Ashley, Jesse and I had a fun time today with Ellynda Lipsey, the pastor of St. Timothy’s United Methodist in Clarkston. She has been one of my favorite pastors for years.

We first started working together back in 1996 when I was the Outreach Director for the Chamblee/Doraville Ministry Center. She’s a MK from Pakistan and knows internationals well. We look forward to working with her church more closely in the Clarkston area. St. Timothy is doing some innovative work around the community and I look forward to partnering with them!We took her over to Willow Branch as well as Ashley’s mission at Kensington Station. We hope to get their youth group involved with our work at KS.

Afterwards, we went to Borders Bookstore. Friday is my “off” day. My favorite thing to do is wander around the bookstore. Easily amused, eh? I picked up a book on Benjamin Franklin. It’s an updating of his autobiography by a professor from Baylor–where I went to school. Ben is one of my heroes. I like people that have a wide variety of skills and interests. I think of the Renaissance Man–equally adept at playing music, art, writing as well as math, science and philosophy!

Last night Jesse and I moved into our new house. The girls are still at the Lamb’s for now helping take care of their pets. I hope they’ll move over here soon.

This morning I had the Comcast guy come out and get the internet and cable TV hooked up. I had them transfer our service over from our house. Sure is good to be back in the saddle with a decent connection. The hotel’s “high speed” internet was a joke. It taught me more about patience for sure!

We have this place for about 6 weeks. Not sure what we’ll do after that. I reckon the Father has that figured out too!

A, J and I went to Alpharetta yesterday for the UNITE meeting for that part of the city.


I made a brief presentation about what we do in the international community and made a plea for the churches to get involved and perhaps host some block parties in their area. We’ll see how it goes. I enjoyed spending time with some of my best buddies, in particular Chip Sweeney from Perimeter Church.

We go back to the very beginning of our ministries here in Atlanta. He sure has been a good friend to me!

The biggest new yesterday was that Ashley was accepted to Perimeter College!


Excellent! I think that will give her a great initial experience with the University system. She’ll have to register for her classes soon. What a mission field!

Last night we went to see Indiana Jones.  It was fun.  I still liked Iron Man better!

I’ll admit it. I was stressed out yesterday. All that moving stuff. . . where are we going. . . ay caramba!

I went to Walmart and bought a bunch of plastic storage boxes so we could move the stuff over to my sister in law Ann’s house.

Then I got a phone call from Kathy, “Did you hear the news about FBC Mountain Park?”

“Nope,” I replied.

“Well just this morning the missionaries living in their mission house went back to Japan! Debbie called and let me know we can stay over there!”

“Seriously?” I couldn’t believe the timing.

“Yep. Give Debbie a call at the church.” (Debbie Lamb is the receptionist for FBC Mountain Park and the wonderful hostess for our family at HER house!)

Sure enough, at 5am the house was ready for us to move to. Jesse and I packed up the van with most of our stuff and we moved a first load in! God is so super cool! I always dig it when the timing is so EXACT!

We’ll be able to stay over there till July 7th. We may have to move back to the hotel for a few weeks. The house is reserved for 4 weeks in July/August. Then again, maybe our house will be finished by July 7th! LORD, please answer that prayer!

I didn’t move my computer stuff to the new house till tomorrow since I’ll have to set up internet and stuff over there.

Jesse and I went to the UNITE meeting for lunch. I made a short presentation about working at the missions hosting block parties in October. The group was very receptive. I’ll make a similar presentation in Alpharetta tomorrow to another group of the UNITE folks.

This evening I went over to Iglesia Bautista Belen. That is Dr. Carlos Salaverria’s church.

He’s one of my favorite pastors. Jesse is having sessions talking with one of their deacons Luis who is also a counselor. J had about 2 hours with him this evening. He seemed to enjoy it.

