I had fun working with my group of candidates from the North American Mission Board this morning.  They’re always a lively bunch.

After NAMB I went by Joann’s to pick up more yarn and needles for the ladies.  Hard to feel manly when pushing a cart full of pink yarn. Women would look at me, the cart bulging with yarn and their eyebrows would go up.  “That’s a lotta yarn.”  “Yep,” I’d say in the deepest voice I could muster.

This afternoon I went to Clarkston to check on Ruthie North and her mom Charlene. 

They had their first day of teaching bead work with the Refugee Sewing Society.  Such a beautiful group.  I love going to Clarkston!  The whole world has come to us!
I had a fun visit with a new friend from Burundi. I always enjoy speaking Swahili!

Ran 4 miles.  My left calf was killing me.  Weird.  Still did it.  Needed the stress relief.

 Today I had Keith Harrell, one of our partners ride along with me.  We had a fun day!  Of course Jesse was also my wing man!

This morning I met with partners at Clarkston International Bible Church.

Kevin Riley, one of our North American Mission Board missionaries organized a luncheon with the Pastors from the ethnic congregations.  It was fun to get to meet with them!  Thanks to Chic Fil A who helped provide lunch and to Toni Branyon to get that organized!

After our morning meeting I met up with Matt Johns another of our NAMB missionaries. Matt works in the Norcross area.

  Last Fall, with the help of our partners from Perimeter, we started new work at Sturbridge Square apartments off of Howell Bridge.  We met with the manager and her staff and saw the facility again.

  We pray that Matt will be able to help mobilize volunteers in that apartment complex.  We had a great time praying with the staff.

We went by the church at FBC Doraville to check on the mail.

Then over to Azalea to see how my kids were doing.  I promoted one of my youth group as my new Assistant Director for the mission.  Miguel Cruz has been part of my life for thirteen years now.

  I actually baptized him at FBC Doraville.  He’s had some good times and bad times over the years, including being involved with gangs.  He’s turned his life around and seems to be doing great!  I’m glad that he’s willing to help out at the mission.  My other partner at Azalea, Jouvens Mocombe, is in love and working a couple of jobs. Between the two he didn’t really have time to help me out.  So welcome aboard, Miguel!

On my way home I got a call from my partner Cathy Palmer.  Apparently, there was a mix up with when the new beading class was going to start with the Refugee Sewing Society.  Bottom line, I had to make sure that all my partners were working in unison and had the materials they needed to make it happen.  We had a good time talking with Ian and Ruthie and taking them out for Mexican food.

Burn Notice came on TV tonight.  It’s my favorite show.  “Smooth is smooth, baby!”

It was a blessed day!  It’s nearly 1am.  I have to teach a seminar at the North American Mission Board tomorrow morning.