01/10/2026
Christmas Letter 2025 ==
from Alan & Judy Gell, Texas
= = = = = = = = = =
MERRY CHRISTMAS – December 2025.This is a little bit late and not very lengthy. However, we wanted to let our friends know we were still kicking, staying busy, and thanking God for His mercies, love, and protection..The year has been tumultuous, much more than previous years. Maybe it was the weird calendar, more Covid or other calamities, weather, global warming, blame-it-on-something, or whatever. In a nutshell, we still have our home and acreage in Grapeland/Elkhart. But – we also have acquired a home in Longview next door to daughter Charity and across town from daughter Alison. This has allowed us to see them and grandchildren more often… and the sons-in-law are a great help. In anticipation of this additional house, we held a huge Auction in the spring – old mowers, tractors, furniture, etc, etc, etc. Judy calls it ‘junk’ and Alan calls it ‘memories’. .Royal Rangers continues to be Alan’s missionary work, although camps and travel have been drastically reduced. He was scheduled to be on Staff at a National Training camp, but it was canceled due to low enrollment. He didn’t make any overseas trips this year. He was the speaker at a large PHCIC boy’s camp in Kenedy, Texas, near his birthplace of Victoria. He also attended the North Texas Frontiersmen annual Rendezvous, along with son Kevin and grandson Anthony..Alan’s sister Suzanne moved from her home of 50 years in Houston. She is living with her daughter Shelly in Memphis, Tennessee. Shelly’s son Benjamin Cheng was selected to be part of the Disney national touring group for Beauty & the Beast as the understudy to the Beast, Gaston, and in the ensemble. Her daughter Megan was married. Her son Mitchell and wife Jessica had a new baby..Alan still serves as Municipal Judge for the City of Elkhart. He still volunteers at the Palestine Meals-on-Wheels & Sr Citizens Center, preparing federal tax returns. Both the Judge position and tax work require 18 hours each of continuing education every year. Judy’s health is good with only very minor effects from her previous surgeries. Alan was practicing and practicing to play his trumpet during a special Christmas musical program in Longview. The extra exertion caused a major attack of dizziness and vertigo, with a difficult trip to the ER and a day spent in the Palestine hospital. He was unable to drive for a couple of weeks, but has recovered now. His third bout with cancer resulted in removal of a large spot from his ear, but he recovered okay. After the colon cancer in 1999 and prostate cancer in 2013, we watch medical situations closely..We made one visit to son Justin, his wife Sabrina, grandson ( #10) Noah, and grandson ( #11) Asher.. in Mississippi (across the border from Memphis.) In the Austin area, Granddaughter Stacey had her second baby, Caroline Elizabeth. The two weeks before Christmas were fun, hosting different family members day after day. .We pray God’s blessings on our friends and family members. We wish we could personally visit, but as the years take their toll, it becomes more and more difficult. Fortunately, fond memories exist and we relish them and you. ...................................................................Maranatha …. Alan & Judy.
