to our regular readers, and  "Welcome" to our new subscribers.  Don't worry, we won't be filling up your  inbox with updates, but we couldn't wait to share new pictures especially of the grandkids visit! We have had a full summer of  our usual schedule: ministry, family, and doctor's visits. On July 9, it was my joy to perform the wedding of Anne Adams and Jesse Richardson (pictured above left). The Adams are longtime members of Faith and it was a precious time with her family and the Richardsons. On July 13th, the final edit of the dissertation was accepted and sent to the binder. We hope to work on a copy for publication this fall. In the meantime, if anyone wants a spiral bound copy, you can order it here. On September 3, we rejoiced to be involved in the wedding of Esther Burrow and Jamie Gambrell, both members of Faith. Thirty-three years ago, I married Esther's parents, Henry and Kathy. Brenda had introduced them to each other after she met "Hank" when he called our home phone, having dialed it as a wrong number. 

Although Brenda had continued doctor's visits in July, the Lord allowed me to serve in Alaska from July 16-28. A Sunday through Wednesday meeting at Gateway Baptist in Ketchikan, was followed by two days of rest and fellowship with dear friends, Pastor John and Connie Judson.

 

Thursday of that week was Connie's birthday and it was exciting to see her land an 87 pound halibut. Earlier this year, a local newspaper photographer captured an incredible photo of the Judsons in their fishing boat when a herd of humpback whales surfaced right next to them. (I know the proper term is a "pod of whales," but this was a "herd"-six of them! We saw several individual whales on Friday. Also caught some nice fish! That's Connie's on the left, and Pastor John's on the right (sorry, brother). 

FBFI

On Saturday, I flew to Fairbanks on the multi-stop "Salmon-Thirty-Salmon" that is Alaska Airlines' promotion for tourism. I was met by Missionaries Earl and Joan Barnett and Dr. and Mrs. Tom Neiman from Monroe, WA who then took me to the Alaskan Salmon Bake for a picnic dinner. We had a great opportunity to give the gospel and Becky's tracts to tourists who sat with us. Sunday services at Hamilton Acres Baptist Church and fellowship with Dr. Bruce and Lena Hamilton, plus a sweet visit the Dr. and Mrs. Hugh Hamilton and daily coffee with Pastor Mickey Hamilton were very encouraging. The long summer days in Fairbanks produce gigantic vegetables. Brenda loves it there, so I sent lots of pictures during my trip. The Alaska Regional FBFI meeting was held on Monday through Wednesday where I preached three times. After a long day of travel on the 28th, I enjoyed lunch in Greenville with Missionary Dan Wokaty from the Instituto Practico Ebenezer, which is in Hermosillo, Mexico. Our son, Pastor Joe, took a ministry team there this summer, and I'll be going back for two weeks of block classes there in January, 2013, Lord willing.

Thank you for your faithful prayer and encouragement. I am well. Becky is well and back in school. Brenda has been on a roller coaster this summer-up one day and down the next (this was definitely an "up" day when Zoe, Silas' sister, dropped by for a visit). Many doctor's visits, some good reports and some difficult ones, several new medications, regular lab work to get the meds in balance, new dietary challenges, but lots and lots of love and help from Kim, Dicie, Julie, Joy and Malinda, as well as Bill Matheus who keeps our landscaping looking beautiful. Without their regular visits, continued help with meals from many others, and your prayers, we would not be able to weave the extra ministry into the ministry here at home. In spite of her ongoing health issues, she in encouraged to get some much needed dental restorations under way. Between now and the next update, we will try to post any new information on Brenda's health on the website: www.www.johncvaughn.com. (I did not get her permission to share this, but her birthday is September 27th. If you want to flood her inbox with e-cards, send them to BVGrandma@aol.com.)

Steve Scheibner:  "In My Seat"

New IMAX 3D Video "Jerusalem"