Next Stop: Florida

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Preaching alongside the Cantonese translator at the Chinese Bible Church of Oak Park.

We are now halfway through our final big trip of the year. When we left on Thursday, we had four major events in front of us:

KBM Open House – Saturday
Chinese Bible Church of Oak Park– Sunday
Word of Life Bible Institute – Monday-Friday
Visiting friends in Columbus, OH – Saturday-Monday

In terms of days we’re not yet at the halfway point our trip, but the first two big events are done and both turned out to be amazing. Around 150 people showed up for the Open House at Concordia University for the Open House. We had a great time connecting with many friends, including some we hadn’t seen for a few years. We shared what God is doing and gave away several books for the folks to use as ministry tools. I’m going to post pictures as soon as I can.

Then yesterday morning we joined with a most memorable centennial celebration at the Chinese Bible Church of Oak Park. It was the first time I have ever spoken for a service like that. The church started an an English-language outreach to Chinese laundry workers in 1908. From a tiny beginning the church has grown to several hundred people and now houses three congregations–Cantonese, Mandarin and English. We have many dear friends in the congregation, including Pastor Emeritus Timothy Fung and his wife Beatrice. Pastor Fung serves on the KBM Board of Reference. I also was glad to see Pastor Raj and Pastor Man and the man who will be candidating to become the pastor for the Mandarin congregation. I believe this dynamic Chinese congregation has a very bright future because they are building on a strong biblical base. Marlene has some video of me preaching alongside the Mandarin interpreter. Hopefully we can post a bit of it on YouTube.

This morning we’re up early because we have to return our rental car and then check in at Midway Airport for our flight to Tampa. Tomorrow morning I give my first three lectures on Daniel at Word of Life Bible Institute in Hudson, FL. I’ve been teaching Galatians for years at the Word of Life Bible Institute in New York, but this is my first time to teach Daniel and the first time I’ve taught at the BI in Florida in about ten years. Given all that is happening in the world, this is a good time to take a close look at Daniel’s prophecies concerning the Last Days.

And a special thanks to Dave and Lynette Hoy who welcomed us into their home by allowing us to stay in the “Pritchard Suite” once again. This is our “home away from home” when we come to Chicago. They always take such good care of us when we’re in town. Thanks, Dave and Lynette!