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Christian Living

ChurchWatch 05/09/08

Cross Erected on Bush Ranch for Wedding; John Michael Talbot Injured in Fire

The Dallas Morning News reports that President Bush has erected a large limestone cross in preparation for the wedding of his daughter, Jenna.

"We put a giant cross made out of Texas limestone that will serve as the altar, but also serve as a landmark on our place for years to come," President Bush told ABC's Good Morning America. "That's where she's going to get married, right in front of this Texas limestone altar with a cross on it -- by our lake."

The wedding is set for this Saturday. The Associated Press reports that Jenna will say "I do" near a lake at the ranch, in front of the giant cross made of Texas limestone that will serve as an altar. The cross will be a landmark at the ranch for years to come. The president said that was his contribution to the wedding that the Bushes are trying to keep a low-key affair.

"I'm so excited and thrilled for Jenna and Henry," First Lady Laura Bush told ABC. "They're very, very excited. ...I know the wildflowers are blooming and it's very green. We've gotten some good spring rains, and so I think it will be really, really beautiful. It's going to be a wonderful celebration with her closest friends and family."

Dove-Award Winner, John Michael Talbot, Injured in Fire

Christian Newswire reports that the home of The Brothers and Sisters of Charity founded by Dove Award-winning musician John Michael Talbot was recently severely damaged by fire. There was no loss of life, although members of the community, including Talbot, suffered from the effects of smoke inhalation.
 
The fire began in the chapel and spread to the community's Common Center which housed the kitchen, offices, library, classrooms and dining space. All are a total loss. It is unknown how the fire started, but has been declared "no fault" by the fire inspector, says Talbot. Various awards melted in the heat or were burned along with the community archives, inventory and tour equipment. Living areas, studio and instruments were unharmed.
 
Talbot says that the fire department aggressively battled the fire, but could not save the building. The wood construction contributed to the speed of the fire which burned the chapel to the ground in an hour.
 
At the wish of the community, Talbot's Canadian Tour will continue as planned. Tour dates and information may be found at his Web site, http://www.johnmichaeltalbot.com/

While the damage is covered by insurance, donations are helping bridge the financial gap as the community awaits, reorganizes and prepares to rebuild, "this time in stone," says Talbot. Little Portion Hermitage is located in Berryville, in the Ozark Mountains in Northwest Arkansas. For more information about the community, see www.littleportion.org.

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