Category Archives: Kingdom Events

The Footsteps of Paul

Ready for Adventure?

Greetings in the Name of the Lord,

I’m planning a spiritual adventure that I want to make public. It’s a trip to Turkey and Greece this coming June 2015. I led a wonderful group of thirty folks to Israel in 2009, and many of them requested I put together a follow-on trip covering the footsteps of Paul — his missionary journeys. Then earlier this year a pastor friend of mine mentioned he had promised his people a similar trip, but was having trouble finding the time to plan it. I offered my assistance. The resulting trip is on the books and available to you or any friends who may be interested. We have twenty folks signed up and have room for ten or so more to make an optimum size group.

I am! 🙂

Paul covered an amazing amount of territory in his missionary journeys, even by today’s standards. We’ve arranged our travel to cover about 80-90% of it, including the Churches of Revelation, and the Isle of Patmos where John wrote the Apocalypse. Pastor Wes has been teaching on the book of Acts in preparation for the trip, and you can access his teachings here. You can find a basic map of our trip that I hope to update soon here.

Or you can read the itinerary for the trip here, along with phone numbers for answers to any questions you might have. You can also email me for information from this website. We’ll visit a beautiful part of the earth, as well as an important part of church history and western civilization. I’ve not been to Greece and am very much looking forward to that. I was in Turkey on an USAF deployment in the 1980’s and found it warm, beautiful, and enchanting. Ephesus is still the most amazing archaeological site I’ve ever seen. I look forward to seeing it again!

Ephesus

Today I received this insight from Dr. Tuttle, who will be the Paul expert on our trip, along with Pastor Wes, myself, and our Turkish/Greek guides. “I’m just back from Israel and we had a great time. Turkey/Greece and Rome will be even better. I’m reminded that this pilgrimage completes the NT begun in Israel. Israel gets us into the Gospels but Turkey/Greece/Rome get us into the rest of the NT.”

I hope you can join us! Pass the word and this link to anyone who might be interested in this earth-life adventure!

Shalom All,

Dwayne

Athens

Honduras 2015

Honduran Coast at Tela

Honduras, about the size of England, is the second largest country in Central America after Nicaragua, it’s neighbor to the south. It’s home to about 8 million people. According to Operation World, Seventh Edition, about 50% live in cities, and about 37% are under the age of 15! It’s one of the poorest countries in the Western hemisphere with an average income per person of $1,826 (4% of USA), and 28% unemployment.

New Guitars Put to Use

Commenting on the religious landscape Operation World states, “In 1960, evangelicals numbered 32,000 and 1.7% of the population. They are now 1,750,000 and 23% , and growth shows little sign of stopping. Some polls show that up to 36% of the population identify with evangelical beliefs.”

Beautiful Young People

Moon’s travel guide reports the religious landscape according to a 2008 poll as 47% Catholic, 36% evangelical Christians, and 17% “other.” They also note that, “A belief in magic and witchcraft is common among Hondurans in both rural and urban areas.” And commenting on it’s history they note, “For reasons not entirely clear, Copan (in Honduras) was the greatest center for arts, astronomy, and science among the Maya.”

5 Hour Drive from San Pedro Sula to Olanchita

From January 7th to January 13th, sixteen folks from Louisiana, California, and Arkansas went on a ministry and friendship mission adventure to Central America organized and hosted by Extreme Missionary Adventures (XMA) and initiated by my friend Robert Lindsay, our leader at age 75, making his 10th and perhaps last mission trip to Honduras. He’s passing the leadership torch and mantle to others he’s trained along the way.

Prison Ministry

During the week long adventure we did prison ministry, a three-day pastor’s conference, construction at the mission complex, and visited two villages, praying for the sick, sharing the gospel, distributing Bibles, tooth brushes, and clothing.

Bunk Bed Construction

If you’d like to view some photos of those activities, places, and people click here.

XMA exists to help groups of friends, individuals, or church groups go on mission adventures and make a difference in the lives of others while broadening their own perspectives, fulfilling the great commission given by Jesus to disciples of all ages until He returns. You can get a feel for their philosophy and hearts to serve from visiting their website, as well as a look at opportunities for future missions. I’ve been on ten short term mission trips now, and I can attest to the fact that they are experienced, organized, and excellent in all phases of making such trips meaningful and successful. It was a pleasure.

