Well picking up from yesterday’s blog, I had to leave the Exponential Conference a bit earlier because I had a speaking engagement 1 hour north at First Baptist Church in Mount Dora. For many of you in Canada reading this blog, recognize these “Faithful Friends”?
Bud & Norma Taylor have been faithful friends to Canada and the CNBC and Sequoia since almost day one of Sequoia. They are from Florida but ever since I’ve know them, I have always seen them, almost year after year every time we meet annually as a Convention in Canada. Bud & Norma have great hearts for Canada. They would leave their home sometime early Summer (or late Spring) and make their way to Canada for the Summer. They would help and encourage our churches and pastors in all kinds of ways. I immediately became close to them because of Bud – I mean it was so close to my “Buddy’s nickname”. So I figured he must be a good guy. Well he is as well as his precious wife Norma.
So it was to good to reconnect. I also presented the vision of the ECMC at their Wednesday night prayer meeting. Their pastor was incredibly gracious to give me the entire hour to present. And their pastor and I connected extremely well. And another lay leader was so moved by the vision that he wants me to connect with him. It was such a good evening!
Then my Buddy and I left for Tampa because her surprised visit was already coming to an end. We drove for 2 hours, got settled into an RV. And this morning we went for walk by the ocean. And just about an hour ago I dropped her off at the airport. She’s on her way back to Ottawa. But it was so good to hang-out with my Buddy for a few days and have her experience of a few days of this crazy one-month journey. As I left the airport though, I was surprised with the emotions and tears that just welled up inside of me. She is my favorite Buddy and partner for life. How I love her!
So now it’s back to just Jesus and I. In some ways I’d like to head back home now. But I know I still have some key meetings and a few more divine appointments to encounter. But right now, I am sitting at an RV Service Maintenance Shop. Yes Murphy’s Law, there’s a little mechanical problem with the generator on the RV. I got squeezed in at 1400, just before the repair generator guy (there’s only one) was about to finish his day. Pray that I am out of here within 2 hours and it’s not too expensive. RV Canada should reimburse me anyways for this repair.
Then it’s off to see an old connection / friend I used to know at Brentwood Baptist Church who now pastors in Viera Florida.
Well till tomorrow …
You are on the home stretch Rick. We are all proud of your obedience and faith. see you soon, michele
ReplyDeleteThanks Michele - well just a little bit more than one week to go. Still lots of things to do and key meetings to have. But I am getting anxious to be back on the home front! Thanks for your encouragement!
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