“In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes” Judges 21:25 Most Christians have a sincere desire to live a godly life and follow Godʼs will, but consistently fail because their efforts are based on a legalistic approach of trying to do what is right and […]

The blog last week on supporting national workers was not meant to be condescending toward those who are serving our Lord in Third World countries at great sacrifice and even suffering for the cause of the gospel. Neither western missionaries nor native evangelists have a corner on effectiveness that comes from the anointing of God’s […]

When the suitcases are unpacked between trips and the temperature is soaring, it is a delightful time to settle into a cool, comfortable corner with a glass of iced tea and get lost in a book. One of Bobbye’s favorite places is a rocker on the back porch sit-out, while I prefer the big-windowed garden […]

I am often reminded by friends who are NOT down home in Mississippi that our beautiful southern state has the distinction of being the most religious of the 50 states as well as having the highest rate of obesity. So, why would one whose life has been devoted to missions retire in the the most […]

“Be imitators of me, as I also am of Christ.” 1 Cor. 11:1 The Apostle Paul offers what appears to be a rather arrogant exhortation to his readers when he advised them to imitate him and, if they did so, they would be imitators of Christ. We tend to be more aware of our own […]

A significant trend has emerged in recent years to support “native” missionaries, working as evangelists and church planters. The rationale is that local indigenous workers are far more effective than Western missionaries and serve for only a fraction of the cost required to send and support workers from America. There have even been some large […]

Among the advice we continue to receive in transitioning to “retirement” is to stay active physically and mentally. We have also been encouraged to continue to be lifelong learners. We had a uniquely stimulating training experience last week attending a Mentoring Workshop at the facilities of World Venture in Denver, Colorado. Led by an international […]

“But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve, as do those without hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13). Attending the funeral last week of Fran Buckley reminded me, in the unavoidable emotions I experienced, of the unique Christian perspective on death. Fran, with her husband, […]

One of the reasons churches are not doing more  to reach a lost world is that missions is just another program. Without passion for the mission of God, there will be little motivation to do what it takes to take the gospel to unreached people groups or even to the unsaved in our own community. […]

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 […]