My wife and I are in the Midwest now! Before I go any further, I simply have to say this, after living the past 3 ½ years in Southeast Asia and now back in the United States for the past 3 ½ weeks, I can honestly say, “America, you have been blessed.” In fact, blessed beyond measure!

Our first stop on this brief trip in the Midwest was at two churches in Michigan. On Sunday morning, we had the privilege to be with Calvary Baptist Church (Pastor LaFave). A young lady (Alexus) who we have known for many years, is now a member of this church. She grew up in the church that my son-in-law Joshua Aquino pastors in Central California. Below you will see a picture of her and her husband, as well as a picture of a nice note she gave us. On Sunday evening, we had the privilege to be with the Bible Baptist Church (Pastor R.G. Tharp). I had the opportunity and privilege not only to present our ministry but to preach.

We then went south to the Homecoming Conference in Hammond, Indiana hosted by the First Baptist Church and our dear friend of many years Pastor John Wilkerson. It was a blessing to see so many friends from the past, to hear great preaching, and to have the opportunity to share our burden for the 10/40 Window during chapel at Hyles-Anderson College. It really was a time of great refreshing for both of us. While at the college, two young men (students at the college) named Goishi and Brett came up to me and told me they had surrendered to serve the Lord full-time when I had preached at their home church. Goishi, who is from Michigan, surrendered to go to Japan as a missionary when I preached a missions message at his church. I also had the privilege to donate 65 copies of the book “Keep the Dream Alive”to the missions students of the college!

The picture above is a picture of the first house that my wife and I lived in after getting married 34 years ago. We lived downstairs. After the trip to Indiana, my wife and I headed back to Michigan once again. We were with my wife’s home church, Metro Baptist in Belleville, Michigan. I had the privilege to preach for them on Wednesday evening, as well as Sunday morning and Sunday evening. Over 40 years ago, my wife, as 12 year old girl, was reached through the bus ministry of MBC.

The pictures above are Pastor Vaprezsan, who started Metro Baptist Church over 40 years ago and continues to pastor it to this day. He is standing next to a man I went to Bible college with over 34 years ago. We had the opportunity to go out soul winning together on Saturday!  Also, above you will find a picture of Mrs. Vaprezsan, my wife, her mother, and Denise’s former Sunday school teacher. She taught Denise over 40 years ago.

PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR SAFE TRAVELS AND A FRUITFUL TRIP IN THE MIDWEST!

Denise and I thank you for your prayers and financial support. We couldn’t do what God is allowing us to do if it weren’t for folks like you and churches like yours. We love you all and thank God for you,

Johnny and Denise