After Graduation at BJU we took off for the 270 mile trek to Ft. Benning. We arrived just a while ago about 1:30 AM. It’s Beautiful here at the Uchee Campground, but then again it’s also dark!

Mattaniah (his wife Allisha) and Miranda as graduates with their Master’s from BJU. What a day! What an honor! Thanks to God’s provision, hard work and determination, they graduate debt-free. They will join our Team this Summer.

When your frig is bare, your gas tank is empty, your garden isn’t producing and your barn is quiet, don’t give up hope. Take courage from Habakkuk 3:17-18, “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.”

Your phone can be the tool to increase your faith. During my morning walk I can usually listen to 7-12 chapters of Scripture. I personally use a free App called YouVersion for its simplicity and features. Often I hear the Word twice by repeating (“preaching”) the words out loud like a mimic. Sometimes I stop the recording and read or study a word “on the hoof.” What refreshment! Then I usually return home and read the portions that grabbed me.

The value of ingesting large portions of Scripture far exceeds any AYCE buffet. No calories but increased energy, purpose, understanding and hopefully wisdom. His “word will not return void.” For your morning commute, your shopping, exercise or leisure, just download, click and grow your faith today.

Here’s a “God thing” from yesterday concerning our ministry and our oldest son, Micah, who is currently enlisted in the Army and stationed at Ft. Benning, GA.

Between Revival Meetings in FL we did a concert in early March near Tampa for a large group of Sr. citizens. When we mentioned our son in the Army, the asst. pastor recommended a Chaplain at Ft. Benning we should contact. We found out (through the 5 min. call we get about every 2-3 weeks) that Micah attends the chapels and a Thursday night Bible study taught by this very chaplain. We sent a Facebook message to the Chaplain thanking him for his spiritual input in our son’s life and mentioned we would love to meet him when we came down (after the graduation (Masters) of 2 of our kids at BJU on May 4) for Soldier Family Day (a one-time 36 hour window for parent/soldier interaction in 14 weeks) May 5-6.

Chaplain Ingram somehow cross-referenced our website and asked me to call him. After securing clearances, yesterday he confirmed connections and asked us to minister in music and testimony next Sunday for 3 Chapels (1,100 soldiers) at the Fort (Sand Hill Soldiers Chapel). Though I won’t be “preaching,” you can be sure we’ll find a way to weave the gospel into our package. We consider this a God-ordained opportunity to impact these young soldiers and proclaim Christ. Thanks for your prayers.

Randy Merrill
Romans 15:32

For Malchijah’s 14th Birthday we were able to catch a Civil War re-enactment in a field near Anderson, SC. That’s where he met “Jefferson Davis.” (see picture). We were prepared for men riding horses, shooting guns and cannons. We expected the hand-to-hand battles and the cavalry sword fights. We were even braced to watch people demonstrate what some called “selective dying” due to the ant hills on the field! But we were not ready for the virulent opposition and hateful words about “Wicked Lincoln” and other Union officers which spewed out of twisted mouths like it happened yesterday. During one battle encounter, when a Confederate soldier shot a Union infantryman at close range and he went down, the older lady next to me shouted, “Shoot him again! Make sure he’s dead!”

Interestingly, the re-enactors were all Confederates but some had to play Union to make the event work. It was pretty obvious though. Before the battle we visited both camps (flanked by SUVs and utility trailers). They were both flying the Rebel Southern Cross.

Though born a southerner in NC, just for fun(!), when I saw the Union soldiers advance in front of us I cheered, “Go Blue!” The sudden head turns and icy stares from the onlookers nearby made it clear that it wasn’t funny here. When the battle was over, we departed in a hurry (actually to avoid the long lines at the homemade peach ice cream stand.) Fortunately we escaped with no bullet holes in our trailer (only a few displaced items inside from the pasture ruts) as we left.

We sure enjoyed the blacksmith’s work, the cloth shops and the painted lead soldier displays. No doubt, the event gave us all a greater appreciation for the men who fight for freedom today. I’d recommend a re-enactment near you to any father who wants to teach a powerful lesson to his son on the value of sacrifice and hardship. You might give some instruction in advance though on what to say and what not to say!

