Rev. Gene and Diana Edwards

United in Marriage
September 13, 1969


Celebrating 40 years of marriage, we have raised 2 lovely daughters, both of which have grown up to become pastor's wives. We have 5 wonderful grandchildren and one spoiled-rotten Dachshund. We are in our twentieth year pastoring First Baptist Church in Mountain Grove, Missouri. We've been in ministry together since 1976 and continue to enjoy ministering together in many capacities, including revivals, marriage retreats, and prayer conferences. Our newest service is a Sportsman's Program, done in camouflage, ministering to the saved and unsaved. We enjoy hunting, fishing, camping, golfing, and grandparenting. We love living and we enjoy each other! God is our captain and we are thrilled to be following where He leads us.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Update on Gene

Just wanted to let everyone know that Gene's surgery went well (PTL!) and he is at home recovering.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Natural Balancing

Do You Have....

Foggy thinking? PMS? Exhaustion? Hot flashes? Stress? Depression?

Does this describe you or someone you know????? There are safe, natural alternatives with no side effects!

Symptoms of imbalance include: dry, thin wrinkly skin; anxiety; night sweats; infertility; unexplained weight gain; fatigue; fibrocystic breasts; mood swings; fibromyalgia; low libido; fluid retention; lack of concentration; disturbed sleep; bone mineral loss; headaches; arthritis; uterine fibroids; ovarian cysts; adult acne; and more.

For information on natural balancing, contact me at (417) 926-5612

Diana Edwards, Independent Consultant
ARBONNE International ID #15780950

Our Girls & Me


Mom & her very best friends, Lorrie and Lynnie

Gene's three favorite women!

Monday, January 18, 2010

First "Deer Story"

I've been hunting with my husband since 1979 and 10 years had gone by without getting a deer. Now I have my own "deer story".

It was finally November 11. I had made application for a doe permit and a few days before the season started it was granted, but only for Texas County. My husband was good enough to take me all the way to Houston, MO. Maybe this year would be successful for me.

The alarm wakes us at 4:30 a.m. I didn't get much sleep for wondering how I would perform. My husband says, "Let's put on enough clothes to stay warm and stuff our pockets with enough food and drinks to stay for the entire day if needed." Now we're off to the woods in the dark at 5:15 a.m. with only a flashlight. everything is sleeping; it's so quiet.
We walk and walk to find our place to sit and wait for the sunrise and the deer. After a while my husband says he's going to walk around. He soon comes to get me. He's spotted two doe.

We leave all our food and heavy coats because it's warmed up by now. The hunt was on.

I see the deer and shoot twice but they are running and too far away. So we follow them into the thicket.

I take another shot but miss. We walk on up the hill to find a place to stop and watch for the deer. We are thirsty by now, only to remember our snacks are at the bottom of the hill. So Gene goes for our survival kit while I wait.

I wait, and wait, but he's done this before so I'm not too worried. Finally he returns, out of breath, says he's been up a tree for a while and not deer hunting.

He had to go through a field of dairy cattle to get to our food and this bull decides to follow him. gene said he took a stick and said, "Get on out of here." The bull must have understood or wanted to fight. He began pawing the ground the way Gene had seen on Popeye or The Three Stooges. Then he proceeded to blow hot air out his nostrils.

I'm not sure what this meant but Gene said he got the idea this animal was feeling like a charge was soon to take place and that he was the target.

Gene looked around for a tree to climb. While selecting a tree he heard this noise that only a bull can make and every cow in the field came to either help or watch what was going to take place.

Gene had no choice of tree. It was the closest one or else.

There he was hanging in this tree and all the cows and this bull were under his tree. He waited it out until they wandered away far enough so he could make a run and jump the fence. By the time he got to me, he needed that soft drink.

We sat there only a few minutes, then saw two more doe. We followed them; they stopped; this time it was close.

I waited for a good sight and was so nervous because I knew I could get this one.

My gun was on safety. I tried to shoot, finally pushed the safety off and shot. My husband (my coach) talked with me though it all.

It was 9:45 a.m. My hunt was over. We celebrated my first deer by taking a picture. My husband and this bull made my story even more interesting.

With the assistance of my husband (my coach) I have successful hunts of deer, turkey, squirrel, and rabbits every year.

This hunt was also what led us to pastor in Mountain Grove. What a perfect fit for us now serving in our 20th year!

40th Wedding Anniversary



Buddy


"Buddy Across America" - This will be the title of Diana's first book!


Buddy singing "Jesus Loves Me" (he's won two talent shows!!)