I had a good time sitting in on the Spanish Bible study that Carlos led. I understood about 95% of what he was saying, so I was pretty happy about that. I am the first missionary that their church supports. I think that’s way cool. I’ll be speaking to the youth (probably in English!) at their mission conference in August.

In case you’re wondering . . .it’s a LOT easier to understand what people are saying than to GENERATE the language. But what I’ve learned over the years is that if you’re willing to try and even if you make a lot of mistakes, you learn a LOT faster if you just get out there and do it. The reason people say that kids learn so much faster than grown ups isn’t because kids are magically so much more adept at language learning, kids just jump in and go for it.

Have you noticed that I haven’t really grown up?

Kathy and I have been married for over 21 years now. She made the comment to me last year, “21 years?! We’re going to have act like grown ups soon.”

We looked at each other and just broke out laughing! Yeah! Like that’s gonna happen!

Here’s to all the Peter Pans in the world!

Love you guys!

Our housing situation is really weird. The hotel said we don’t have the room we’ve been staying in for the last five weeks because someone else had a reservation for the weekend. Today they said, “We’re 100% full, you can come back next week.” I’m looking at them like they’re on crack. We’ve been here for 5 weeks and now they think we’ve just got some place else to stay?! Good grief. We may try and get an apartment around here, but even that is a huge hassle. Turn on utilities, transfer stuff, get furniture. . . . not like I don’t have enough stress in my life.

I took a group from Briarcliff Baptist Church on a visit to the International Village this afternoon.


I gave them a quick briefing on our work at the missions then took them on a tour of Asian Square and Carneceria #1.

They saw Asia and Central America up close and personal in an hour. They couldn’t believe the diversity of where we work!

J and I went to help Bill Hickey get some stuff for the mission where he’s living. Our ministry also helps him with marta passes and phone stuff. He’s been a huge help to us. I’m glad we can help him too.

We went to check on the mission at Azalea. We had fun helping Famedha learn how to juggle. Jesse was pretty good!

A partner of mine brought over about ten used computers. I’ll have some of the guys at the mission that are interested in working on computers take a look at them.

Had a fantastic storm tonight. I thought some of the cloud formations were just incredible!

Weird too because some of the clouds looked green.

These formations are called “mammatus.”

They’re associated with very strong storms.

After the storm, a beautiful sunset. That’ll preach!

Love you guys!

Jesse and I had an early morning. He had an appointment with the forensic psychiatrist today. Dr. Agarkhar will do a complete report on Jesse’s present and mental condition the night of the fire. It’s hard for J to really remember what happened that night. He went without sleep for about 72 hours before the event. He was definitely not in his right mind.

I’m not sure if you have children. I just wish I could take the burden upon myself. Yesterday when we were at Waffle House and saw the mama bird with her nest she was so upset. I told J, “Parents will give their lives for their young.” He nodded his head as I gave him a big hug.

We have to continue to be proactive in our communities! In so many cases our missionaries are the last line of defense. If we can’t help the kids, the next stop is jail. Pray for our team!

Jesse was so tired so after the appointment I brought him back to the hotel to rest. I crashed out for about an hour too.

I didn’t sleep well last night. I kept going over and over in my mind, “What is worship? How do I really worship God?” I got down on my knees beside my bed and just poured out my love for the Father and how I wanted to worship Him. But I kept coming back to, “How do I do that?” Is it just mouthing words?

The Father told me, “Son, when you look at my flowers and clouds and tiny little red bugs and you say, ‘Father what you have made is so awesome,’ THAT is worshiping me. Appreciating what I’m doing around you, THAT is worshiping me. Just be aware of what I’m doing, son!”

It just seems like I should be doing MORE to tell Him, how totally great HE is! And I’m still not really sure how to do that.

I had a good meeting with the Tim and Cathy Palmer today. That’s a tough gig, living in a mission apartment. It’s a real trial by fire, and bugs, and floods! Tim got a job teaching tennis at the park next to their apartment complex. That was a real answer to prayer. I’m encouraging Cathy to expand her ministry in Clarkston by taking on some additional families in the area. I tend to throw missionaries into the deep end right quick. Most of the people on our team are very skilled and do best when they can operate with maximum responsibility.

