We were in Virginia Beach at Regent University last night for a Dallas Seminary alumni gathering. It was good to see Greg Hatteberg again - we first met 20 years ago when he helped me format a resume so prospective churches would see my experience. He is now in charge of the alumni office. I'll post pictures of the gathering as soon as Greg posts them to the alumni web site.

By far the best part of the trip was seeing my mentor, Pastor Wilson. The Wilsons are retired (not slowed down but retired) in Newport News. We had breakfast with them this morning.



Me and Pastor Wilson at Denbigh Baptist Church, which is pastored by his son David.

Pastor Wilson taught me more than I can ever thank him for about pastoral ministry. Every pastor probably has someone like that in their life - a Paul who will say "Don't give up" because he recognizes God's hand in your life - probably well before you realize it. He recognized God's call on my life and helped steer me when I may have appeared rudderless.

Catherine and I used to go to their house for pizza - it looked alot like what kids today call "hanging out". Except he was carefully pouring life lessons God had taught him - being transparent enough that I had no illusions about the glamor of being a pastor - but showing his reliance on God's sufficiency so that I wouldn't shrink from the call.

Mrs. Wilson became one of those "Titus 2" women in Catherine's life. We laugh now because they were all of "over the hill" in their thirties back then : -)



Catherine with Pastor and Mrs. Wilson

She became a model for Catherine's ministry - quietly listening, laughing with and crying with each of us. If we have had any success in touching people's lives (maybe some of you reading this), it is in large part because of these dear friends.