Area: Hoquiam, Aberdeen, Central Park, Montesano, Satsop, Elma, McCleary, Olympia…Washington.

Weather: Cool and rainy with random windows of sun.

My ongoing journey through local communities from Hoquiam to Olympia, WA gave me great opportunity to meet over 40 pastors of diverse denominational background while knocking on more than 60 churches last week to see what is happening in people's daily world. I was invited to a pastor’s gathering and to play golf with them the following Monday on the 18th. Good thing it was a scramble…I’ve only played golf twice in my life. Yet, it was an extended chance to get to know the men on a deeper level in a more relaxed setting. They were inviting, accepting, genuine, and kind. Thanks guys! On another note, I was honored to speak in two separate venues this last week as well with opportunity to distribute my book Author unknown.

As I made my way through the sleepy communities, I found them to bombarded by common threads of teenage struggle, addictions, fragmented families, and economic downturn. Though I met many genuine leaders and people-at-large…the toll extracted by the above traumas was visible and added burden to those who care about people’s lives. Sitting with pastor after pastor in different settings…I was privileged to hear their hearts, get a snapshot of their visions, input when asked, and to pray for their strengthening and victory. Obviously, the pathway God sends me to travel through America’s church fabric affords me a unique vantage point few rarely have opportunity to gain. It is my hope that those things I glean will be allowed to penetrate and bring life to the church at large represented by everyday lives each day.

On Friday the 15th, the sun came out and granted me opportunity to make my way to Ocean Shores, WA where I ended my first walk standing in the surf on August 17, 2002 after completing the trek in Washington, DC. It was a prayerful time to re-visit where I'd been and to ask God questions about where I am going. I pondered all upon the beach, stopped into the same restaurant to get a bowl of clam chowder, and made my way back to my RV.

Please pray that God will continue to lead, empower, and protect me with all I need to get the job done. Until later, keep your eyes on the things that matter as those things which are not fall away. People remain more valuable than possessions… Blessings until then…

Greg

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