My 7 point 2009 Deer


Thursday, January 14, 2010

Endorsements

“What a joy and a privilege to introduce my wife Diana Lynn Edwards to you. As her husband, I have known for years the desire of her heart to serve God in a greater capacity. I fully support her obedience to Christ as He leads her. As a pastor, I know how important it is to invite the right people into our churches. Diana will be led by the Holy Spirit. You will recognize God’s presence revealed in and through her. May you prayerfully consider her to lead in Mountain Top experiences in your church and community.”

Rev. Gene Edwards
Pastor, First Baptist Church of Mountain Grove,
and Diana’s loving husband


*******************


“I want to recommend Diana Edwards to you. I have been in several conferences where she shared the Gospel through her testimony and through singing. She is good! I’ve come to know Diana and her pastor - husband Gene. They are an exemplary couple! Best of all, Diana is so much like Jesus in her passion to see people saved. She is a faithful, fervent, effective soul-winner! Diana serves the Lord in a variety of ways. She’ll be a blessing to any of your venues that focus on lifting up Jesus! Without reservation, I commend Diana to you.”

Gary Taylor
Director of Evangelism
Missouri Baptist Convention



*******************


“Diana Edwards has dedicated her voice to singing praise to the Lord who saved her—Jesus Christ. I have been blessed to serve alongside Diana. Her sweet spirit, her joyful heart and her commitment to bring America back to God is contagious. At our recent state Evangelism Conference, Missouri Baptists stood on their feet, praying for our nation and praising our God when Diana Edwards sang ‘We Want America Back’ I enthusiastically recommend her to you.”

Donald Walton
Evangelist
Oak Grove, Missouri

My Ministries

Gospel Soloist / Concerts

Prayer Retreats / Women’s Ministries

Special Music/Receptions/Homecomings

Lead music and Choirs for Revivals

Youth Camps, events, and rallies

Children and Senior Adult Programs

Singles Ministries for all ages

Civic Organizations and Benefit singing

Mother/Daughter/Grandparent Banquets

Women’s Conferences

Stress Management Conferences

Motivational Speaker

Marriage Enrichment

Evangelism

Experiencing God Teacher

F.A.I.T.H. Team Leader/ Bible Study leader — upon short notice

Devotional leader—Sunday fill in for Pastor

Programs for: Christmas, Valentine’s Day,

Easter, The Holy Land, Thanksgiving,

Patriotic, Prayer, and would write & sing

a program for the theme of your choice.

A Brief Biography

Diana was born in Cassopolis, MI. Her parents are Rev. Travis and Doris Rose of Olmsted, IL. She began singing at the age of 9, accepted Christ at the age of 13, and graduated from Meridian High School in Mounds, IL. She is the wife of Rev. Gene Edwards, pastor of First Baptist Church, Mountain Grove, MO.

Diana and Gene have been in the ministry since 1976. They have two daughters: Lorrie, married to Rev. Greg Dixon; and Lynnie, married to Chaplain (Cpt.) Mark Richardson; and five grandchildren. Diana, who has served in youth ministry most of her life, loves people and loves to lead them to Christ, and served as church secretary for 10 years. She loves to work with her husband as they lead in revivals. They also share an enjoyment of many hobbies: hunting, fishing, camping, golfing, and grandparenting.

Diana currently serves her church as soloist, choir member, Director of Single Adult Ministry, and Outreach; and has directed many camps and Vacation Bible Schools. In 1980, Diana attended the Billy Graham School of Evangelism. A dream came true for Diana when she recorded her first album “I’m Not Giving Up” in Nashville with Ben Speer as her producer.

After touring the Holy Land in 1996, Diana sings and shares a powerful testimony. In 1999, Diana joined the Fellowship of our Missouri Baptist Evangelists. With her husband’s support in her obedience to follow Christ, Diana is available seven days a week.

Personal Testimony

I can remember singing solos before I knew the Lord. I can remember knowing what it was like to be lost. I would go to sleep each night thinking, “If the house caught on fire I would die and go to Hell.” No one ever shared the gospel with me outside the church. As I would sing, I would want to just get through the song and go home. Then I would go right to my room and try to ask Jesus into my heart. I must have asked him in hundreds of times by myself.

I would go back to church for more of this singing so I could experience this powerful spirit that was drawing me to the gospel songs about Jesus. Then one night during revival at Caledonia Baptist Church in Olmsted, IL, we were singing the invitation hymn, “Let Others See Jesus In You.” It was time to give in. I so strongly experienced emotions of Jesus drawing me to Him that I could no longer sing. The Holy Spirit won. As I gave up and started down to the front of the church, this tremendous burden lifted from me the moment I started to leave the pew. I gave testimony that the singing word drew me to salvation.