Robert with Leo

Speaking of a pleasure, meeting the other fifteen team members, all but one for the first time, was a real pleasure. We bonded immediately and had a great time together, building memories that will last a lifetime and beyond.

I found Honduras a beautiful country, with beautiful, warm hearted people, who were generous, gracious, and truly appreciative of our help. XMA has a ten year relationship in Olanchito with a pastor who pastors a church in the city while mentoring pastors from several neighboring villages. We partnered with Pastor Dario, helping his ministry while he made many of his relationships available to us. Working with him gave us meaningful and immediate entrance into communities and lives there, opportunities to really see into the culture and into people’s individual lives that simply being a tourist can’t replicate. I can’t say enough about it. It was truly another life event and memory, as most short term mission trips are. Go! Soon! You’ll be glad you did.

Honduras!

Bill with Bear Wittness and an armed Guard!

Youth Leading Worship…Honduras’ Future

My Goodness 2015

January 1 Greetings,

Making new Friends

This time of the year and this day of the year are excellent for pondering one’s life, and especially the years — the passing of time. My wife and I have each remarked that 2014 was the fastest passing year of our lives. With technology and communication being what they are, there is no reason to expect time to slow down going forward! Unless, unless we make a quality, personal decision to make it so, and then take some necessary action!

Reconnecting with Old Friends

Quickly said, our times are against us in the matter of enjoying our lives and making the most of them. We’re at each and every turn confronted with images, voices, talking heads, technology to use, learn, and play with, and the list goes on, growing larger seemingly by the day. What’s a person to do?

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” That’s what I hear in the Spirit when I ask that question.

I want my life to count for something — for something bigger than me, and for something eternal.

When I look around it seems as if the kingdom might be loosing ground? At least in our time and place.

Enjoying Life with Present Friends

But then I reflect on Abraham (2000 B.C.), David (1000 B.C.), Daniel (600 B.C.), Esther (470 B.C.), Paul and Peter (30-70 A.D.), and I realize the kingdom is never losing ground — only we, perhaps are loosing ground!

“In the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which will never be destroyed, and that kingdom will not be left for another people; it will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, but it will itself endure forever.” (Daniel 2:44)

I reflect from time to time about writing another book (only if the Spirit leads of course. :)) I might title it, “The Laugh of the King!” from Psalm 2.

Peanuts Cartoon appearing while our home group studied Job :)

Peanuts Cartoon appearing while our home group studied the Book of Job 🙂

“Why are the nations in an uproar And the peoples devising a vain thing? The kings of the earth take their stand And the rulers take counsel together Against the Lord and against His Anointed, …!” He who sits in the heavens laughs, ….” (Psalm 2:1–4)

So what can you do to overcome your flesh and the distractions of our complex times? Seek a relationship with the King and the King’s people — His followers, His disciples, His Bride, His Church. These relationships are all you can take with you! Not possessions which will end up in the trash heap or burning up. People are eternal. Sow your life into relationships, into people. They are eternal. Their hearts, and lives, and character, and love are all that will make it to the other side.

Family Vacation and Significant Birthday Celebration

Someone has said, “In the end all that will matter is who you loved and who loved you.”

So for me it’s: [1] Read the Bible daily. [2] Talk to God, listen, mediate, ( spelled “pray”) daily, and occasionally journal impressions that come during these times. [3] Seek out and get to know others who are passionate about Jesus and want to know Him better. [4] Doing these things helps me keep the trappings of our culture and times from stealing my attention, my affections, and my time — my life.

Cousins at Family Dutch Oven Dinner

By doing these things, perhaps something of my life will count for others, for the King, for something bigger than myself, and for something eternal?

I look to Him who loved me and called me; and I trust Him to make it so! The Lord is my Shepherd, He leads….

Slowing to the Speed of Life 2014

May you have a great and prosperous new year in 2015, as your soul prospers.