Most of my morning was spent in the parking lot waiting for Jesse’s doctor to do his analysis. I spent the couple of hours working the phone setting up the missions for the teams coming in the next couple of weeks. I’m particularly excited about our new partnership with the YMCA. I believe they’ll bring some really talented young people into the mission field.

I ran 4 miles this evening. I take my GPS with me whenever I’m developing a new route. Seemed like I ran forever before that stupid thing said 4.0 miles.

Need to work on my financial report.

Love you guys!

Jesse, Kathy and I spent a restful weekend up in Chattanooga!

When we first got there it was raining. Check out this picture of the clouds coming up from the trees.

We had fun hiking and checking out the beauty of Lookout Mountain. I ran 4 miles around that property.

How about this close up of a daisy? Notice the pattern!

I liked these colors.

While I was there I saw 2 copperheads! Cool. Sure made me more careful where I was running!

I really enjoyed looking around the North Shore of Chattanooga. Lots of cool art stuff there. We ate pizza and ice cream at Mr. T’s.

We went on top of Lookout Mountain and watched the hang gliders and the sunset.

On our way home today we stopped at Waffle House. While K and J where finishing eating I went outside to stretch my legs and look at rocks. While there I saw a Kill deer nest on the ground amidst the rocks. Never would have expected to see a nest there! Perfect camouflage.

The mama was not happy with me.

Just finished up going through my email.

Enjoyed watching the History Channel program on Indiana Jones. Comes out this Thursday.

Keith Harrell, Jesse and I went to the NAMB HQ in Alpharetta this morning. I did my seminar on the “5 Levels of Engagement” which explains how we get people involved in missions. They seemed to be interested. I hope they put what I said into practice!

After lunch I spoke at Summerour Middle School. It was their Career Day.

I spoke on “Community Development” which is the secular way of saying “Take the Church, To the People!” I did my transport to Cambodia story where I have them imagine what it’s like to be an immigrant in this country. Ironically, at least 80% of the class WERE immigrants to this country! I had a fun time with the kids.

We went over to Azalea to check on the kids at the mission. Tabias was there. Bubba, Jouvens and Tabias were the main three kids in my youth group over the last 12 years.


Its always fun to see these young men together and think of all that we’ve gone through. I sure do love those guys! Tabias is going to Culinary School. He enjoys telling me about the food skills he’s learning. I told them I’m bringing about 10 computers over to the missions next week. I’d like for Bubba to work on fixing them up. It’s a skill that he wants to learn.  Jesse got to hang out with two of my favorites:  Tabias and Jimmy Mocombe–Jouvens’ little brother.

Later I had a meeting with Wes Binder who is the leader of the Teen Initiative for the YMCA.

They’ll be working in six missions the first week of June. I look forward to establishing a partnership with them. They could field a lot of manpower!

This evening I went to Iglesia la Belen. Luis is a deacon in the church and also a psychologist. He and Jesse seemed to have really hit it off. I think it’s a good idea for him to have someone to talk to besides just K and I. I led the Bible study with the youth group while they worked together. I look forward to having taking the youth group over to one of the missions on Wednesday nights–probably over to Westwood where Keith Harrell is working.

Kathy, Jesse and I are going to Chattanooga for the rest of the week. I’ll see you guys back on Sunday!

Ashley, Jesse and I went to visit with new partners from Total Grace Church on Covington Highway. Pastor Myrtle and Sister Deon are two of my favorites.

It was very interesting to have them share with me their insights on the African American Church. They are involved with refugee ministry in Clarkston. We hope to get them involved with some of the other apartment complexes near their church, in particular at Kensington Station where Ashley serves.

