Continue reading »]]> No, Liincoln, NE and Lyons, GA are not close to each other, but we were at both places within a week. On Sunday, April 29th, Mike got to speak at Indian Hills Community Church in Lincoln. It was the same church where the Nebraska Home Educators State Convention was held. We loved the music, the people and the opportunity to teach the truth of God’s Word from the first verse. Everyone came to the auditorium for the Sunday School hour to hear about Dinosaurs and the Bible. Then Mike spoke about biblical discernment during the 11:oo service. That night he got to do more teaching before we flew home on Monday.

Mike speaking at Indian Hills Community Church in Linclon, NE

Mike wirh Pastor Greg Rugh at Indian Hills Community Church

On Friday, May 4th we flew to Savannah, GA and then drove about 2 hours to Lyons, GA. On Saturday Mike taught his 38th Christian Teacher Training class. I thought about that and was amazed when I realized that is a month and a week of teaching that class! We certainly enjoyed the Southern Hospitality there. We had students who drove in from out of town, a pastor from another church, and several teachers. Mike never gets tired of teaching that class.

38th Christian Teacher Training Class in Lyons, GA

On Sunday and Monday, Mike spoke 7 times at 1st Baptist in Lyons. We enjoyed spending time with Pastor Dannie Williams. His wife was on a trip to Israel so we ate every meal with Pastor Dannie. We feel blessed to meet so many godly people who have wonderful experiences to share. Pastor Dannie has been involved in church planting for many years. He just returned from a trip to Vancouver Island, BC, Canada where his church is supporting 2 church plants. It was interesting to us because we had just met someone who is  moving there to help with one of the churches. And, we are flying there on Thursday to start a 10 day speaking tour (you can see the schedule on our web site or at: http://www.creationbc.org/. What a small world!

Mike Teaching at 1st Baptist Church in Lyons, GA

Mike with Pastor Dannie Williams at 1st Baptist, Lyons, GA

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Mike with Kathleen and Nick Lenzen

We flew from Cincinnati to Lincoln, Nebraska on Thursday, April, 26th so Mike could speak at the Nebraska Christian Home Educators Conference. We set up our resources and went to a very fine Nebraska beef restaurant for dinner with several of the state convention committee members. On Friday morning the convention started. Nick Lenzen is the president of the group and his wife Kathleen is the conference chairwoman. Anyone who has run a conference with several hundred in attendance knows how much work it involves with all the planning and set up and then all the contingencies that happen once it starts. The thing that is so special about this couple though, is that they graduated their children years ago but are still volunteering countless  hours so that those who are going through the journey of home education now will continue to have a wonderful conference each year. God bless you Kathleen and Nick.

Lorraine and Dave Lostroh

Here is another couple who got my respect right away. They have graduated their 9 children through homeschooling but still take the time to help run the conference. They were sitting next to us in the lobby where we had our resources. I asked when they started homeschooling and was shocked to hear 1981. That was 3 years before it was legal in the state of Nebraska! Lorraine told me that she is a rule followerer (I identify with that position) and yet when she was praying about their first child’s schooling, she realized that she needed to follow God’s rules rather than the state’s rules. It was through trailblazers like Dave and Lorraine that parents got the freedom to teach their children at home without the fear of being arrested. Let’s all pray that that freedom will continue to be there for everyone in the USA for many years to come.

Mike with Jolene Catlett, our "driver"

We were treated like royalty – we even had a driver! Jolene Catlett is another one of those homeschool moms who continues to serve well after her own have finished and have actually started families of their own. All four of her children are homeschooling their children now too. Jolene and her husband live in North Platte so they had to drive 3 hours to come serve at the convention. Thank you Jolene for all of your help.

Mike speaking at the Nebraska Christian Home Educators Conference

Continue reading »]]> Mike and I drove home from Courtland, OH on Tuesday, April 17th and had the joy of having the Dr. Jobe Martin family stay with us for a few days. Jobe and his family teach at the Cincinnati Homeschool Convention each year and we look forward to seeing them. We had a wonderful dinner on Wednesday with the Martins, Frank Sherwin, a long time friend and speaker with ICR, Lalo Gunther, Director of Conference Ministries at ICR, and Dr. Rhonda Forlow, K-12 Education Specialist for ICR. It is always a pleasure to spend time with like-minded believers.