Gratefully, that war is over! However, the greater battle remains! Oh, it’s not the blue and the gray, not the presidential election, not the war on terror and not the economic battle that looms largest. Frankly, it’s still about secession, rights and slavery from the Devil’s point of view, but have you heard about the outcome? Read the Book. The battle is the Lord’s.  Victory awaits! I’m standing with Him! On which side do you stand?

Mattaniah, our son, is right now performing his last time with the BJU Concert chorale. Though we could not be there we are able to see it online live. WOW! The chorale alone is amazing, then add some of the best brass musicians (many of them my former cohorts) and bells and …. Tune in now!

We had a superb Spirit Week at Temple Baptist Academy in Anderson, SC, under the direction of Principal Stacey Griffis. During our 8 sessions we utilized preaching, Bible stories, drama, songs, quizzing and personal interaction highlighting this year’s theme verse, 1 Tim. 4:12. “Let Me Give U an Example!” became the buzz. At lunch, recess and in the halls I heard kids telling their friends. It is our prayer that they’ll remember it the rest of their lives.

Dressing up like the daily themes provided lots of laughs: Monday – Western Day; Tuesday – Patriotic; Wednesday – Twins Day; Thursday – Elderly Persons Day. All good wholesome fun. Grandma Merrill played right along and the students loved it. For Field Day on Friday, besides the student body, faculty and staff, many parents came. Probably over 200 people participated. Wet and dry students displayed great teamwork and spirit.

Wednesday evening over 350 participated in the ministry opportunities at the church. Pastor Pearson asked us to minister in song and preach in the church. It’s obvious that the people are accustomed to good strong preaching. They were very gracious to our Team. We look forward to hearing the good news of God’s continued work in the lives of those He allowed us to touch at Temple this week. Your prayers are making a difference.

Miranda read about this item. “Parachute for sale. Used only once. Never opened. Small stain!”

We’re praying for our oldest son, Micah (#423), who enlisted in the  Army and is doing boot camp at Ft. Benning, GA. Today he starts markmanship training and will eventually be jumping out of airplanes: hopefully with a stainless parachute. Part of his training will be done at the Parachute Tower. We saw a model at the Warner Robins Air Force Base Museum last week. (A great free, historical place for a family day.) From his letters, Micah seems to be faring excellently. We appreciate your prayers on his behalf for physical stamina, spiritual growth, good leadership, wise friends, strong mind, and safety.

Hello! Is there any one out there that’s not having a birthday this year?

Our daughter-in-love, Allisha, joined this year’s birthday celebrities today. Her big fellow, Niah, planned a fun celebration this week at Falls Park. The table decor and meal were monochromatic — all yellow (the fabulous menu consisted of chicken stuffed crescents, summer squash, corn salad, pineapple jello, lemonade, Mello-Yello and lemon pound cake.) The food was golden delicious! Among the fun gifts were Jello, tickets to Othello, a new Pillow, some banana-shaped Marsh-”Mellows,” and a beautiful Cello! It was discovered that Allisha’s been dreaming about playing this instrument for a long time, and again the Lord miraculously supplied through some dear friends with big hearts. We can’t wait to hear her first concert…hopefully before her next birthday (which may have a little less rhyme or reason!)

We had a wonderful time ministering in song and message to about 50 folks at Greenville Place in both the Assisted Living Center and the Memory Care Center (for Alzheimer’s patients).

When I spoke to one of the patients in the front row at the Memory Care Center, I asked if she had had a good day. Her response has had us all laughing ever since. She said, “I did until you came in!”

As my father used to say, “Some people are a blessing wherever they go and some are a blessing when they go!” You and I will never meet everyone’s needs but Christ surely can. That’s why we keep telling people about Him. You keep it up too.

Dr. Robert (Bob) and Marcella Rhodes have served the Lord faithfully for many years. I had the tremendous privilege of being his assistant at Calvary Baptist in Roseville in the late 80′s. As a tribute to both of them, Ken and Lauri Coppins-Bayless held a reunion of the “old Calvary” folks in the upstate South Carolina region. It was a beautiful occasion. We saw young people (now grown and married) who were in our youth group, instrumental ensembles, school classes, choir and congregation. We connected with lots of friends and caught up on old and new times. Best of all we shared a few moments of joy with the Rhodes.

