Jimmy finally got a break from Sysco, so we decided to pack the car and visit Briana. She lives in Boone and didn't come home when the others were here for spring break. The crowd that visited for spring break left a ton of stuff so we decided to add Lynchburg to the visitation list so we could drop their things off. As we were getting everything together, Jo called and said her car was dead in the church parking lot, so now we add Charleston to the list of places that we will drive to. Of course, it isn't the places we are going to see, it is the people. It seems as though, pieces of my heart can be found along the east coast.
First stop was Boone, NC. Briana took us to the Billy Graham Museum. What impressed me most about this museum was not that it was a monument to a man, but the cross. The focus is what the cross represents; transformation. Billy Graham was used by God through many very painful events in our history. He spoke to many world leaders. He spoke to crowds in several foreign countries. His message remained the same: lives are changed at the foot of the cross.
Briana works for Samaritan's Purse and arranged a tour for us. What a remarkable ministry. It is amazing what God can do with mortals when they are willing to be used. Everything done by this ministry reflects the activity of the Good Samaritan in the Bible. He used his own resources to meet the needs of a man that could give him nothing. This is God's love. When these people see God's love in their time of desperation, they often receive His gift of salvation. I am so grateful that Briana has the opportunity to work with this team of incredible people.
Our next stop was Lynchburg. This is place is, for lack of a better word, AWESOME. Like Billy Graham, Jerry Falwell has been used of God to share the gospel with scores of people. When ever he spoke, he boldly shared the Gospel. Also like Billy Graham's ministry, Jerry's torch has passed to his sons who are continuing in their fathers' footsteps. It is so incredible to see so many young people in love with God. It is beautiful to see how Andrea's dreams and desires have changed during her time here. We have met a great group of young people that we love dearly. Our prayer list is longer and our lives are richer.
Now we are on the road to Charleston, where one year ago I said one of the most painful goodbyes. I put my sweet Joanna on a plane to San Antonio, TX. Our lives were all changed. We are very proud of her.
