In an eight-day period over the last two weeks we had gratifying opportunities for speaking and influence. The highlight was the privilege of being commencement speaker for the two of the Mississippi College spring graduation ceremonies. Since returning to Clinton we have been delighted to connect with our alma mater and participate in a number of programs, including teaching a missions class in the School of Christian Studies this semester.

Pictured in academic regalia with college president, Dr. Lee Royce, I reminded the graduates of the challenges they face in a changing and complex world. In spite of attaining academic credentials, the key to success would be whether or not they seized the opportunity in a Christian educational environment to …

I get raised eyebrows when I tell people that my hobby is yard work. Pulling weeds, mowing grass and pruning shrubs are one of the most resented necessities of home ownership for most people. Having grown up on the plot of ground where we now live, I can recall how I detested hoeing the garden and weeding my mother’s flower beds; but something was engrained in my psyche that found reward in physical labor and dirt under my fingernails. I’ve not gotten into hunting, fishing and golfing but find joy in my yard.

Maybe it has something to do with the diversion from study, writing, sermon preparation, travel and speaking; perhaps it relates to feeling connected with nature and the …

A week ago our schedule was punctuated by several nostalgic events that reminded us of how blessed we are by family and friends, the legacy of our missionary experiences and the joy of new relationships and ministry. Most prominent was gathering with Bobbye’s family to celebrate the 50th anniversary of her sister and brother-in-law, Bettye and Richard Douglas.

Bettye and Dick have faithfully encouraged and supported us and our family over the years, helping our children adjust to furlough challenges, sending care packages to the field and taking responsibility for aging parents when we were away. They are known by everyone throughout Lincoln County for their servant heart, meeting whatever need arises in their church, repairing homes of the elderly, …

Teaching at William Carey University this spring has entailed commuting the 95 miles to Hattiesburg on Highway 49 South each week. This prominent highway that runs diagonally across Mississippi from Memphis to the Gulf Coast, is the primary thoroughfare for getting from Jackson to points southeast. I well remember the trek years ago when my family would visit relatives in that part of the state or take an occasional vacation to Gulfport and Biloxi. Hattiesburg, a little more than halfway to the coast, is the location of the University of Southern Mississippi and the largest metropolis south of Jackson.

The highway is punctuated with familiar towns and dated landmarks as well as a ubiquitous chain of flea markets and produce …

It has been a delightful experience to re-connect with William Carey University and friends in South Mississippi through teaching a missions course on Tuesday nights this spring. Founded in 1906 as Mississippi Women’s College, it became co-educational in 1954 as did Blue Mountain, Mississippi Baptist’s other women’s college in North Mississippi. Women’s College kept its initials in adopting the name William Carey as well as intentionally reflecting its strong commitment to missions.

Although a liberal arts university with diverse programs, WCU has always had a reputation for ministerial training and missions involvement. Over the years it has attracted large numbers of missionary kids and international students. It is one of the few Baptist Colleges that offers a broad curriculum in …

What a week! The blessings of celebrating our Lord’s death and resurrection just kept building in emotional worship experiences through the weekend. Maybe its a matter of slowing down and refraining from personal travel and speaking to fully participate in passion week programs, but it also has something to do with the focused way our church, Morrison Heights, gives emphasis to this appropriate seasonal emphasis.

Led by worship pastor, Rob Thomas, and powerful biblical messages by our pastor, Greg Belser, the emphasis began with stirring Easter musical presentations on Wednesday. I don’t think I have ever experienced such emotions as stimulated by our Maundy service on Thursday. A combination of music, drama, and the Lord’s Supper made the congregation …

Although I am often perceived as a compulsively organized person, my life has never been one characterized by a “normal routine.” With all the travel, meetings, administration, writing, speaking, public relations events, church and family, it would be impossible to describe a typical day or week at any point over the last 40 years. I have been multi-tasking all my life and taking on responsibilities to the extent that the last bit of margin is squeezed out of the work schedule. I am a slave to calendar commitments and the “to-do” list.

However, a commitment to teach in several forums this semester has required me to stay at home. Set class schedules each week eliminate the usual flexibility to do …

We have always had a tendency to fill our schedule with planned commitments which tend to diminish flexibility and eliminate the margin needed for spontaneous activities. This is especially true in teaching four college classes each week and the preparation needed for each one. However, the last couple of weeks have been enhanced by several unexpected events and visits.

Recently when we arrived for checking in at the Jackson airport to fly to Richmond we discovered a large Acteens group of girls from First Baptist Church Jackson leaving for a spring mission trip to Paris. Knowing some of the leaders, we were given the spontaneous opportunity to encourage the girls, assure their parents and pray for the group, most of …

The biblically allotted three score and ten years was finally attained last weekend, and I am now living in the bonus! The inevitable accumulation of years have been edging toward this decadal milestone. An age once considered ancient, I find that 70 is a liberating time of enjoying life more than ever with freedom to do what I choose (with more than a little advice and influence from an ever-present, loving spouse). God continues to bless us with health, energy and vision and is providing unlimited opportunities to fulfill our mission calling.

Most of the Rankin clan gathered to celebrate my big birthday with my twin sister, Jean. We have come a long way since this photo taken when we …

Spring break from teaching assignments this week provided a window of opportunity to schedule the quarterly time of training with new missionaries at FPO (field personnel orientation). It was encouraging to see 120 preparing for their field assignments, the largest contingent since appointments began to be restricted a few years ago.

Returning to Richmond is always a delightful time of visiting familiar places and recalling memories of the 17 years we lived there. Early spring features dogwoods and redbuds throughout the neighborhoods and cherry trees in full bloom along the median of Monument Avenue where we lived. But the greatest joy is reunion with staff and friends that continue to be so much a part of our lives.

That opportunity …