Then the solos I sang took on a greater meaning. I started a Youth Choir while I was still a youth. That same power I received at age 13 still lives in and through me. I praise the Lord for giving me the gift of Music and Evangelism. I have many testimonies to share with you, your church, or group. My theme, Mountain Top Ministry, will take us up where we belong.

My Company

Finding Arbonne has been a true blessing. I am able to help women with health issues and provide pure and safe products for them and their families. I am also building my business to provide financially for my family. You, too, can have these wonderful benefits in your own life.

As you shop from our pure, safe, and beneficial product line, I also encourage you to consider becoming more involved. Here are three ways you can particpate:

1) Client - shop online, pay retail price, and have these great products delivered right to your door.
2) Preferred Client - for a $29 registration fee you will qualify for a 20% savings (and more) on all your products, plus receive specials each month. No minimum orders!
3) Consultant (Business Builder) - $109 is all you need to get started in your own Arbonne business. Share the product and business with your friends and family members. Think what your life could be like 5 years from now by just spending 10 hours a week to secure your financial future. It has changed my life!

Email me today and let me know what level of participation interests you. Ask for the "Mineral Oil Fact Sheet" and "Toxin Awareness" as well as a Profile sheet that will help me determine what products would be best for you.

My Weight Loss Story and More...

I have tried many weight loss programs, diets and products and finally found the safest one and one that works. I have lost 35 pounds and I feel great! When you lose weight on this program you become healthier. I do no believe in fad diets because you gain it all back. I do not believe in drugs to assist weight loss and I certainly do not believe in starving or having to buy expensive foods or grazing on greens until you are sick of them. I have become educated in all natural, safe and beneficial products through ARBONNE. I wanted to see that they would work first and then I became a Consultant. My husband had to see the difference in me before saying I could do this business. We have some flavored taffy chews that curb your appetite and give you so much energy. Because portion size is what puts on the weight, these curb your appetite and you feel like you are eating a sweet. We have a whole set of protein shakes, dietary supplement tablets called (going, going gone), tetox tea, energy tablets to make your own drinks that assist weight loss, a gentle colon cleanse. All products are all natural. They cannot be purchased in stores. You are welcome check out these products on Arbonne.com. "Figure 8" is the weight loss products.
Another product I believe every lady needs to be on is our Progesterone Cream, "PROLIEF" , it balances your hormones. We are touching & taking in too many toxins. This cream balances us naturally. This helps with migraines, hot flashes, painful periods, fibro, depression, mood swings. it is an anti-cancer preventative. If you are on hormone replacement that can be harmful, this may be your answer to no more harmful drugs. Contact me and I will send you news about it. I have never had a hot flash. Several ladies noticed better moods in as little as 4 days. Bring it on! Our #1 product is our Swiss Skin Care products. Our baby products are safer, no more diaper rash! None of our products contain petroleum or mineral oil. These are harmful to our bodies and seep into our organs and that make us sick. Our products include hair products, sun products, anti-aging products, an all natural make up line, men's products, vitamins that work, children's vitamin drinks, and teen vitamins chews for picky eaters and cancer prevention. For years, I took store vitamins that didn't work. We have over 400 products. You can purchase them through me or I can tell you how to get signed up with this company for only $29 + tax and then you can order and get a 20% discount. I keep a lot of products on hand if you live near me. I can ship to an APO address. I have so many more products to inform you about and I am looking for business partners that need a job. You can't get fired or laid off if you are your own boss. this is a great business for stay at home moms as well as retired women that would like to work from your home. You can earn extra money and help our families become healthier. if you do not have a computer, all orders can be made by phone. This is too good for me not to share with my friends and others. Read your labels and begin to change to ARBONNE products. You'll look and feel better. God bless you. I look forward to discussing weight loss and so much more!

