Anthony,

When I found out about you, I didn’t believe it. I had to do at least two laps around the church (I was walking of course, at 26 I am not where I use to be physically) in order to, well I don’t know. It only took one person to ask me what was wrong and I lost it.

Anthony, you were loved. You were a good man, close friend and a brother. I shared a lot with you and grew closer to you over the years, and your family. All of you will always have a special place in my heart, always. There is never any way that we can be prepared to deal with death. Praise God for supplying our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Who is able to deliver us from death and remove its sting. He is the ONLY way that I have remained steadfast to pray for your family. I truly do not know what I would have done without the foundation of Christ Jesus after losing you brother.

I remember conversations we would have over the phone while I lived in Hawaii. The loss of your father, Mark. Where your mind was, who Jesus is, who your father was. They still echo in my mind today Anthony, your voice is all that’s left, and pictures. I miss my friend and haven’t spoken about you, until now. I loved you man! I cared for you and fought a lot of battles with you (in your corner of course!) and now I remain here to fight battles with your family from afar. I will always be here for your mother, Liz and Ethan. This will never change Anthony. I can pray, talk, counsel, listen, whatever your family needs. I am family. I will relay this message to your son, Mark and your wife, Mandy. They are family, you were family. I am in it together with them brother, to encourage and fight, together, not as islands.

I feel compelled to share this: John 11:35 “Jesus wept.”

The context of this verse is He (Jesus) was lamenting over the tyranny and destruction sin has caused in every individual on earth that has been and ever will be born. (specifically in John 11, Jesus’ friend Lazarus has died) You see, we will all someday die. How, when, where, who can ever be certain? The one thing we can, however, know for certain is that we have access to eternal security and freedom from sins destruction available only in Jesus, period. There are a number of different ways to deal with the loss of a loved one, I can guarantee Jesus is the only One that permanently removes deaths sting. I love you Anthony. I love your family.

I am sorry I was not able to come to your memorial. My prayers to the Lord Jesus are with your family.

1 Corinthians 15:54-57

When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

In the nearby town of Corinth we ate breakfast at Abe’s grill.

This place was the only one of it’s kind. I have never seen anything like it in all my travels. The breakfast there was a heartache on a plate, delicious. Carl was so stoked to eat there that he even bought a shirt, HA!

I am really going to miss the sweet tea down here, but more so the people. I am on the flight now from Memphis to Salt Lake City and I am recounting all the amazing things that Jesus accomplished on this outreach to Annandale, Kentucky and finished in Corinth. Amazing time! I was so blessed to hang out with Carl and learn from him. In addition: the people that Jesus has placed in my path along the way. I anticipate traveling back and volunteering at the end of September with Answers in Genesis. (20-Oct 1) It will be a great time of learning and serving. I will also attend the Answers for pastors conference as well. (21-23)

I DIGRESS: Let’s get back to the story at hand. I traveled with pastor Dyer and Carl to a nearby school where Carl was able to speak to both the middle school and high school classes.

The presentations went well. There was all but 11 students that were in the middle school presentation and a lot of great questions afterward. It was awesome to actually see the kids ask the questions that we know everyone has. The second talk to the high schools had an even better turn out, but no questions. They were tuned in though, paying close attention the real facts about our supposed ancestor ‘Lucy’.

After the school we headed off to the church to say our ‘goodbyes’ and then out to one last bite to eat with pastor Dyer. Afterwards, Carl and I hit the road back to Memphis and were able to have some good biblical discussion on the way there. I’ll miss being on the road with him, he’s a good man, used mightily of Jesus to proclaim His truth to the multitudes.

I can’t leave out what happened late last night after the talks at the church. I went back home with David and when we were home he gave me a new study bible. (ESV, leather-bound) This thing is amazing and completely an gift from Jesus confirming to me that He knows EVERY desire of our heart, even the ones we only think about and never ask for. I’ll explain: I have desired a study bible. The same translation that David gave me last night. It is fully loaded, I will show it to you if you want to see it! Why do I get so excited about God’s word? BECAUSE IT’S HIS WORD! Who wouldn’t get excited to read what the Creator of the universe has to say to you. A love letter from Genesis to Revelation. Jesus’ redemptive plan for mankind. The greatest love we will ever know was realized in Jesus on the cross, reconciling us to the Holy and Righteous Creator God who knit every one of us in our mother’s womb, whether you believe that or not. It’s the truth because He said it. We are fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God. We are the only creation of God that is fully capable of speaking to Him, hearing from Him and giving Him glory. (This doesn’t mean that He isn’t seen in His creation, because the creation shows the divine attributes of Jesus, so we are without excuse).

You know, sometimes I go off on Rabbit trails when I am writing. It is all for good reason though, at least in some way shape or form the Gospel message is being preached. I am very passionate when I speak about Jesus because I know the wonders’ and miracles He has worked in my own life. I desire for everyone to share in the joy that I have in Christ. It is available to all. While I we were yet sinners, Jesus died for the ungodly (that is you and I). I have to admit I don’t always want to share the gospel face to face with someone. We’ve made it socially awkward. I submit to you, if this message is truth (that if someone doesn’t repent and receive Jesus as their personal Savior they are going to a hell prepared for Satan and his fallen angels) we should be compelled to preach this good news in every circumstance, no matter what they are. In season and out. If we know beyond a SHADOW OF A DOUBT that this message that Jesus preached and died for is the truth, this truth will move us into action by what we know for certain. There will be NO fear of preaching the gospel to anyone. As a result then; when we don’t we have done what Jesus has commanded us not to do, FEAR MAN. We are commanded to fear God, alone. I confess to you: I still have a fear of man. I am praying through this fear.

