Remember when video phone conferencing was just a dream of the future?  Today we "Skyped" with our youngest daughter, Allison, who is studying in Vienna, Austria.  It was so amazing to be able to hear and see her as she tilted her computer camera to share the view of Vienna from her room.  How amazing!  And to think that the service is free?!  Thanks to Jim Shoenard, who set up Skype on my Mac for such video conferencing.  I saw this technology in action earlier this year in the home of Mike & Rebecca Shepherd while visiting Brisbane, Australia.

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Speaking of technology, I added an application to my iPhone called "Shazaam."  If you point the phone's microphone toward the music you are listening to (example - toward the speakers in a restaurant), in a very short time, it can "name that tune" for you.  Isn't that amazing? And to think that the application is free?!

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Anthony told us that Acappella's concert in Berrien Springs, Michigan this past weekend was amazing.  He reported how the guys signed autographs for one hour after the concert!  Anthony passed on a testimony from one of the concert attendees who spoke of leaving the Lord during a dark period of his life; yet, he attributed his eventual, positive turn-around to the influence of Acappella's music.  I never tire of hearing these kinds of testimonies.  I wish we had documented all of them.  The ministry of Acappella continues!

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We're already booking dates in 2010 for Praise & Harmony workshops.  We still have dates available in 2009, but it feels good to be booking over two years out. 

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This period of time is unusually busy.  I haven't taken a day off in almost three weeks, but the projects are all very rewarding and ministry-focused.  In the midst of the busyness, it's comforting to think about the special trips ahead.  It was also an unbelievable treat to experience the hospitality we enjoyed in Morgantown this past weekend.  Let me back up . . . After going to mission churches overseas and moving from church to church regularly, I was pondering how our travels mimic Paul's missionary journey model in some ways.  It's a very biblical model - traveling from church to church.

However, while staying in Morgantown, I realized that the apostle Paul never had it so good.  These fine folks put us up in the finest hotel in town, as we stayed on the 11th floor (having to use our key in the elevator to access that special level.)  Instead of renting a car for us, we were provided a Jaguar for the weekend (my first time in this luxury car).  On the day we arrived, we were treated to a scrumptuous fellowship meal outdoors at sunset with the sweetest Christians.  It was a stunningly beautiful setting - a 200 acre farm, boasting miles and miles of scenic, rolling-hill views.  I jokingly said, "Life is hard."

The worship and singing was intensive and a demonstratively moving experience as all ages offered their best in the assembly.  Later this week, I'll post more photos from this special visit with the Morgantown church.

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I began this post on the topic of technology and will conclude with a mention of my brand new Facebook page.  I guess I'm late to the party?  After receiving an invitation to join alumni of Williamstown Bible College by getting set up on Facebook, I quickly found out first-hand just how many friends and acquaintances are already avid Facebook networkers.  As they say, "Better late than never."  Check out the right column and you'll see my badge to Facebook.  And to think that the service is free?!