Creekbank Stories Curt Iles, Storyteller

Faithful unto Death  Markus Giwa is a missionary in South Sudan. He and his family live in difficult conditions in the capital of Juba. Markus was sent by the Nigerian Baptist Convention. Much of the most effective mission work in Africa is being done cross-culturally by Africans! That excites me. He shared a moving story, “On our orientation day at …

Scroll down for “Director’s Cut Comments” on our wedding photo. 36 Years and Going Strong Let me set this straight. I married way above myself. Men, don’t laugh. Most of you are in the same category. The night in 1976 when I get the courage up to ask DeDe Terry out on is a special date. She said yes. Sometimes …

  Today would be the 81st birthday of my Dad, Clayton Iles. Spending the month of July in the house he built has brought back such a flood of good memories. He was fun. He was solid. He was my Daddy   “A giant has walked among us. He had soft steps and a kind voice.” -Don Hunt on my …

The Wash Spot on Crooked Bayou Hear Curt read this story. The darkness always comes more quickly down in the swamp. I’m always amazed to come out of the dark woods at dusk using a flashlight, and then upon entering the open fields, realize there is still a good deal of daylight left. Deep in the woods, the evening shadows …

I’ve been reacquainting myself with the land where my roots are deepest. It’s been neat walking the fire lanes and fence rows that make up the end of Clayton Iles Road. I’m renewing friendships with the summer birds of Louisiana.  They are so different from Africa.  I’d nearly forgotten what a unique singer the Mockingbird is; how bright red a …

  During this season of my life, I’m learning about God’s timing on our Life Road.  It seldom matches ours but is always the best. The story behind this poem is found at the end of post. You can listen to the Audio Podcast read by Curt.   God’s Timing is Always Right God is very seldom early But He’s …

A word from Curt We’re doing fine. Splitting time between Dry Creek (with my Mom) and Alexandria (Grandkids and our soon-to-be new house). I’m doing better health-wise.   I’m having more good days than bad days.  Still losing weight (DeDe is making fun of my pants sagging).  We’re still praying for healing and clarity on what is causing ongoing illness. …

Plowing and The Harvest.   Enjoy the audio of this story. 1. Be Curious. 2. Be Amazed. 3. Tell about it.   I get in lots of trouble being curious. But I also learn so much. The best stories begin with a simple question,  “I noticed you . . .” Most folks are more than happy to share their story. …

This is the first of my stories to be published.  My sweet Mom sent “A Pair for Life” to Home Life magazine in 1991. (See above). Their decision to publish it was the first step in my realization that maybe someone in addition to family and friends might enjoy my stories. I thought, publishing seems easy.  I have a thick …

One of my key words is Gratitude. I want to live the Gratitude-filled life. Today, I’m especially thankful for all of you who’ve prayed for DeDe and I during our transition back to the U.S. Our hearts are still divided between Africa and Louisiana, but we have a deepening peace that we’re right where we should be and God’s work …

The Importance of a Daily Review I’m learning. Always learning. I’m committed to being a LLL. A Life Long Learner. About a decade ago, I began the habit of listing keywords for my life. It developed into what I now call my 6+ Words. I adjust or change them from time to time but most remain the same. At the …

  A quick note: Thank you for holding the rope in prayer and encouragement for DeDe and me. Here are three ways to pray: 1.  Pray for two members of our Chadan team that will go to Chad in August. 2.  Pray for continued healing for Curt.  I’m slowly getting better. 3.  Pray for DeDe.  She has been a stalwart …

The Week that Was It was more than ironic. I spent two days in the culinary capital of the United States: New Orleans. And I have no appetite for their wonderful seafood, soul food, po-boys, and beignets. We saw our doctor(s) at Tulane Medical.  They had “good news and bad news.” Good news: none of the tests show any conclusive …

  Scroll down for an update on today’s trip to Tulane Medical Clinic.  I was told this story by a South Sudanese. It’s a tale of optimism. The right story to share on the fourth birthday of the world’s newest country, South Sudan. During the worst years of the previous civil war, famine accompanied the violence and displacement. A mother, …