There is a good chance you have never been to Bertram, Texas. We hadn't until Sunday morning, July 3. Three couples who became fast friends through the years because of Wharton, Texas, met in Bertram to surprise the pastor of First Baptist Church. It was the fortieth anniversary of Gordon Bergstrom's first sermon, which was preached on a Sunday morning in Wharton. Gordon and Diana had no idea we were coming. It was Ross and Lou Ann Arth of College Station; Mike and Cindy Arth of "Anywhere USA" (They are RV full-timers); and Ann and Self. Poor Gordon was nearly speechless, but as a good pastor that he is, recovered and brought a wonderful sermon. It was a long trip for us but worth it all. We are so proud of Gordon. His first revival preached was on a youth trip to Mesa, Arizona in the heat of summer. Our Youth and adults conducted VBS in the morning and had church at night. Our softball team practiced on an old baseball field used by the New York Giants in spring training. It was awesome! We knew we really weren't supposed to be on it but no one ever came to remove us. To bat at the same spot as some of the great ball players of all time was unforgettable. When we left Mesa for Flagstaff it was 118!!!
Another word about Bertram; You can visit there on Labor Day weekend for the OATMEAL FESTIVAL. It is a fun spoof on all the chili cookoffs Texas towns so dearly love. Near Bertram is the tiny town of Oatmeal. There is an old rock church there and a brush arbor used many years ago when the church was too hot in summer. The beauty queen selected has to be over 55. She receives the dubious title of Ms Bag.
There you have it. Your next destination can be Bertram, Texas. Make it on a Sunday and drop in at First Baptist. Tell Gordon we sent you.
