Snow Storms, Freezing Rain and Icy Roads but Not in Germany
Amazing but true… It wasn’t until I arrived in the U.S. that I really saw winter weather this year. Briefly, here is how the trip has gone so far.
Thursday, 14 February / Dusseldorf, Germany to Phoenix, Arizona
Despite adding an extra two hours of travel time to the airport, I nearly missed my flight because of traffic jams on the autobahn. I made it through security quickly, which was only by God’s grace, considering the amount of electronics in my backpack, then on to passport control and to the departure gate just in time to board my flight to Phoenix via London’s Heathrow airport.
Friday, 15 February / Flagstaff, Arizona
Met with Pastor Mike Tenpenny and eight others from Lamb of God Bible Church. I met Pastor Mike and the others when they traveled to Zurich, Switzerland last December to participate in the Faithful Men’s Commissioning at Power House Church. On the way to Flagstaff, we ran into an incredible local snow storm and traffic jam, which brought traffic to a standstill for nearly an hour. At one point, I really thought I wouldn't make it to Flagstaff. But everything cleared up and I made it in time.
Saturday, 16 February / Flagstaff
Attended the LOGBC Men’s meeting and also met Franklin Santagate who shared about Market Place Ministry. A topic and a form of outreach to the public that is close to my heart.
Sunday, 17 February / Flagstaff
Attended LOGBC church service and spent the weekend with close friends.
Monday, 18 February / Travel from Flagstaff to Phoenix
Back to Phoenix to get ready to fly out to Tulsa early the next day.
Tuesday, 19 February / Phoenix to Tulsa, Oklahoma
Caught an early flight out from Phoenix to Tulsa. Attended my 20th Anniversary Home Coming for Rhema Bible Training Center and the Winter Bible Seminar. Renewed some old friendships and made some new ones as I attended the Missionaries Luncheon and my Home Coming luncheon. Took the opportunity to share the Kids’ Prayer program with many.
Thursday, 20 February / Tulsa to Independence, Missouri
It’s the last day in Tulsa and I woke up to an ice covered car, the results of an ice and snow storm that passed through the area the night before. Flew out late in the afternoon to Independence, Missouri to stay with Pastor Tim and Wendy Vogel of Independence Four Square Church. The same cold front that hit Tulsa, shut down Kansas City highways earlier in the day. Walked off the plane and into 9 degree (F) temps, wind, ice, slush and snow. Very glad for a last minute decision to bring my boots and heavy down parka jacket.
Sunday, 24 February / Independence
Had the opportunity to share the Kids’ Prayer Program and my new First Step Ministries promo DVD with the church. A special thanks to Spencer Fry for his help in putting the DVD together.
Monday, 25 February / Independence
Will spend the day at Mike Bickle’s, International House of Prayer in Kansas City, Missouri. IHOP has 24/7 Praise & Worship in their auditorium. This has become an annual blessing to be able to take the time to spend the day in this incredible atmosphere of prayer, praise and worship.
Tuesday, 26 February / Kansas City to Tampa Bay, Florida
I am looking forward to spending some time with my youngest son William, his wife Stephanie and my new grand baby Bradley Scott Blakeslee. This will be the first time for me to see Bradley in person. Really looking forward to spending some quality time with them.
More to come as the trip progresses.
Blessings,
Lawrence
