had a wonderful time, too, at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist, an African American church in Flint, MI. We felt so much at home there that Clay announced to them that he surely must be part African-American! Also, Clay ministered at various other places, including at Bedford Baptist Church in his hometown of Bedford, VA.
Bedford, VA Family
It was fun to be with family during that trip. His mom, Virginia Ford, is a radiant 98-year-old! He also had the joy of preaching at our son Billy’s church in Santa Clarita, CA. Our Green Lake, WI conference was, once again, powerful and blessed. It was such a joy to have Hannah there with us again, along with Billy and several of our grandchildren. Hannah had a wonderful CD release event at the conference. Immediately following our conference, we flew to Portland to celebrate our friend Dr. Lee Spitzer’s appointment as the head of the American Baptist denomination.
Other ministry: Cheri was involved in nearly all the ministry events listed above and will continue. She, too, has been involved in some speaking – women’s tea, workshop, 12-week Sunday School class in Ventura that follows her Pilgrim’s Progress Discipleship Course. This study is an enjoyable and in-depth theological course that has been well-received by those using it.
Billy and Denise continue their very fruitful pastoral ministry at Bouquet Canyon Church in Santa Clarita, CA. The church is doing well, and this year they hired a new assistant pastor. They are so busy it makes our heads spin. Their children (our grandchildren) are all doing great. Johnathan is doing well in the Air Force Academy. David, Elizabeth, Benjamin, and Katherine are all doing well in school and with their other pursuits. They are a very busy and beautiful family, fully committed to Jesus Christ.
Gino and Hannah are busy, too. Gino is working on a very challenging and exciting building project in La Jolla. It has taken him most of the year, doing a great job. Hannah completed her latest music CD project, “Personal Decree”, and every song is fabulous! Please go to Hannahford.com to find out more. Also, she has some great music videos. This CD would make a tremendous Christmas gift. It relates to all ages and to everyone in need of a personal touch from God’s Spirit. Hannah and Gino’s church, The Rock in Pt. Loma, hosted a wonderful CD release concert. Hannah also leads worship in various churches and programs.