I began to share the conversation I had with Tammy and David last night after church and ended up giving you a sermon.

I DIGRESS: I was able to share my testimony with them last night. I was asked to share. Ask me about Jesus, and what He has done in my life. I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. We talked for well over an hour and had great theological/biblical discussions. David and I ended the night in prayer and it was a great encouragement to hear all that he had been through and how Jesus had been ‘literally’ his rock for a very hard period in his life. I love the people that Jesus brought into my life while I was on the road. It was a great blessing and I have no doubt that a lot was accomplished for the Kingdom both now and for eternity.

I will miss the Ray’s, a lot. I will miss pastor Dirk and I will miss Carl. I will see him again soon but I don’t know the next time I will see pastor Dirk or the Ray’s (or if ever again while here on earth). I know most assuredly that if it is not while I am alive here it will be when we are made anew again in the Kingdom of Jesus Christ our Lord.

This sums up the entire trip. It was an amazing victory for Jesus. It came with it’s equal share of blessings and hardships. This is life, and we learn to get through those times of tribulation completely dependent upon the word of Jesus. He is our comfort, encouragement and Rock. When the storms in life come if your house is built upon the Rock (Jesus words of truth) you will withstand the storm. In stark contrast however, if you house is built upon the sand of the world your house will certainly collapse in times of calamity.

The best part about how this trip ended was when I was able to see the most beautiful woman on the planet earth standing at the baggage claim waiting to pick me up, Jamie Elise. I have never been happier. Thank you Lord for her in my life and thank you that you are constant and always remain faithful no matter how much I may fall your grace is sufficient.

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you and have mercy on some who doubt.

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Matthew 7:24-29

Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash. When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.

After going through the creation museum (again) I had a meeting with volunteer coordinators at Answers in Genesis to plan for my upcoming week long of volunteering in Kentucky. I also had a bit of time to speak with Dr. David Menton and meet a few more of the speakers that morning in a prayer session to start the day off. I will be in Kentucky again in another month volunteering at the creation museum and also attending an ‘answers conference for pastors’ this will be Sept 20-30 all together. After all these meetings and more walk throughs of the museum I was contacted by Carl’s son, Carl Jr. He asked me if I wanted to volunteer my time to raise money for his school, Grace Academy, here in Kentucky. I said ‘yes’. For those of you that were so shocked when I told you I was selling hotdogs at the Bengals game, there is your explanation.

I was able to work with a married couple, Steven and Jamie. I laughed because of their names…my name is Steven my beautiful girlfriends name is Jamie. (I miss you baby…!) Anyway, I was there until nearly 1 am and had to catch a flight the next morning at 7:35 am, and we were leaving the house at 5:45 am…I am still paying for the late night two days later.

We arrived at the airport that morning and made it through security with no problems. They did however throw away my toothpaste again. This is getting annoying. I always forget the toothpaste in my bag. We were able to board the flight and the duration was only an hour and maybe some change. We landed in Memphis and acquired a rental car (a Jeep) and we were off for Corinth, MS.

When we arrived here I was able to crash for a bit on the couch in the hotel room, but only was out for an hour. After I woke up I received a lesson in ironing my clothes because I looked like someone rolled me up and threw me into a tumbler. It was bad. Before all this though I was able to have an amazing conversation with my girl about everything that was going on for the duration of this trip. (it really seems as if I have been gone for a longer time than 10 days) It’s been a real blessing to be able to glean and learn from Carl while on the road with him, but most importantly getting to know him and his passion for Jesus and defending the Scriptures as Jesus’ word. We have had a lot of great conversations and good Dr. Mario games as well. He’s introduced me to a treasure trove of people and provided me with a better understanding of how to defend against specific attacks on Christianity and Jesus’ word today. Thanks for everything brother, you’re awesome!

I very much hope these travels are able to continue, and if the funding comes in they will. I am glad I am going to be able also to work with Answers in Genesis as a volunteer and get to know more of the people there on a more personal basis.

The Oakland baptist church here in Corinth is huge. Very nice building and filled with great people who love Jesus and are hungry for the truth of God’s word to be exposed to them even more. I love seeing people learn new truths from the bible, even after you have read something over and over it always seems Jesus can teach you something new from that text even after you think you couldn’t have learned any more from it. This is Jesus’ word and why it’s so amazing to read and digest. For this reason, and the more important and better reason, you are able to meet the Creator face to face.

I think the best part though about all the traveling is the people you meet. I am staying now with a family here in Mississippi, they are the Ray’s. Incredibly amazing people. Humble and kind-hearted. Their son, Aaron gave up his room for me to stay in, a nice queen size bed with my own bath. I have been so blessed on these travels, by the people. The family has five members that I would ask all of you to pray for. David, Tammy (the parents) and Aaron (the oldest son), Will and Devin (both foster children). They live on 65 acres of amazing land here in the south. Sheep, cows, a llama. HA! I have felt like one of the family. I get rebuked whenever I try and pull my wallet out to buy food for myself…they are truly taking care of me as a guest in and outside of their home. Showing me love. I have loved the boys in the car rides and at the dinner and breakfast tables. It makes me want to have boys of my own…

This family has blessed me in so many ways. I have needed this encouragement, and Jesus knew that.

I have one more night here and Carl has two more talks tonight. Tomorrow is a big day, but I will keep you in suspense until tomorrow night when I write the blog concluded all the travels. I hope this has helped to update all of you more on what has been happening here on the road. Know that Jesus is good and He hears when you call out to Him.

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.

Galatians 6:10