The sons of Barnabas are Cornhuskers!
Last weekend IÂ spoke at a conference at the Omaha Bible Church on the topic of our struggle against sin. They even interviewed me for a radio program, and you can listen to it here. I didn’t know what to expect when I went, but by the time it ended I was wishing I didn’t have to leave. It’s hard to remember a time that I’ve been treated so graciously. They were enthusiastic students of God’s word, and they opened their hearts to me.
I have to mention in particular a group of men who took me to lunch on Sunday before I left. Mike, Michael, John, Matt, and Patrick put on a clinic in encouragement. Almost as soon as we sat down they began to tell me in detail what they appreciated about the conference and what God was teaching them. These men must be related to Barnabas, because they were all sons of encouragement (Acts 4:36).
[...] My delightful experience in Omaha this month left its mark on me, and it continues to percolate in my heart. There was something about the fellowship that we shared and the encouragement that I felt—and it was all the more odd because I had never met these brothers before, and may never see them again on this side of the Jordan. Maybe what we shared was a taste of the reality pointed to by this snippet from Saint-Exupéry: We forget that there is no hope of joy except in human relations. If I summon up those memories that have left me with an enduring savour, if I draw up the balance sheet of the hours in my life that have truly counted, surely I find only those that no wealth could have procured me. [...]
[...] Kris had some kind & encouraging words relative to his trip to Omaha for the church conference. Since those referenced are regular readers/commentors on this site I figured I’d pass it on… “Last weekend I spoke at a conference at the Omaha Bible Church on the topic of our struggle against sin. They even interviewed me for a radio program, and you can listen to it here. I didn’t know what to expect when I went, but by the time it ended I was wishing I didn’t have to leave. It’s hard to remember a time that I’ve been treated so graciously. They were enthusiastic students of God’s word, and they opened their hearts to me. [...]