Joanne then joined Bob who drove up to Birmingham, Alabama. We took part in the Briarwood PCA missions conference whose theme was "Blest To Be A Blessing". As the PCA got it's start from this church, it was of great interest to us. Together, between church and school, we spoke over a dozen times in six days. Dr. Richard Pratt preached an excellent series of sermons to the thousands gathered for worship throughout the week. Though a larger church, we found ourselves very much welcomed and made to feel at home.
Next we drove up to Westminster PCA, Huntville, Alabama. Joanne and I were impressed with the many newly itinerating missionaries who were present with us at this gathering. Sam Logan, Chancellor of Westminster Seminary in Philadelphia preached from Acts relating Paul's mission to today's mission challange.
The drive home was interesting as Bob got off track and on a small Georgia back road and we found ourselves in what we would objectively call a speed trap. We have no doubt that there was a sign posting the speed limit from 70 to 55mph, we just never saw it. As we could not understand the ticketing officer's strong Georgia accent very well, Joanne just keep smiling and Bob just kept saying "Yes, Sir, Yes, Sir" to whatever he was saying. That cost us $95. Before returning to the interstate, we stopped for coffee at a small store. Looking into a deli counter, one man asked another, "Izz at sheekin o feeesh?" = "It that chicken or fish?" It was a fascinating discussion for us to hear. It turned out to be "feeesh". No stranger I imagine that a Bostonian who "Paaks his caa to buy a slice of peatzer."
We concluded our series of conferences at the Lake Osborne PCA, Lakeworth, Florida. Tim McGowen gave some very focused challanges to the congregation on the sacrifices needed to reach their neighbors with the love of Jesus in a rapidly changing commuity. Whether right next door or over an ocean in Europe, we are called to bring the gospel to whomever will hear. May God grant us the wisdom and courage to be bold and unashamed of his glorious good news.