Dr. Rhodes has recently completed a book called “My Struggle to Freedom,” in which he candidly shares many life-lessons he learned in over 50 years of ministry. In some ways, it’s like “healthy comfort food” for the soul. As you taste it, you’ll be counseled and convicted. You’ll connect with the struggles he faced and gain wisdom from how he overcame them with God’s help. Check it out. You’ll be glad you did.

Reconnecting with mother/daughter combos (I’m using maiden names for the girls) like Sterling and Melody Cushman, Glenna and Beth Detrick and Myra and Charity Grant brought back a lot of memories.

Today will live forever in the minds of one 13 yr. old son and one 50 yr. old father. This was our day. We rose early, cleaned up and had devotions: talking about some important issues guys face from 1 Thess. 4. Then we headed to Osceola Park to view some Spring Training action and the Astros playing the Braves. Within 5 minutes, we retrieved 2 home run baseballs and began getting signatures, including 17 yr. major leaguer, Cesar Cedeno. For lunch we munched on some granola till the rain stopped, then took a “bouncy” helicopter ride over Kissimmee, FL (while taking aerial photos of Jo-Ann Fabrics just to let Tricia know we were thinking about her!)

Next we searched a hundred coupon racks until in a Golf store we located free Go-Kart ride tickets. That was fun — so was the ride, especially since I won! (It’s good for the old man’s ego and the young man’s drive!) Next we enjoyed the sights, dreamed of adventures we’d love to do (a bucket list) and laughed till our sides hurt while heading to Logan’s Roadhouse. This was Chijah’s first time so we sat outside under the Gazebo (rather than waiting a 1/2 hour) eating peanuts and Kickin’ Chickin’ Salads. While holding up the steak knife, Chijah declared, “Man, these knives are so big you’ve probably got to sign a waiver before eating!”

We finished the event with a stroll around the lake at Celebration and a dash through the sprinkler soakers. What a great day! For less than $50 (!) we created a cart load of memories that will outlast us.  As we rode toward the sunset and my sweetheart (who was computing tax forms), we confirmed what we both knew…we’re both very different, but we both love each other very much! The thought of Proverbs 10:1 is true: a wise son makes a glad dad! And with 5 great sons, no one could be “gladder” tonight!

In preparation for our summer VBS ministry, we returned to the inspiring Wycliffe Bible Translators (WBT) headquarters near Orlando, FL. With 6,800 languages in the world, over 2,000 still have no printed Word, primarily because their is no written alphabet. Bible translation has impacted people, governments and cultures world-wide by not only providing Bibles but also establishing ways to communicate beyond oral means.

Driven by the vision of their late founder, Cameron Townsend, the words of Rev. 7:9 and the overwhelming need, Wycliffe’s amazing goal is to have the Bible in print in all “heart languages” by 2025! New technologies and devices* now allow translators in remote areas without electricity to communicate with translation experts and committees in other parts. In the past, consultation and conferencing to aid good translations took months. Now it’s occurring in minutes! Simultaneously God is raising up business men (The Seed Co.) to help sponsor these advances.

My mother, desiring to find more ways to make her senior years count for eternity,  became so excited about the projects that she applied, was accepted and volunteered for several days as a Wycliffe Assistant (WA).

Yes, we are aware of some concerns related to modern-day translations. We are also aware that there are still a lot of people who do not have a Bible they can read. Have you read yours today?

*NOTE: Wycliffe Bible Translators acquired recently satellite technology that cuts translation time to less than one-third, produces more accurate translations of better quality, and functions even in remote areas that don’t have electricity. Wycliffe is using a Broadband Global Area Network satellite terminal, a small device of metal and plastic, which works more efficiently than a home internet connection and can access the internet when attached to a computer, even in remote areas. Wycliffe teams that don’t have computers will be given a complete kit, which includes a BGAN, netbook, solar panel, battery and charge controller, Bob Creson, Wycliffe USA President and CEO, wrote on the organization’s website.

Pastor Randy Ford and the people of Whitney Rd. Baptist in Leesburg, FL got started with a bang (a Gospel Sing) and never looked back. Faithfully they supported the meeting, feasted on the Word, invited their friends and treated us with great hospitality and kindness. The fellowship was genuine and the love abundant. WRBC reminds me of the church the Apostle Paul wrote in Thessalonica. We look forward to sharing the Word together next winter.