Welcome to “therankinfile.com!” We have been wanting to get this web site up and running since retirement from the International Mission Board last August as a means for staying in touch with family, former colleagues and friends all over the world. We have a lot to share about our new retirement lifestyle, grandchildren travels and continuing ministry.

Many would be aware that we bought my home place in Clinton, MS and built a retirement house several years ago. It has been a delightful challenge to furnish and decorate the house; sodding and landscaping the yard has been a bigger task than anticipated but a gratifying one as the azaleas, redbuds and dogwoods come into full bloom this spring.

You will hear a lot about our six grandchildren. Our daughter, Lori, and her family have been on stateside in Orlando from their field of service in Central Asia while our son Russell and his family live near Nashville. It has been special to have quality time with each of them this year.

Of course we are keeping a full calendar of travel, speaking and involvement in various ministries which we will be sharing with you. A special menu (schedule) item lists places we will be speaking along with our travel itinerary. We will be developing a biographical page on our family history and ministry experience and reviews of books I have written.

We hope you will follow the frequent postings sharing devotional thoughts, insights from Scripture and what the Lord is continuing to teach us. I also plan to post a commentary on current issues in the news, Southern Baptist life and developments at the International Mission Board in a blog format that can stimulate a comment stream for interaction and dialogue.