This afternoon we went to Parker Young construction to spend a little time picking out paint colors for the house and what kind of tile to use in the bathrooms. I actually like that design stuff. I find it interesting how patterns and colors fit together.

Jesse was less enthusiastic about the whole process.

We got it all done and I look forward to how our house will turn out. Do you like the colors?

Lena was from Brazil. She did a great job helping us figure everything out.

They made me feel special. Sort of like when a church puts my name on their marquee in front of their sanctuary.

I had a great day today working with some of our newest missionaries: Tim and Cathy Palmer and Keith and Cornelia Harrell. Jesse came with us today too. He was so tired he kept falling asleep in his seat.

We went around to several of the missions in their area including Huntington Ridge and its sister property Huntington Village. We also checked out Westwood where the Harrells will be working.

When we got to Westwood I asked where Carol was, she’s the manager. Ruthie, one of the leasing people told me, “She’s not here any more.”

“Oh,” I replied. That’s not that unusual.

“In fact, we’ve been bought out by a new management company and new a new owner.”

That got my attention. “A new management company AND a new owner?” I tried to be crystal clear.

“Yes. In fact they take over the property tomorrow.”

I turned to look at my two new partners, the Harrells. They looked at me wondering what we should do.

“Who’s the new owner?” I asked. Ruthie went into the manager’s office and asked.

She came back and said, “It’s a guy named Gideon. His management company is called Sabra.”

I thought, “That rings a bell.” I told Ruthie, “Let me show the Harrells the upstairs room where the after school program meets.” She nodded that that was fine and we strode upstairs.

It’s a beautiful room with several large tables and four computers. We’ve been working there for about 5 years now and we have a good set up. We prayed for the complex and for the kids at the complex. We went back downstairs and told the manager good bye and went back to the car.

“I know that Sabra name. Let me make a phone call,” I told the Harrells. I rang Theresa Akers, the manager at Chamblee Heights.

“Howdy, Theresa! What’s up?”
“Super busy Tim. Getting ready to close on a property tomorrow.”

“Would that be Westwood?”
“How did you know!!?”

“I’ve had work there for about 5 years now,” I explained.

“I wondered whose stuff that was,” she mentioned.

“Make sure and tell Zvi and Gideon that we’re looking forward to helping out at Westwood when they take over,” I asked.

“Great that you’re there, Tim!”

I sure was happy how that turned out! God is still in the miracle working business!

Pray for the Palmers and the Harrells as they begin their ministry in the Norcross area.

Pray for my peace of mind. I’ve had a lot of big bills come our way. I’m pretty stressed out, even though I know the Lord is going to work it all out.

Ran 4 miles to help me relax.

Pray for Jesse that he sleeps well at night and has good energy in the day time.

Where would we be without our Mothers?

We wouldn’t be here at ALL!

It sure was great to get to spend time with my Mom and Dad this week. It’s been hard on Kathy not having her folks around. We enjoyed watching videos of them today.

Ashley, Jesse, Miles, Kathy and I hiked up Stone Mountain this afternoon.

SUPER windy.

It was a good time.

Kathy and I came home and watched movies and enjoyed some alone time. The kids were at Miles’ house. I miss that time with her. We’ll go to Chattanooga later this week for a few days. We’ll take J with us, but we’ll get him his own room.

Love you guys!

Today I had the sad job of taking my parents to the airport.

The time sure did go by fast! It was so great to get to show them around and let them see some of our work and to get to visit.

This evening we had a party for Kathy’s older brother Paul. We had the party at our hotel.

They let us use the breakfast room to set up the tables and serve the food. Kathy’s sister Ann and brother in law Bob did a great job cooking all the hamburgers and hotdogs. We enjoyed watching old home movies from about 15 years ago on VHS tape. We’ve really changed!

After the party we all hung out at the hot tub.

Family is important!

Here is the video from our Outreach Event last Sunday at Aspen Pointe with Roswell United Methodist Church.