Dwayne

OBTW, Short term mission trips are another way to get your mind and heart on the bigger world and greater good, serving others and seeing what God is doing in other cultures. It is perspective changing, paradigm changing, and life changing.

It’s a win/win situation, but those who go and serve get more from the experience than those who are served. 🙂 Our Lord Jesus said it this way, “It’s more blessed to give than to receive.” And of course everything He said is true.

Go on a mission adventure soon!

You’ll be glad you did!

On that note, I’m leaving soon on a short term mission trip to Honduras. Please pray that God will bless this trip as He wishes with purpose, provision, and protection. And consider contacting the folks at XMA to go on one of their mission adventures around the world. Take a look at their website. Grab a friend or friends and go! You’ll be blessed more than you know!

“Why are the nations in an uproar And the peoples devising a vain thing? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying, “Let us tear their fetters apart and cast away their cords from us!” He who sits in the heavens laughs, The Lord scoffs at them. Then He will speak to them in His anger and terrify them in His fury, saying, “But as for Me, I have installed My King Upon Zion, My holy mountain.”” (Psalm 2:1–6)

“As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.” (John 3:14–17)

Camp Hope 2014

Last week I volunteered for the second annual Camp Hope for Kids, July 23-26, 2014, at Shoal Creek Camp near Subiaco, AR. The camp for at risk kids is a ministry of City Christian Fellowship, Fort Smith, AR, with help from Jubilee Christian Center in Van Buren, AR and other area churches providing volunteer staff and assistance. This year 60 children, ages 5-13, attended, more than twice as many as last year, along with about 40 adult staff. Camp Hope provides kids a safe place to enjoy the outdoors, camp activities, fellowship with other kids their age, and an opportunity to hear the message of Christ through the teaching of Bible stories and worship.

Enjoy the photos by clicking here.

This on-going ministry meeting the first three Sundays of each month is welcoming volunteer help transporting Hope Kids in the afternoon and early evening to and from the church, or help in other ways. If you’d like to help or serve kids, the next generation, contact me from the contact page and let’s discuss it.

There were amazing activities and instruction provided for the kids by a giving, loving volunteer staff. May the seeds planted grow in these young lives, and may the Lord bless and keep them all, as they continue to grow in some pretty tough places

“And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me,Until I declare Your strength to this generation,Your power to all who are to come.” (Psalm 71:18)

Nicaragua… Who Knew?

Last week I was in Nicaragua with some friends, old and new, on a mission trip and an adventure!

I went with a group from Grace Community Church, Fort Smith, AR, on a mission to La Flor Village, Nicaragua, July 14-21, under the leadership of Ken Duncan, and in cooperation with El Porvenir, an NGO with a 20+ year history of helping the poor villages of Nicaragua with clean water and health related issues. Our task was finishing the job of installing efficient wood cooking stoves with chimneys in 17 village homes, as well as sharing love, hugs, our faith, and our lives with the children and people of the village. It was a great week, and a joy to get to know all who served the people of La Flor Village and the King.

Click here for some photos of our mission.

While there is no way to see the whole world or volunteer for every opportunity that comes along, I do pray you are asking the Lord to guide you in ways you can be involved in people’s lives, discipling and serving others. He will lead you if it’s your heart’s desire and you ask. You’ll find yourself enjoying the relationships that follow and storing up treasure in heaven, real treasure for a real eternity. The Bible teaches us, and Jesus taught us by rising from the dead that people are eternal, and not the stuff we spend much time and energy accumulating.

This was the group’s second time in the village. And there’s a chance we might be returning next year. A pastor of a thirty member congregation asked us to come back and help them build a church building on land they own. They are presently meeting in his home and others that are scarcely large enough to hold that many folks. Let me know if you’re interested in helping and going next year!