Mike speaking at Bethel Baptist Church, Frenchburg, KY

On Saturday, April 21st, we drove to Morehead, KY to spend the night before heading over to the beautiful little town of Frenchburg, deep in the hills of Kentucky. It reminded me of my favorite place in the world, Western North Carolina, where I spent my teenage years. Mike spoke at Bethel Baptist to a very involved audience. We love it when the people are responding – we know they are listening! We were delighted to have the Rhodes Family Quartet (they are members of Bethel Baptist) sing at the beginning of each of the talks. What a uplifting way to start a meeting.

We had a very special lunch at the home of the long-time pastor, Jim Rhodes, along with his family. There were probably 20 people there and I was told that there is a dinner like that every Sunday and has been for more than 40 years! I cannot imagine cooking that much food every week but we were blessed to be a part of it.

The Rhodes Family Gospel Quartet

On Monday afternoon Mike was invited to speak to a group of Christian students at the local high school. We met in the computer room and as Mike was talking about the design in the chuckwalla lizard, one of the students googled the chuckwalla and proudly showed everyone the pictures. She was doing what we should all do – check out what we are being taught! Thanks to all the wonderful people in Frenchburg.

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Christian Teacher Training Class at Mecca Community Church in Cortland, OH

Mike and I drove to northeast Ohio on Thursday, April 12th so he could teach at Victory Christian School in Niles, OH on Friday. While he was teaching I went shopping with Erin Wakefield, the secretary at Mecca Community Church in Cortland, OH. We were getting snacks and lunch items for the teacher training class on Saturday. It was our 37th time to teach that class. Mike teaches from 8:30am to 5:30pm and there is a lot of information given during the day.

Mike with Pastor Sonny Hernandez

Then on Sunday, Mike spoke at Mecca Community Church 2 times in the morning and 2 times in the evening. There were 2 more lectures on Monday evening. Here he is with Pastor Sonny Hernandez who is also a chaplain in the Air Force Reserves. We enjoyed getting to know Sonny and his family and all of the people who are so faithful at Mecca Community.

Mike speaking at Mecca Community Church, Cortland, OH

We had some great fellowship while we were in the Cortland area. We had a special meal with Bill and Laura Barnett at their farm. There is nothing better than having a wonderful meal with lots of family and fellow believers. Thank you Bill and Laura for all of your work.

Mike with Bill and Laura Barnett

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The Periodic Table in Cupcakes at the Montana Origins Research Effort conference

On Wednesday, March 28th Mike and I flew from Sacramento, CA to Bozeman, MT. We had scheduled a day of rest before we started a 4 day speaking engagement here in Bozeman. We chose a hotel that had a free shuttle from the airport and planned to just rest and let Mike get some of his talks ready for the conference. There was a scheduling problem at the hotel with their shuttle driver and so after a 20 minute wait (outside in the wind and coming storm) they called us to say they would send a cab. Three cabs came and left with other travelers so we called the hotel again and were told that it would be another 20 minutes or so (we were now at around a 50 minute wait). So much for getting a start on our “rest”. Finally the cab pulled up that was meant for us. As we left the airport we saw the most beautiful rainbow that we have ever seen. Turns out that the driver had not heard that it was the promise from God that He would never again flood the entire earth. That opened up a wonderful discussion of our Lord and his willingness to forgive, no matter what we have in our past. We began to see that an hour of waiting to get to our hotel was instead and hour of waiting to speak to someone who had lost all hope and to tell him of the Hope that does not disappoint!