Diana Edwards, Independent Consultant
ARBONNE International ID #15780950

Discover "Arbonne"

I am excited about a new business opportunity that's been helping people. I have been trained as a Women's Health Educator. I teach women how to save their money and their face by not using ingredients that prematurely age the skin. I teach about the role hormones play in your health and how to achieve natural hormone balance. Products that make you look and feel better and live a healthier lifestyle. YES! Pure Swiss Skin Care formulated in Switzerland. Safe and natural. Anti-aging that will say goodbye to lines and wrinkles. Look younger! Try our Acne Clear Advantage System, Products for hair growth, Facials, Eye Cream, Before Sun, Cleanse, Tone & Rejuvenate body, hands, feet & lips. Anti-aging for men. Men want to stay young looking. Baby Products that clear diaper rash & skin problems. Happier baby! And ladies, the Hormone balancing cream (Progesterone) will make a better you in all ways. Say goodbye to mood swings, PMS, hot flashes, female problems. Some have been able to get off their hormone replacement using this safe and all natural product. The power of this cream can help migraines, fibromyalgia, infertility, skin conditions, fibrocystic breasts, depression and sex. Men may use this cream for prevention of or help with their prostate problems. Full make up line that is safe and healthy for your face and so light! WEIGHT LOSS products that work. Chews that curb the appetite! Give you energy, boost metabolism. No points to count. Shake & go! Bio-Nutria nutrition and fitness vitamins, colon cleanse, joint formula, heart, leg vein, prostate, premenstrual, menopause, digestive, defense builder, calcium, complete essential vitamins for children, teens, women, and men. Many more products. All these have been approved and your body can absorb that really don't help our bodies. These can not be found in stores. Newest product: 2 Step Cellulite System. Yes ladies, watch cellulite go! Hear testimonies of how disease decreases and medicines reduced. Within 30 seconds of what touches our skin affects our organs. WOW!

Our Family



Front row: Gene Edwards, Chloe Dixon {5}, Diana Edwards, Ruth Dixon {3}, Carissa Richardson {8} Back row: Hannah Dixon {12}, Greg Dixon, Lorrie Dixon, Lynnie Richardson, Mark Richardson, Miles Richardson {11}

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Single Friends Ministry - a Note from Diana

Contact me if you have any questions or if you are needing prayer. We have a prayer chain. Please know this group is open to all ages of unmarried, separated, divorced and widowed singles. We are not a match making organization. This is for single friends to have fun together. However you could meet someone! We have Bible studies and lots of fun activities. All faiths welcome! Childcare provided!

Single Adult Sunday School Class
Every Sunday 9:45 am
No dress code...jeans are fine!
First Baptist Church Mountain Grove

Singles Ministry Mission Statement

SINGLES MINISTRY MISSION STATEMENT

The Single Friends Ministry of First Baptist Church is dedicated to bring honor and glory to god by reaching out to singles in Mountain Grove and our surrounding community by...

*Proclaiming the Gospel
*Teaching God's Word
*Ministering to needs of singles
*Providing Christian fellowship

We provide programs for never married, separated, divorced, and widowed adults from age 20 through retirement. The three-fold purpose of this ministry is:

+To provide settings in which mutual support systems and relationships can be built
+To offer opportunities for personal growth toward wholeness.
+To offer opportunities for personal growth toward wholeness.
+To encourage spiritual development.

The Singles Ministry operates within the context of the church as a whole, and seeks to help unmarried people develop an identity as an integral part within (not separate from) the entire faith community.

The purpose of Single Friends Ministries is to be an outreach arm of First Baptist that meets the needs of single adult of many ages and backgrounds. Our ultimate goal is to see each person come into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and to be incorporated into the full life of the Church.

OBJECTIVES OF THE FIRST BAPTIST SINGLE ADULT MINISTRY

1. To encourage Single Adults to use their spiritual gifts, to serve God (Psalm 100:2) and to praise God (Psalm 9:1-2) by introducing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior to as many Single Adults as possible.

2. To provide a supportive Christian fellowship for those who are single, separated, divorced, or widowed.

3. To promote reconciliation among those whose divorces are not final.

4. To encourage healthy friendships in a non-threatening environment.

5. To help men and women become the person God wants them to be.

6. To assist in the rearing of children in a healthy, Christ-centered home environment.

7. To facilitate involvement in the total supportive fellowship of First Baptist Church.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Our Ministry Team






















Rev. Gene and Diana Edwards

United in Marriage September 13, 1969

Celebrating 40 years of marriage, we have raised 2 lovely daughters, both of which have grown up to become pastor's wives. We have 5 wonderful grandchildren and one spoiled-rotten Dachshund.

We are in our twentieth year pastoring First Baptist Church in Mountain Grove, Missouri. We've been in ministry together since 1976 and continue to enjoy ministering together in many capacities, including revivals, marriage retreats, and prayer conferences.

Our newest service is a Sportsman's Program, done in camouflage, ministering to the saved and unsaved.

We enjoy hunting, fishing, camping, golfing, and grandparenting. We love living and we enjoy each other! God is our captain and we are thrilled to be following where He leads us.