On Saturday night I had the privilege to speak at a youth rally at the Marion Avenue Baptist Church in Washington, Iowa. Pastor Larry Brown and Youth Pastor Joseph Brown host a basketball/volleyball tournament there every year that is attended by dozens of church and school groups from all over Iowa and neighboring states.

I enjoyed watching the young people compete during the day, and I had the opportunity to meet many of the teens, sponsors and coaches as well. I was impressed with the number of people gathered for this event, and I was impressed by how gracious everyone was.

There were hundreds of teens present for the rally and the church auditorium was packed out. There were extra chairs set up and folks in the hallway who could not get in. There was a great spirit in the service and many good decisions during the invitation time.

On Sunday morning, I was with Pastor Joe Kobernat at the First Baptist Church of Geneseo, Illinois. Pastor Kobernat asked me to speak in Sunday school to the teens and adults, and also in the morning service. After the service, Pastor & Mrs. Kobernat took me to lunch with their family and our graduates, Joel & Taryn Kobernat, Julie & Jill Kobernat (who are both on staff at the Bay View Baptist Church in Washington, Illinois), Pat & Sarah Palomo and Trevor & Sharon VanLoo. We enjoyed some great food at a Victorian restaurant and a wonderful time of fellowship together. After lunch, I saw the beautiful ten-acre lot where their new church building will soon be built.

On Sunday night, I was with Pastor Keith Thibo at the Bayview Baptist Church in Washington, Illinois. We had a great crowd, good decisions and I felt great liberty in preaching.

As we toured the building before the service, Pastor Thibo showed me an area they call the “Grace Place” lined with pictures of young people who have grown up in their ministry and are serving the Lord full-time. My heart was stirred as I saw how many of these folks also are Golden State Baptist College graduates.

This was my first time to be in each of these churches. I was amazed at the unique beauty of each of these church buildings, I was pleased by the warm welcome I received in each church and I gained a newfound appreciation for the ministries of each of these pastors who have been friends of our ministry for many, many years.