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Since Nikki and I attended Crown College in Powell, TN, returning to East Tennessee is always enjoyable. We had the wonderful opportunity this weekend to be a part of the Missions Conference at Victory Baptist Church in Sevierville, TN. Pastor Aaron Swain’s parents were our teachers in college, and his sister and brother-in-law will be our co-workers in Cambodia, so the family is near and dear to us. We enjoyed the beautiful scenery from our accommodations in the Smokies, as well as wonderful fellowship with the Ruppel and Sommer families, both faithful missionary families who are preparing to return to their fields. It was a refreshing and encouraging time. For the remainder of the week, we will be in Pigeon Forge, attending our mission agency’s Candidate Week for a time of training.

On March 23, the Lord took Nikki’s grandma home to be with Him, consequently bringing us down to Nikki’s home state of Georgia for her funeral. We celebrated her home going on Monday the 26th in the happiest funeral service I have ever been a part of! It was a blessing to see the family and friends rejoicing over a loved one in Heaven.

During the week, Pastor Danny Mundy took me to the Georgia State-wide Independent Baptist Preacher’s Fellowship. We heard some good preaching and music, and had to opportunity to meet many pastors from the area. On Wednesday, I preached, and Nikki’s home church voted to take us on for support. We’re so excited to have the support and prayers now of both of our home churches! We were able throughout the week to spend good time with Nikki’s family, and it was with regret that we headed north on Saturday.

We’re now staying at a missionary house in South Boston, VA, thanks to the hospitality of the Centerville Baptist Church. Please continue to pray for us – especially that the Lord will provide the meetings of His choice for this summer and fall.

Our first mission conference meeting outside of our home church was this Sunday. We spent all day with the wonderful people of Tidewater Baptist Temple, in Chesapeake, VA. Pastor and Mrs. Pearson and the congregation were so encouraging to us as Nikki gave her testimony in Sunday School, I preached the morning service, and we presented our ministry in the evening service. We had a great time of fellowship around lunch with the Smith and Drylie families, and got to hear how the Lord has worked in their lives. The generosity and love of this church amazes us, especially considering the trials they have been through. Last September, their building burned down, and they are currently meeting in another church’s facilities. Despite that, their love for the Lord and for missions was apparent in the time we spent with them. We are excited about the friends and prayer partners we met at Tidewater Baptist Temple.