I learned Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America, and also the poorest due to nearly two centuries of dictatorships, civil wars and natural calamities. The average income per person is $1,028 (2% of USA). They are about 6 million people with 60% living in urban communities making it the most sparsely populated country in Central America. 75% of the population is less than 30 years old, and 35% is less than 15 years old, making it a very youth filled nation. They have a Pacific and Atlantic coast with mountains in the middle, the highest being 7300′, and there are eight active volcanoes! It’s very U.S. friendly these days with businesses and tourists beginning to pour in. And if you haven’t heard, the Chinese are about to start building a canal across the country much larger than the current Panama Canal. That will be a game changer hopefully of benefit for them, and certainly the world economy. The most important thing I came away saying about the country is that the people are warm and friendly, engaging and precious.

Spiritually speaking, possibly due to the poverty and suffering, many have and are turning to Christ. Operation World reports, “Evangelical growth is high and sustained amid the upheaval. Evangelicals grew from 2.2% in 1960 to 29.8% in 2010. This is more than a 40-fold numeric increase in 50 years, with no sign of such growth abating.” Who knew? I don’t think I saw that on CNN, did you?

Indeed, while people talk politics, war, corruption, and how to humanly solve the world’s problems, it seemed to our little troop that the Lord is quietly, consistently sending people to help the poor and needy, the downcast and afflicted, to help lift people up. That’s always been His Way and His Heart. The experience was a joy for us!

While It Is Day

Sharing Thai Experiences on the Patio with Friends

“Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can.”― John Wesley

“We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work.” (John 9:4) Jesus

The quote and verse came to me as I was considering the work of two special friends and their young family who spent the last two years in Thailand, from where they have just returned for some needed rest, refreshment and recharging. They are soon headed back!

Alex, Brook, and their three children visited our church last Sunday to share with our community what they experienced in Thailand and what they sense the Lord is doing there. It was a great time as they shared openly from their hearts, something any listener appreciates.

They returned to our city and our patio three days later to share more of their experiences with 25 friends invited for that purpose. Challenging, courageous, inspiring, thought provoking, and beautiful is how I would summarize their story.

There isn’t time or space to recreate it here, and I couldn’t anyway, but it serves as a reminder to be about the King’s business, in your realm, wherever He’s planted you.

And it’s a chance for me to introduce you to friends Alex and Brook. If you’re looking for a place to sow into the kingdom of God some prayers, money, friendship, communication? Their lives are good soil. They’re heading back to Thailand for the next chapter of adventure to make disciples of Jesus, and to serve His people there soon. Here’s a link to their webpage if you wish can learn more or contribute.

“Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” (Colossians 3:1)

“… give to charity; make yourselves … an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near nor moth destroys.” (Luke 12:33)

Celebrate Freedom Where You Find It!

Alma HS ROTC Presents the Colors at Oaks Manor Celebration of Freedom

“It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1)

There are forces at play in our world, our country, and our lives that seek our harm. They seek to enslave us and take away the God-given gift which is to live free; free from tyranny, free from fear, free from self. That freedom is found spiritually and historically in Christ, and the Cross.

Christ and the Cross is the well-docmented foundation of these United States of America, and Christ living in our fore fathers that made our nation great and the envy of the modern world, bringing God’s blessings which in turn have been extended to the world.

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,The people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.” (Psalm 33:12)

But of these blessings, wealth and possessions are not the greatest. Consider “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness!” Especially today consider “liberty.”

Consider with me also personal liberty. Freedom from self and freedom from sin (an ancient archery term which means “missing the mark”). That’s the real issue since the beginning of time. That’s why Christ came, to make a way through forgiveness, and by giving us the power to live a life from above while journeying here.

LTC Tom Smith brings some challenging and heart stirring words.

So the major price for our liberty has been paid for us, and given as a costly gift from above and from our forefathers. But still, as in all times and all places we have our part to play. As Thomas Jefferson said, “The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.”

Oaks Manor Conference and Retreat Center has been assisting Christ followers in that quest for 10 years now, and has a bright future for doing so for many years to come. Last Sunday evening they invited the public to a gathering to celebrate the freedom of and in our country.

Happy 4th of July!

They exist to provide a peaceful, beautiful place for Christians to come aside and rest for awhile, to get out of the rush of our culture to read, study, mediate, relax, rest — refresh themselves spiritually and physically. It’s a great service and greatly needed. I encourage you to give them a look and take advantages of their services as often as you can and “come aside.” We all need this kind of retreat. Even our Lord did. And His disciples.