Mike with Pastor Bryan Hughes and Dr. Andy McIntosh at Grace Bible Church in Bozeman, MT

Here is a picture of the senior pastor at Grace Bible in Bozeman who gave a sermon on Sunday morning that exposed the problems with the compomises that many are making with the creation account. It was excellent. I told him that we could take back America if we had one of him in every city. You can listen to this fine sermon at: http://gbcmt.org/sermons. Also in the picture is a good friend and supurb creation speaker from the UK, Dr. Andy McIntosh, with Mike. Mike and Andy spoke at Heritage Christian School on Friday and then at the conference that started on Friday night.  We met Andy many years ago when we were living in Redmond, WA. His PhD is in combustion theory but he is one of those rare intellectuals who can speak to any level with a passion that is for our Lord. One of his talks is on the intricacies of flight. I remember hearing that talk years ago and one thing he said has stayed with me. I used to accept the response that animals are able to do incredible things because of their instinct. Dr. McIntosh told us to never let that statement stand without a challenge. We should ask, “What is instinct?” These animals actually have a tremdous amount of information in their DNA that was put there by a superior intelligence that allows them to do what they do. We know who that information sender is – our Creator God. Thank you Andy for your years of faithful service.

Mike with Beverly and Michael Oard

Another speaker at the conference was Michael Oard who is one of the founders of the Montana Origins Research Effort (MORE) in 2007. We have known Michael and Beverly for a long time and have enjoyed reading their books and learning from them. Michael is especially knowlegable about the Ice Age and how it fits with the worldwide flood model. Here is a link to MORE’s web site: http://creationsciencedefense.org/. Mark Amunrud is another founder or MORE and also had several talks. We stayed with Esther and Perry Fishbaugh, also founding members. I am disappointed that I did not get their pictures to share with you. They are godly people who are using their resources and energy to teach others to believe in the biblical account of creation. May God bless MORE and all of their activities.

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Pastor Randy Pollard and his wife Joan with Lesley and Mike

We flew to Sacramento, CA on Thursday, March 22nd and met Pastor Randy Pollard and his wife, Joan. That started a wonderful adventure where we have met many godly, commited Christians. Some have invited us into their homes for meals and great fellowship. On Friday morning we had a wonderful breakfast with Richard and Andrea Oren. They had recently returned from a trip to Jordan to participate in a dig in what is believed to be ancient Sodom. We had a facinating conversation about their trip. Then Mike spoke at Forest Lake Christian School in Auburn, CA. He challenged the high school students to stand firmly on the truth of the Bible from the very first verse.

Forest Lake Christian School, Auburn, CA

Next, we went to a home of a very special couple who have adopted 21 handicapped children over the last 28 years. Those precious ones have been cared for and loved in a way that reflects God’s love. Some had conditions that resulted in very short lives and some of them are adults now. Paul and Dale Loos are in their 70s and still have 8 living in their home. What a blessing to meet a couple who accepted the challenge that God gave them and will continue to serve as long as God gives them life.

Mike with Paul and Dale Loos

On Saturday morning Mike taught a 4 hour teacher training class at Sierra Baptist and then we went to the home of Andre and Sabrina Alves for a great meal and even greater fellowship. They actually loaned us one of their cars so that we could get to all the events on time. Thanks so much, Andre and Sabrina.

Mike speaking at Sierra Baptist Church

Sunday and Monday, Mike gave 5 presentations at Sierra Baptist. The attendance was great and the people ready to receive all the hours of information. We pray that God will continue to bless Sierra Baptist Church. We enjoyed staying with Pastor Randy and Joan and the many meals we shared.

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Sunday Service at Providence Bible Fellowship, West Chester, OH

We had the pleasure of going to Providence Bible Fellowship in West Chester, Ohio on Sunday, Feb. 19th. (Mike’s birthday was on the 18th and we got to stay at home on a Saturday to have dinner with our family rather than flying to another state.) It was only a 45 minute drive, so we brought our 12 year old granddaughter, Taylen, to help at the book table. That made it a very special event. The church was full and seemed eager to hear the truth of the creation account in the Bible.

Mike with granddaughter, Taylen

We had lunch with several families including three of the Elders at a wonderful Mexican restuarent. Then we returned to the church at 6pm for Apologetics 101 and then 201. We were impressed with all the young families who brought their children to all of the talks. We pray that God will continue to bless this church and the godly people who love the truth and God’s Word.

Elders: Ken Ebert, Brian Jonson, and Rick Jones with Mike

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Our 34th Christian Teacher Training Class in Leeds, AL

Mike and I arrived at our final destination in Alabama on Friday, January 27 (our granddaughter’s 12th birthday).  Mike taught the Christian Teacher Training Class at First Baptist, Leeds, AL, on Saturday.  It was the 34th time he has taught this class. We were thankful for every student who came – several traveled a long way to spend 9 hours with Mike. Thank you, First Baptist Church, Leeds, for hosting our training.

