Last Saturday, Ron and I had the opportunity to visit with a dear saint with whom we have been acquainted for many years.  In the early 90's, he invited Ron to accompany him on a three-country ministry in Africa (at that time, Dr. Art was 71 years old----young?).  It was a rich experience for Ron.  He came away from that trip, too, with an abiding respect for Doctor Art. 

Art Vincent served a Lutheran congregation (inner city, mostly African-American) for several years before becoming a professor at a seminary.  After his retirement from that job, he started Advancing Renewal Ministries.  His vision has been to identify indigenous workers already doing the work of the ministry within their own culture/country and to raise support for them.  This has resulted in ministers receiving bicycles so they can reach more villages, motorcycles so they can traverse the steep mountains (Nepal, etc.).  This vision has also spawned orphanages, homes for abandoned women, work training, Bible schools, etc. etc. etc.

We were amazed to see afresh the scope of the ministry he has raised up.  When he turned 90, he and his wife realized that they would need to cut back on their travel, which had encompassed Africa, India, China, etc. etc.  Dr. Art turned 93 on 20 March.  He and his wife are now seeking God for how to see the ministry continue without their daily input and management.  The are sensing the need to write about the wonderful miracles God has done in their midst. 

I thought about this quiet man who has fearlessly preached the Gospel in so many places, who has seen healings, miracles of provision.  In the grand scheme of things (meaning, how the world operates), Dr. Art is little known.  But, in heaven's economy, he is a prince of the realm. 

I came away desiring to be more like him and his sweet wife, Nancy--trusting God in EVERY circumstance; always lifting up the Name of Jesus.  We were blessed to spend the time with them. 

We are at a conference for senior Army chaplains and endorsers.  We were treated to a preview of the new Sherwood Films movie COURAGEOUS.

Now, this church (Sherwood Baptist in Albany, GA) has hit one out of the park.  It is about the challenge to father in Biblical ways.  It is REALLY good.  In the earlier films, even in FIREPROOF which has been used greatly to encourage married couples, the dialogue was not at the standard that I had hoped it would be.  This movie hits it just right.  There are action scenes, some really funny parts, very moving parts--it is GREAT!!!! 

It will be in theaters in September.  I highly recommend it!!!!!!!!

 

 

Well, I spent my 62d birthday in Jamaica.  Ron had a ministry trip there, and I went along for the ride    The ministry started at a convention of several churches who are in relationship with GCI (Wednesday evening through Friday night).  We then moved to a resort (all-inclusive) where we enjoyed sun, surf, food, and relaxation Saturday afternoon and evening.  On Sunday morning, we drove back to the convention site (more than an hour away) for Ron to preach.  Then we turned in the rental car, got a ride back to the resort where we spent the afternoon relaxing.  By the time we decided to head to the water, a major storm was brewing.  We sat in a gazebo that extended over water a bit and watched a real tropical rain storm.  I LOVED it!!!  We finally gave up on the idea of a swim and ran through the rain back to our room to get ready for dinner.  We had a lovely meal, the waiters came and sang to me, and I had ice cream for dessert!!!!!!  Everything was delightful!! I have decided that I will not apply the description of "old" to myself for at least another 15 years.  I think that should work. Our flights back were uneventful (the best kind), and we are now home preparing for the work week.  Hope you are well and filled with the glory of the LORD.  Much love,  ME