Blessings in Christ! Celebrate!!

Photos of the Oaks Manor Celebration!

“It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1)

“And He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.” (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.)” (Mark 6:31)

Hope Kids at Jim’s Cabin

God’s heart is certainly for the children. He showed us that in His Word, and Jesus was clear about it as He walked the earth. “ Jesus said, “Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14) “Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” (James 1:27) “A father of the fatherless and a judge for the widows,Is God in His holy habitation.” (Psalm 68:5)

Let me tell you about Hope Kids. I can only hope and pray God is doing things like this all around the country. Pray and ask Him to allow you to be a part! “This came about from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?”” (Mark 12:11)

I’ll give you the short version here. You’ll be seeing and hearing more about it in the days to come. A few dedicated people from two area churches have been ministering to at risk kids in local apartment complexes. They have gotten to know the kids, their families, and their homes by visiting them where they live, gaining their trust. They also carry them in vans weekly to one of the churches where they worship, play, and are taught Bible stories.

Last year a summer camp was organized for these children based on the Matthew Eighteen Camp model where many of us have served in years past. Due perhaps to the ongoing relationships established, this camp has a different flavor and has been wildly successful exceeding our expectations.

Several children came to know the Lord and were baptized. Remarkably since camp last year twenty children have come to know the Lord and asked to be baptized. 🙂

Now we come to last weekend and Jim’s cabin, where the kids were invited for a meal, fishing, canoeing, and fun; but for the primary purpose of baptizing those who had made decisions for Christ, been counseled, and asked to be baptized. It was a joyous event for all involved as the photos depict.

The weather was perfect, partly overcast and cool, with some exciting thunder and lightning in the distance as nineteen kids and one adult were baptized in the lake in front of Jim’s cabin. Oh by the way, Jim is the name of the black lab who is a Hope Kid’s favorite at every event.

The second annual Hope Kids Camp is coming up July 23 through July 26 this year. If you are interested in volunteering or helping in anyway, email me and I’ll get you in touch with the camp organizers. You’ll be blessed and a blessing.

*************************

Camp Hope 2013 Story

Jim’s Cabin Baptism Photos 2014 Baptism Video!

“Tell your sons about it, and let your sons tell their sons, and their sons the next generation.” (Joel 1:3)

Who is the Greatest?

Generations…Sowing into Eternity

“At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”And He called a child to Himself and set him before them,and said, “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:1–3)

I donated three and a half days last week, along with 25 adults and some of their children from 4 different churches to host a week-long summer camp for 25 foster kids. It was a rewarding and beautiful event on several accounts.

First the kids! Matthew 25:40 says, “If you’ve done it to the least of these, you’ve done it unto me.” The kids are the main thing, and will always be the main thing, about this camp, which just completed it’s 10th year under the vision and leadership of friends Curtis & Paula Michlitsch and their ministry “Matthew Eighteen.”

Canoeing is a Big Hit

Second, it’s a clear directive from the King to His disciples to declare His faithfulness to the next generation. “… He commanded our fathers that they should teach them to their children, that the generation to come might know, even the children yet to be born, that they may arise and tell them to their children, that they should put their confidence in God…” (Psalm 78:5–7) “And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to all who are to come.” (Psalm 71:18)

Beautiful And Delicious

Third, it’s wonderful when different churches and denominations work together in kingdom events and activities. We are each a part of the body of Christ. I met a guy named Brad who I didn’t know. He was ordinary but powerful with the kids, and delivered one of the best teachings before lunch one day that I’ve ever heard in any camp, anywhere; the kids hanging on his every word. Come to find out, we’re going on the same mission trip to Nicaragua in July!? I look forward to getting to know him even better.

Fourth, volunteerism. The camp shows how a non-professional staff of average adults can come together because they are willing and make a huge difference in the lives of these little ones, who get many hugs, smiles, pats on the head, and much affirmation for a whole week of

Hours of Swinging

romping about outdoors in a safe, healthy environment, punctuated with worship services designed for them, teaching times, serving one another, and some excellent food! Thanks, chef Michael Brown and the kitchen staff, for your care and excellence in serving these little ones, who are children of the King.

