Some old Memphis friends: Sherrill Steen, me, and Stacey Trimble

March 2 , 2003

My trip to Memphis for the First Evangelical Church missions conference could have started out better!

An early, very early, Saturday morning departure. A late discovery of poorly purchased tickets to Memphis--instead of a Thursday morning return I bought an evening one, but I needed to work that afternoon! A lost pocketknife at the airport (second time--I can't seem to remember to take sharp objects out of my pockets before I get on a plane…). And then an hour-long wait at the Atlanta airport after rushing from one terminal to another.

You could say I was a little out of sorts by the time I got to Memphis!

But God really does have a sense of humor. I ended up having a fantastic week. Dr. Walt Baker, the speaker for the missions conference, professor at Dallas Theological Seminary, and my friend, supported me at both the Sunday School classes I spoke at and mentioned me in three of the services, which I didn't expect! I stayed with a great family, got to know a lot of new people, and see old friends. And I even had an odd but interesting experience at a church member's house where I had dinner on Tuesday evening. The member's home looked familiar to me, and I found out it used to be the home of one of my great-aunts! What are the chances of that?!

Most importantly, however, is how God used this time to remind me of my passion for the young people of Ireland and Europe. I couldn't help but get excited as I talked with the different classes and dinners about the youth and needs of Europe, and even the time I spent with the kids of the family I stayed with was great. I can't wait until I begin my ministry over there!

Thank you so much for your prayers! Please keep in touch and let me know what's going on in your life. If you have an e-mail address that you would rather I use to update you, please let me know. Until next time!

Your partner in ministry,

To get more information on how to contact me or how to give, check out the Ireland page on my website, www.thecarpetbag.com. You can also download or print out a Faith Promise Card by clicking here. And don't forget to check out the videos I put together for my website. God bless!