I had such a fun day today!

I love my life. Working for the King rocks!

I spent the morning with my son, Jesse. He’s a computer genius and wants to make a living designing web sites. We went to the bank to start a business checking account. After some counseling, we think we’ll do some corporation stuff first. I think it’s really a perfect education for a young man. This is real world stuff and he’s doing it. Can’t beat that.

I had lunch with Trey Gerard. He was referred to me by Jon Paul, the treasurer of our ministry and one of the wisest men I know. We are REALLY blessed by having Jon on our team! So when he refers someone, that means something. Trey is a very passionate guy. He’s turning his back on a 6 figure salary to get involved with ministry.

I’m not sure if you know this, but people don’t get into ministry for the money.

I had a fun time driving him around. Took him to check out the homeless folks living under the bridge near N. Druid Hills & I85. Nasty place. Trash, poop and pee everywhere. I’m glad Trey was with me because there were definitely some unsavory folks living under there. Another guy had this little green tent out in the woods. I bet that was REAL warm during that last 19 degree weather we had.

While we were at lunch, George Teatro and his friend Tommy came into Torerros. We were all best buddies with Bob Speer who died last Monday. Tommy is this huge, mountain man looking guy, with a beard that reminds you of ZZ Top. He’s just a really tough customer. I told him, “You know Bob was really concerned for you, Tommy. He really wanted you to know the Lord. Did you make a decision about Jesus, Tommy? Did you ask him into your heart?”

“I don’t believe in God, Tim.”

“Well He believes in YOU, Tommy. Bob wants to see you in Heaven with him, Tommy.”

At this Tommy’s eyes started to fill with tears, “I miss Bob so much, Tim.”

I started crying too. “I know what you mean, Tommy.” I leaned over and prayed with him, “Lord, I ask a blessing on Tommy. Help us heal our grief. Lord, I ask that you will clearly show yourself to Tommy. I know how much you love him.” AMEN.

Pray for Tommy, y’all.

This morning I woke up hoping to see my “Uncle” Harold. I grew up on the mission field of Nairobi, Kenya. All the missionary kids called the adult missionaries “Uncle” or “Aunt” whoever. I really love those missionaries far more than my own flesh and blood back in the States. Uncle Harold has always been one of my favorites. He was a huge influence on me. He was the first person to help me realize I could learn anything if I just had the “how to” book. He’s taught himself languages time and time again. He also loves maps. I like tracking things geographically. Ashley’s done a fantastic job of developing the maps we use at Whirlwind Missions.

I took Uncle Harold and his new wife Phyllis (my Aunt Betty passed away about three years ago. That really hit me hard) to see Huntington Ridge where his daughter Cathy and son in law Tim Palmer will be moving. Then over to Azalea Place where my mission is. Most of the kids in my youth group at the mission are from Bangladesh.

Uncle Harold has a fascination with the Bengali language. My mission is loaded with Bengali kids who were delighted to teach this sweet elderly white guy more of their language. It was so cool because it reminded me of when I was a kid and Uncle Harold would be working with the young Indian men in Nairobi.

I could just see Mayur Patel in the faces of the kids in the msision. LORD, I ask that you will work in Uncle Harold and Phyllis’ hearts that they may feel a burden to join us here in Atlanta working with our international population.

I got home late. I let Uncle Harold follow me back to Stone Mountain. It took us a while, he drives like a tourist. I look forward to picking them up tomorrow morning.

Been at the computer for about 2 1/2 hours. That’s a lot of admin work.

My left index finger starts to go numb.

The joys of aging!

Peace.