You know I started out this article thinking, “If you’ve done it to the least of these, you’ve done it unto Me.” You will recognize those as Jesus words when telling the telling story about the sheep and the goats. The emphasis of that story is on us, and our service to others, and to the King. And, do we really know Him? Or does He know us?

While that’s not wrong, the message of Matthew Eighteen is a little different but the same.

Dads and Big Brothers Needed and Appreciated

“And whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me.” (Matthew 18:5) As we study these little ones and become like them, they will lead us to be spiritually like God wants us to be and to approach Him. “He called a child to Himself and set him before them, and said, “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:1–3)

A picture is worth a thousand words!! Enjoy!!!

Blessings in His Name

“The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.” (Matthew 25:40)

Camp Director!

See you next year! Father’s Day!

Delightful Young Ladies

AFR Radio Interview

My Good Friend Luke Now In Seminary

A month ago I was contacted by American Family Radio and asked to do a live interview about my book, “A Friend of the King,” on Thursday, June 5th, from 10:15 to 10:30 CDT. I’m very excited about this opportunity that seemingly came out of nowhere to talk about the book and make it better known. May the Lord that inspired it be lifted up. Thanks for praying for me, the book, and listen in if you can.

For AFR local stations click here.

The interview will be hosted by Tim Wildmon & Ray Pritchard of AFR. Should be interesting, and hopefully fun for all involved.

2014 Canoe Trip with Three of the Next Generation

Those of you who know me know that I am largely detached from the media, preferring reading, meditative and spiritual pursuits. After being a media and news addict for the first three decades of my life, my wife and I didn’t have a TV for eighteen years, our two children being raised without one. We have several funny family stories about these times.

That said, I’ve been listening to AFR while blogging today in preparation for this interview. I’ve been impressed by the speakers, the music, and the truth being shared in a positive manner. Also many of the ministries associated with this organization I’ve appreciated and supported for years, as they are firmly supporting family and historic American values.

This is about the Next Generation to a large extent! That is a major motive behind the book.

“And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me,Until I declare Your strength to this generation,Your power to all who are to come.” (Psalm 71:18)

As I prepare for the interview, my thoughts turn to Luke and some other young men I’ve met lately, since I’ve published the book. I know it’s God’s heart for older men to share their faith and mentor younger men, as I said clearly in the book. Two things stick out in my mind about my time and friendship with Luke. [1] After reading the book, he purchased ten of them, and held a six week Bible study at his home with friends, other young college men. It encouraged me, and he reported that it was a good and worthwhile pursuit for them. [2] In one of our frequent discussions about the book, he brought up homosexuality saying, “I thought when I first read that part of your book, you were being a bit hard on the issue because how it is today is all I’ve known all my life.” “But I see now you have a Biblical perspective on the issue.” What he shared was a bit shocking to me for a couple reasons, but that is a story for another time.

My Friend Brock (Right) in Cuba

My thoughts also turn to a young University of Georgia man I met on a recent trip to Cuba. There were 15 UofG students among our group of 40. There were several couples there in their seventies, and several ages in between. As is almost always the case with the family of God, we bonded in close and amazing ways. Brock said one day to a small group of men, ages 40-60, standing and sharing with him, “Where have you guys been!?” “You’ve deserted our generation!”

It was good food for thought, and for frank discussion! But I want to take away from it here that there are many young men (and women) who would love to have the attention, counsel, and friendship (mentoring) of the older generation! And there are plenty of the older generation that would profit beyond measure by having one of these young men or women in their lives. Don’t quit! Don’t give up. You’re still here, so it’s part of your mission to declare God’s faithfulness and ways to the succeeding generations. Be open to it. Seize the opportunities. Do it!

Laura & Ann in Cuba

“That the generation to come might know, even the children yet to be born,That they may arise and tell them to their children,That they should put their confidence in GodAnd not forget the works of God,But keep His commandments,” (Psalm 78:6–7)

“Tell your sons about it, and let your sons tell their sons,And their sons the next generation.” (Joel 1:3)