THE QUESTION ON "LUCY"

"So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work." (Nehemiah 4:6)

The following is the text of an e-mail I put out today to over 50 people that I know...most of whom are in New England. I also decided to post it here:

Hi!

I really DON'T like to write to a bunch of people at once but sometimes it's just the quickest way to communicate.

One of the most famous episodes of "I Love Lucy" is when Lucy and Ethel go to work in a chocolate factory.
I know, everybody remembers Lucy stuffing chocolates into her blouse, and the result.

But most people don't remember what happened before that when Lucy and Ethel went to the employment agency.

"What kind of work do you do?" asked the employment specialist.

"What kind of jobs do you have open?" asked Lucy...kind of nervously.

That conversation repeated itself several times before they ended up at the chocolate factory.

I feel a lot like Lucy going to that employment agency.

I go to various on-line job search sites. There are all kinds of jobs for really "hi-tech" people and for
people who are highly skilled and have much experience. I find myself thinking, "What kind of jobs do you have open?!"

Most of you know that the church I pastored for 23 years...FIRST ASSEMBLY OF GOD OF FRAMINGHAM...closed on March 7.

I HAVE a job at a telephone answering service. It was really confusing at first because there's a LOT of computer stuff and procedure
you have to learn. After a few weeks, I've gotten pretty good at it. But most weeks it's going to be no more than 20 hrs, IF that...and
the pay is just above minimum wage. Mary Ann and I are quickly falling way behind financially. Thank God a churches helped us
out with generous checks; but with a kid graduating from college and all the fees and requirements of that, and with just trying to
get by, we're barely making it...in fact, we're NOT. Thank God my daughter Amy from MO is donating a 1995 Ford Taurus to me,
but we're beginning to wonder if we'll be able to afford even this car.

On a good note, I have a preaching engagement at a small church in Franklin (Tri County Christian Fellowship) on May 16.
I would like to book at LEAST 6 Sunday morning preaching engagements between late May and mid-September. You pastor
friends could REALLY help me by having me come and speak on a Sunday morning and by the grace of God, I won't disappoint you!

Also, some of you know of small companies or even large companies would are hiring and would hire someone in my situation.
I need a better job with more hrs. and better pay.

Please... I ask you to join me in prayer.
I would love to come and speak at your church if you're a pastor.
And if you have ANY ideas or leads for employment I am very open to that!

Thank you,
BOB BARIL