Happy Birthday Crystal! I am not good at surprises. But I did a pretty good job this weekend. I sent from my niece Harriette, who is very close to Crystal, to visit for the weekend while I am away. I think it is the best birthday gift I have ever given Crystal. I am writing this post from Chicago. I filled in this Sunday for my friend, Romell Williams, at the Lilydale Progressive Baptist Church, as he is recovering from surgery. Romell has bailed me out on many occasions. It was a privilege to return the favor. Romell and his...

I am writing this post from Antigua & Barbuda. Crystal and I arrived Friday evening. I am here to speak for the East Caribbean Baptist Mission led by Dr. Hensworth W.C. Jonas. Dr. Jonas is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, where he has served for 26 years. Under his leadership, the congregation has planted several affiliated churches across the island. It was what we would call “one church in multiple locations.” Central is also the home of one of the leading schools on the island, which is also led by Dr. Jonas. I am here to speak for their...

I am writing these words from London, where it is Monday morning. When I finish typing this post, I will help to the airport for my flight home. I had a great day of worship with the Loughborough Baptist Church in Loughborough. The city is about an hour’s train ride outside of London. Saturday evening, I stayed with Michael and Katie in their home. Michael is the secretary for the church. Michael and Katie were wonderful hosts. They have been married for 47 years, having met at a Christian youth camp. I enjoyed the conversation. Michael and Katie were shocked...

I am writing this post from London. The Proclaimer’s Place preaching conference in Oxford ended yesterday. Part of the conference this year a festival of African-American preaching, in which preachers from the conference have been assigned to preach in local Baptist churches in the area. It will be my privilege to preach in the morning at the Loughborough Baptist Church in Loughborough, where Michael Tebbatt is the pastor. It is about 150 miles away from where I am presently. So I will be taking the train there soon to preach in the morning. Please remember me in prayer as I...

The E.K. Bailey International Conference of Expository Preaching is taking place this week in Dallas (July 11-14). It is a great week of study, fellowship, and good preaching! The conference is named after its founder, the late Dr. E.K. Bailey, founding pastor of the Concord Church in Dallas. Dr. Bailey was a noted African-American expositor. And God used his ministry and this conference to introduce many to the principles, tools, and disciplines needed to preach what the text means by what it says. I was drawn to expository preaching by divine conspiracy. I was hearing preachers, reading books, and having...

I am in Oklahoma City. I am preaching for Pastor John A. Reed, Jr. and the Fairview Baptist Church. Dr. Reed and my father were great, longtime friends. And my father preached this meeting for some years. I remember my dad preaching three times on Easter Sunday morning and then we would change clothes and hit the road. He would drive to Oklahoma City and we would arrive in time for him to preach Monday night. When my father passed, “Uncle John” became “Pop” to me. I was invited to preach this meeting the year after my father’s death. And...