On my way back from Haiti in June, we flew over to the Dominican Republic to drop off a Missionary along with supplies. While leaving the plane we were told to take our bags with us through Customs. It was unusual at this particular airport for our luggage to be scanned, but many times in overseas situations, there are no normal procedures and it really doesn’t have to make sense. Well, of course after scanning, one of our bags was pulled from the belt and set aside for more attention. Go ahead and guess who’s bag it was! Mine, of course! Well, I tried to maintain a good attitude, which is difficult for me in these situations, especially when tired and traveling in a different country. This is one of the reasons I ask for your prayer! I was then directed aside to the bag inspection area and after a thorough search, the man invited a couple more agents over to the table. He then pointed into my bag and said, “this is the problem.” The other agents looked and nodded in agreement. Motioning me over, the officer in charge pointed into my bag directly at my Bible and said, “This is the problem.” I have to admit, my heart did skip a beat and I thought, here we go! I was flushed with a weird sensation and thought to myself, “Is this really happening?” Is the Word of God now the enemy here?

After traveling overseas and going through airport after airport and customs hundreds of times, I have to say, this was a first. I then asked him, “do you mean my Bible?” He responded, “Yes, the Bible is the problem.” Next he pointed to the gold gilding along the pages edge and said, “This is what our machine saw.” Then with a little grin he added, “It’s ok, you may go.” Whaaat?? What just happened? What ended up being a humorous incident, served as a reminder that to some, even some governments, the Bible is the problem. This is not a new thing, but it was a first for me! The Bible is not the problem, for it reveals the immeasurable grace of our loving God, all the while revealing where the real problem is, our sinful hearts.

“For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

Please Pray!!

• For me as I disciple and mentor men.

• As we perform premarital and marital counseling.

• As I travel to help and train Pastors overseas.

• As we fight the good fight in obedience and prayer.

• For our kids and grandkids to walk in righteousness.

We are Thankful for God’s help as He uses you to help us help others for His Glory!

We love you,

Keith and Penny