The class is given to civil servants from Lausanne as part of their ongoing training. The gentleman who gives the class, Mr. O, has taught it over 200 times and asked me if I wanted to attend (with the intention that, one day, I would teach it). Why not? Free class, a chance to improve, and outside input would be helpful, right?

Now, let me repeat: I am not a novice at this. Why? I have a degree. Before graduating from ACU with my degree in New Testament, I got to preach, count it, ONE TIME. Let me clarify: I had led a few devos in Fresno; I gave a few Wednesday night talks; I "shared" while with on Western States’ Outreach… But the ONLY time I preached was during a preaching class (I think its title was Preaching 301) and the Professor’s comment was: "I cannot imagine you preaching that same sermon in front of 1500 people at Highland." He was right. Highland never hired me, and I never got to preach that sermon in front of 1500 people. In fact, I never preached it again. I had written it for my fellow preaching students, all 13 of them. But, come to think of it, I think I used a theme I had heard at Highland (where I was one of 1500 people).

We had a wonderful visit with the children of some schoolmates from ACU days. I haven’t seen the Powell’s (parents) for many years, but Wife has been able to hook up with them on her infrequent visits to Abilene. We got a Sunday morning email from our “old” friends telling us the boys were traveling in Switzerland and would it be okay for them to drop by. OF COURSE! The only thing that wouldn’t have been okay is if they had come through without stopping (which does happen, from time to time…)

Wife and I both back-to-the-futured as one of the sons is exactly like his dad some 27 years ago (different hair, same size, face and voice…). Their visit reminded me how important those Abilene friendships were in helping me find my way in life.