Stop 34 - Tyler, Texas

The great nation of Texas (temporarily allied with a larger neighbor). I am enjoying my stay in a state known for big trucks, big oil, and big hospitality. My tenure at YWAM to complete a Discipleship Training School in Tyler, Texas also afforded me a welcome break from the cold northeastern winter. Warm sun is shining through my window as I read about the frigid and icy conditions in the far north (or Midwest)

Along with the school's classroom work, I am relishing additional communal living (three minute showers) and the joy's of working with my hands (janitorial work duties). On the weekend, our class of fifteen had an opportunity to live out true Christianity. Per the Bible's mandate in the book of James, our team traveled to a widow's house to help rake leave's, clean a garage, and impersonate the painting American Gothic (see photo above) Since serving the orphans and widows depicts true religion, then what poor and needy can you bless in your town?

Stop 33 - Oklahoma City

Weary desert nomad's refresh at a lush oasis. My travels took me to Oklahoma City where a family from the Air Force generously gave lodging. Before arriving in Oklahoma City, my trek included driving for 12 hours, stopping to see friends for breakfast, and time at IHOP (for prayer not pancakes)

While in Oklahoma, I feasted on the exotic delicacy of Tex-Mex (enough nachos to feed three small cities followed by an entree drowning in cheese). During the digestion process, I reminded myself why I avoided pilot training by playing several hours of Wii. After only a single night of antics, I was completely refreshed.

My friends oasis illustrated the great value in hospitality (in many senses of the word). If God ever grant's me a home one day, then I wonder who I can bless with the ancient tradition of welcoming guests.

Stop 32 - Kansas City

A rowdy, but loving mob. In Kansas City for the One Thing Conference with the International House of Prayer, I learned with 15,000 other people about how to love God with my whole life. The week was filled with incredible Bible teaching, friendly people, and enough coffee for a medical student's finals. As people exited the event at midnight, I encountered a large crowd gathered in the streets of downtown Kansas City. Conference attendees formed a massive knot of people centered around several sidewalk drummers. Fast paced music accompanied the crowd's worship songs to God, energetic dancing for Jesus, and joyous laughter with friends. Later, someone in the crowd shouted that God had supernaturally healed a sick person. The testimony resulted in an outbreak of prayer for the sick (see above picture) and joyful celebration. In contrast to angry mobs appearing in newspaper headlines, the crowd remained respectful and loving throughout the evening.

What miracles will God work in your city when not hindered by man's schedules, agendas, and assumptions?