Hello There, Obviously, I am back in Austin, Texas. The non-stop driving trip to Des Moines, Iowa and back doesn't sound a lot better to Phil and myself than it did on Monday at 5:30 A.M. Thank God for a strong driver and helper. RESCUE THE PERISHING RESCUE THE PERISHING, CARE FOR THE DYING, SNATCH THEM IN PITY FROM SIN AND THE GRAVE; WEEP O'ER THE ERRING ONE, LIFT UP THE FALLEN, TELL THEM OF JESUS THE MIGHTY TO SAVE. Chorus: RESCUE THE PERISHING, CARE FOR THE DYING JESUS IS MERCIFUL, JESUS WILL SAVE. DOWN IN THE HUMAN HEART, CRUSHED BY THE TEMPTER, FEELINGS LIE BURIED THAT GRACE CAN RESTORE; TOUCHED BY A LOVING HEART, WAKENED BY KINDNESS, CHORDS THAT ARE BROKEN WILL VIBRATE ONCE MORE. RESCUE THE PERISHING, DUTY DEMANDS IT, STRENGTH FOR THY LABOR THE LORD WILL PROVIDE; BACK TO THE NARROW WAY, PATIENTLY WIN THEM, TELL THE POOR WAND'RER A SAVIOUR HAS DIED. "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." Matthew 28:19,20 DIRECTION-Became clear for me as I read my stack of mail. The Message magazine from ABWE (Association of Baptists for World Evangelization) re- ported that in 2001 they had invested 331/2 million dollars in obedience to the verses above. During that world crisis year, they changed leadership without losing the vision. I will talk about other matters, but the theme of reaching the world beats in my heart today. www.ABWE.org CALENDAR-The best thing will be if I kind of reconstruct those busy days of my trip. Left Austin about four on WEDNESDAY 19th and drove to Des Moines arriving THURSDAY at 10:30 A.M.. Jack (my brother) had arranged us a place at Adventureland Inn in the new area. Gorgeous is not a word strong enough to describe the lavish pool area and rooms. After a nap, I had arranged a dinner meeting with Drs. Nicholas and Leona Venditti of INSTE. www. inste.org or link from this site. After 20 years of tremendous growth, they had just completed their initial international conference; and were already planning 2003. Our relationship goes back to formative years and they dignify me with the title "pastor". From them also comes an urgent request-The move of God in those areas once behind the "iron curtain" is under official attack. The Ukraine and Hungary are refusing recognition of further growth efforts and are in opposition to any further move in Russia of this training program. Doors are slamming shut-PRAY FRIDAY- the morning was spent on the phone in the room. Phil found a nearby MacDonalds for carry-in stuff. I tried to reach Anna Quick (my childhood Sunday School teacher). I could never find her at home, but I did talk with her older sister and her husband. Harold and Ellen Ober are in good health and are vibrant believers. I brought Anna's phone number home and will keep trying to reach her. FRIDAY NOON the motel set a sumptuous salad, soup and sandwich buffet in a poolside area for us to use until 3 P.M. About 25 old friends and family joined to laugh and reminisce. FRIDAY EVENING was my fiftieth high school reunion. We had a fine room and meal together. About 2/3 of the class survive and attended. Program is just a time to kind of "catch up" and visit. The class enjoyed each other in school and always enjoys each other. I think that I have found a reason in James 3:16. Try this as a test. "For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work". I have seen this principle work many times. Keep out envy and strife for peaceful relationships. I was a little tired! SATURDAY-A nephew unable to come the day before, came after we ate the breakfast buffet. He watched with us as Texas became national baseball champions. Saturday evening, another nephew came after his work at Sears and he and Phil went to Adventureland Theme Park. They then went to his house and I went to bed. SUNDAY was the add-on day I talked over with you. I originally was going to leave for home on Saturday; BUT AM I GLAD! I stayed for the 8 A.M. service for Adventureland employees! After a record setting night for occupancy and reunions at the inn, we had record attendance for this worship time. The local church that does this service does it very well. Music and order of service is well done. They even had a baby dedication with special music. My brother and his wife sat on the front row and he introduced me. The park furnishes space, a sound system, a piano and pastries, coffee,milk and juice. The folks who attend (over 100) participate and really feel a deep appreciation for the time. Phil and I went back to the Inn for brunch, packed up and said goodbye to Jack and Mary Beth (niece) at 12:15 and headed home. It sure looked good-even at 5:30A.M. A FOOTNOTE OF THANKS-To those that worked on the class reunion. Eldon Linn coordinates from Washington D.C. Marvin and Jackie Stookey and Mary Grimm do the groundwork in Des Moines, If I missed some, I plead old age forgetfulness. HOME FROM GDANSK-After a successful trip to open a new school for autistic children. My sister, Pat, has a glowing report. As the doors of direct mission work close, it is vital that we maintain humanitarian reasons for our presence. This city of 1/2 million in northern Poland is important educationally and governmentally. Those of us older recall it as being called Danzig before WW2. Hitler saw it important enough to attack. THE LITTLE THINGS-My mom taught her boys how to iron, keep house and cook. I recall her emphasizing the little amounts at the end of a recipe. You know-1/2 tsp. of salt; 1/4 tsp. of vanilla. Yes, little things do count. In each of the items above, the small amount that flavors all else is joy. FRAUD-Insider trading, inflated profits in the millions of dollars each day. The realm of business seems to thrive on greed. The spirit of this era must not invade the realm of the church and believers. I am nearly glad that I am poor-and blessed. It will ultimately have an impact on each of us as the costs "trickle down". UNDER GOD-In spite of a ruling by a judge, we, as a nation are still "under God." The accounts of the many legal engagements of the Apostle Paul that are recorded in Acts 23-27, clearly declare a victory for righteousness. The Thursday morning response of both of the houses of Congress should cheer our hearts as they rallied to affirm our trust in God. There is a correctness that exceeds political considerations. LOOKING AHEAD-This promises to be another full week. MONDAY-Them Bowmans are in concert at Gonzales (about 60 miles). We plan to go (Phil, Jeanene and I). www. ThemBowmans.com or link down from this site. Grandkids go to church camp and Randall and Jeanine fly to South Dakota to visit his family. While there, they will go to Rapid City to celebrate Everett Blaylock's 90th birthday on Friday the Fifth. Don't forget to make appropriate observance of Independence Day on Thursday. His, Ron Krantz