Sunday morning services at First Baptist, Leeds, AL

On Sunday morning Mike taught the Sunday School hour with his Dinosaurs and the Bible presentation. In the morning service he gave his Genesis and Biblical Discernment sermon. Once again, we had a heart felt welcome from the wonderful Alabama Christians. We are very sad to leave and hope to return soon. Mike spoke twice on Sunday evening and twice on Monday evening.

Mike and Pastor Ray McKenzie after another great meal.

One of the joys of meeting brothers and sisters in Christ is that we get to share in fellowship and meals. My, my, my, did we have a great time eating with Pastor Ray McKenzie and his beautiful wife, Connie. At this lunch we did some strategic planning for future training in the state of Alabama. We pray that God will bless Ray and his family and church.

My faithful helper, Susan Whitley

Susan came to the teacher training on Saturday and then all of the sessions at the church. She volunteered to help me with the book sales and then we got the chance to talk a bit. She worked for years in her husband’s business and then started going on mission trips in the US and abroad at a pace that would make most people faint. She is going to Kenya again soon to teach the locals how to do Vacation Bible School. What a blessing to meet so many faithful servants! Love you Susan!

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Connie Atchison, Lesley, Mike and Wayne Atchison

Our second stop in Alabama was at Hope Christian in Pelham, AL. We  had met Connie and Wayne Atchison at a conference last summer and he invited us to come to speak to the homeschool families that are in the coop that meets at Hope Christian. We admire this couple for the energy and time that they invest into these families. They are grandparents and could be spending their time on the golf course or traveling the world. Instead, they mentor young parents and teach the children three days a week.

Mike speaking to homeschool families at Hope Christian in Pelham, AL

Mike gave two talks on Tuesday night and two talks on Wednesday night. We are always thankful to be with families who want their children to know the truth. We hope to come back to Pelham to teach some Teacher Training Classes in the future.

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Sunday morning at Enon Baptist Church, Morris, AL

We have had a wonderful time so far in Alabama. Mike is speaking in 3 different locations in 10 days and Morris, AL is our first stop. We arrived on Saturday, Jan. 21st (more about that later). Mike spoke 4 times on Sunday to the congregation at Enon Baptist church in Morris, Alabama. It is true that people in the South have an extra ordinary amount of hospitality. We have been welcomed and loved from the minute we arrived. On Monday evening there were two more lectures. We will miss the friendly people of God here and the great staff. Here are a couple of pictures of Mike with the pastors.

Mike, Senior Pastor John Hambright, and Worship Pastor Ken McWilliams

Matthew Marsh, Children's Pastor, Mike and David Little, Youth Pastor

We have had some interesting experiences on this trip. There was an ice storm in Kentucky on Friday night before we left. I was afraid that we would have trouble getting to the airport, but that part of the trip was fine. However, after we got on our 9:15 am flight to Atlanta things started to happen. There was a ground delay  because of weather in Atlanta so we sat on the plane for 45 minutes before we took off. Then when we got to the Atlanta area, we had to circle until we were diverted to Charleston, SC. We refueled there and then flew back to Atlanta when we finally got to land (only about 4 hours late). Thankfully, we were able to get rebooked onto a later flight to Birmingham. It was a beautiful sight to see that our luggage actually made all of the same changes that we made and came through just fine.

We stayed at a hotel in Fultondale, AL and heard that there could possibly be some severe weather on Sunday night. At 3 am we were awakened by sirens warning of a possible tornado in the area. The TV was not working so we did not know how close the storm actually was to us. In the morning we saw that a tornado had touched down only a few miles from our hotel and leveled some businesses and homes. We were very grateful that our hotel was spared since we were on the 4th floor.

Last weekend we stayed at home for a special reason. Our granddaughters were competing in the Coaches Spectacular Gymnastics meet close to home. We enjoyed watching them in person at the meet – they work very hard to be able to excute their routines. Last year we missed every meet because we were out of town. So, we made sure that we got to see them at least once this year.