After a long sabbatical I will continue the “Chaplains Blog”. Alaska will stay on the archive, and I Hope to share the many new roads ahead with you.

Day 1

I just returned back from my spring work/ministry tour. This year, Orlando was the destination for NCOM. What a great 3000-mile ride. The ministry tour began on Thursday May 6, as I headed from Pensacola to Orlando, a 500-mile ish ride. It was a cool morning and as I passed over the bay I ascended into the clouds, I wanted to take a picture, but the fast traffic on the interstate bridge did not make that possible. It reminded me of a “stairway to heaven”. Later at Tallahassee I left the interstate for an afternoon ride on secondary roads, spectacular! Clearly the best way to see Florida. I rejoiced in the traffic free highways and the sights.

I was approached by a teenager at a gas station to visit about the bike; I left him with a tract, rewarding to pass well wishes and scripture into the hands of the next generation.

The rain had held off all day and the skies opened as I got just 2 blocks from the convention hotel in Orlando.

Day2

Fellowship, and meeting new friends and renewing old relationships were the theme of day 2. We took a little lunch ride, but mainly listened to speakers and others in the ministry express their thoughts. It was a time for listening.

Highlights: It is always good to see Pastor Z, He has been an inspiration and mentor to me these past 7 years. Also good to greet Pastor G and other BFC brothers around the lunch table.

Day 3

A short midday ride to Ormond to see a dear friend. MM, you have been a blessing to my family and me for so many years; it was so good to visit with you. I do so appreciate Ormond; it feels like a 3^rd home in some ways.

Day 4

Ormond to Biloxi. After a wonderful breakfast with MM, I headed out a 9am for Biloxi. Taking back roads back across Florida, was again a treat. It was a great ride and the 500 miles seemed like a much shorter ride!

Day 5

Biloxi to Houston. Oops, came down with a case of gout! Fortunately, a biker with a limp is ordinary and almost transparent to the casual observer. Made in fine and went directly to the painkillers. Unfortunately I had to cut my trip short and change some work plans, to get home to see the DR. Still the 3,000 mile was so special this year!

Highlights: Ormond by the Sea, Biloxi-Gulfport, Nassau Bay