Day sixty-three, five remaining. October 1st. Today is the first day of the month of the trip. Fall is in the air; only five days until Cheryl and I drive to Charlotte for my flight to New York's JFK Airport. I am tired. I have pushed all day to make sure many details are in place for the trip: conversations with staff, discussions with siblings about contingencies for our parents, punch lists for concluding projects, hotel arrangements and schedules for beginning projects, money, bank accounts, email, financial power of attorney agreements, visas, FedEx charges for visas and airline tickets, the sale of equities, purchase of "silk" long johns/top and Merino woolen socks at Appalachian Outfitters, initial reading of a Russian history (Russia: A History by Gregory L. Freeze), blog update, more lectures on Christology, etc. Did I say I am tired?
Our pastor, Bob Selph, preached yesterday from Ecclesiastes 11 on the idea of living in a vibrant "attack" mode. Very, very applicable. Very convicting. He told of William Borden, one of the heirs of the Borden dairy fortune, who renounced his comfortable lifestyle for Jesus Christ. His message? No retreat, no reserve, no regrets. In a way I want to die empty, all poured out. Just no regrets... Paul expressed that in his letter to the Philippians. I spoke with a friend at church after the morning sermon, Lou Hastings, as we nodded together that we needed Pastor Selph's sermon. I told Lou to not worry about me as I was off to Vlad. Just take care of my family if I don't return. God knows I love my sweet wife Cheryl and our beautiful children Kristen, Alicia, James, and Philip. They are the apple of my eye. I love deeply my parents and siblings and extended family. But the Gospel is the hidden treasure for which there is real worth in taking risks. Not foolish risks, but wise sanctified prayerful risks. I don't mean it morbidly, but life has its risks too. Too often we live so safely, we never risk accomplishing anything. You and I could die just as easily in a wreck on I-85. I feel like if Pastor Steve Graham can go to Vlad for a fifth time - I can go for a first. We honor Christ's servants when we join them in their service. I am really eager to be useful as a servant (thanks Chad for your sermon from Luke 22 on true greatness) for the advancement of others' faith.
P.S. Last night our church prayed for us at the close of the evening service. I will always remember standing at the front of the worship center, knowing that God's people were lifting us before His throne in ways that reflected His heart and His missionary purpose. I know my rope is held in Greenville.
Prayer: Lord, help me finish my preparation with energy, trust, diligence, and joy in the way you covenanted as the three-in-one God to save a great multitude for your glory. Guide my feet and my mind in these last few days. In King Jesus name, Amen.
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