We have been sharing travel experiences from Central Asia and candid photos of grandkids for the last three weeks. As we move on to a full calendar of socializing and ministry opportunities at home, I want to share one final picture of our daughter and family who have been serving among unreached peoples in one of the most remote and unevangelized areas of the world since their appointment in 1998. We appreciate your joining us in praying for them and their colleagues who are sharing the good news in places it has never been heard. The barriers remain formidable and the austere lifestyle is harsh, but God is blessing.

Last week was the scheduled time to return to Richmond for training with new missionaries in orientation. This was one of the largest groups in recent years and included a large number of journeymen who have recently graduated from college and are being deployed for two-year assignments around the world.

Back home on Friday night, we joined our “Life Group” from Morrison Heights Baptist Church for their quarterly time of socialization at one of the popular buffet restaurants featuring “all-you-can-eat” catfish and an endless array of vegetables and Southern cuisine.

Saturday night was a family time in which we gathered in Brookhaven to celebrate the 70th birthday of Bobbyeʼs sister who is two years, one month and 15 days older. I am pleased each year when Bettye catches up with me though Bobbye uses the occasion to hype her relative youthfulness. Hosted in Brookhaven by the middle niece, Robyn (their family has this thing about spelling traditional names with a “y”), we always enjoy these occasions that keep us connected with Mississippi cousins.

On Sunday afternoon we attended a reception for John and Teresa Compton; John has resigned as pastor at First Baptist Church, Clinton, to accept a pastorate in North Carolina. Although not members at FBC we have enjoyed a continuing friendship that began in Virginia. John grew up as a missionary kid in Brazil and pastored in Alexandria, VA where we had been together for missions emphases in the past and have continued a close fellowship here in Mississippi.

This week finds us in Olive Branch, MS participating in the 2012 One8 Bootcamp. Hosted by Longhollow Baptist Church and our good friend, Pastor Wayne Marshall, this is a church planting workshop for churches and church planters in North Mississippi, West Tennessee and Arkansas. I am leading breakout sessions on “Spiritual Warfare” Monday and Tuesday afternoon. The conference, focusing on the theme “Breaking Fallow Ground,” features Tony Merida, Russell Moore and Danny Sinquefield as keynote speakers and dozens of practical seminar topics.