Hello!

The 4th of July brought extra time for us to get out an update. We also celebrated some long awaited independence from a lifetime of formal education! On May 13, the dissertation on chaplaincy was successfully defended and the long hours of research and writing are over (notice the smiles in the picture). Between ministry trips, we hope the coming months will be spent in getting other writing projects finished up and published. For many years, friends have asked us to write a sequel to More Precious Than Gold. A little manuscript on "the ministry of law enforcement" should be in print by this fall. Information on all future publications will be on the website: www.johncvaughn.com. In addition to writing, we are filling up the calendar with speaking opportunities, "Encouraging those who care for others."

Ministry and Travel

In spite of the intense amount of desk work from January through early May, the Lord has given us many ministry opportunities. We have seen several people saved and many others growing in grace. In late November, Becky and I made a long trip to Zambia, Africa, by way of England. It was Becky's second ministry trip to Zambia and my first. She accompanied a team of nurses there in 2004 for six weeks. This time, we were both doing workshops at the Leadership Conference hosted by Central Africa Baptist College. Becky spoke on ministering to children with Special Needs, and I did workshops on Chaplaincy. In an evening general session on Chaplaincy, we were delighted to see military and law enforcement chaplains from around the country in attendance, including the national leaders of the Zambian chaplaincy. Next year, one of our senior FBFI chaplains and I will return to teach a block class to chaplains from nearby countries in Central Africa.  

On our return through England, Becky and I spoke at churches in London and Birmingham. A young lady who is a Sikh and responsible for the religious education program in the Birmingham public schools, heard Becky's testimony. After the service she told Becky, "That is the first time I have heard an explanation of suffering that makes sense."

In February, I spoke for Pastor Ron Perry in one of the first conferences to be held at a new camp, Wolf Mountain, in Northern California. Wolf Mountain is operated by staff members from Camp Ironwood, in Southern California. In early March, the South Regional FBFI meeting was held at the Wilds. The weather was beautiful, the preaching was a blessing, and the Wilds was, well, the Wilds! What an outstanding ministry! Exemplary servants! The following week, Brenda was up to a trip to the coast. Ron Perry's dad, Rob, our long-time deacon chairman, says, "People like us don't go to the beach--we go to the coast." We spent a week there, resting, and then enjoyed meeting Silas's new baby sister, Zoe.  

In April, I spoke at a Senior Retreat, again at the Wilds. These were not seniors in high school, but seniors in life. They were a wonderful group to minister to, and the food that week was extra special. From there, it was off to Clymer, PA for the "Three Rivers" Regional FBFI, more encouraging fellowship and great preaching. We had an outing to Johnstown, PA to visit the interesting Johnstown Flood Museum. We drove through Indiana, PA, the hometown of Jimmy Stewart.

It was my privilege to accompany another group to Israel from May 16-30. I had not been able to go with the folks on the accessible tour in December, but they were so thrilled to make the trip that Rick Huntress has begun to promote the idea of going again. The May trip included a number of folks from Faith Baptist and another group from Mikado Baptist in Macon, GA with Associate Pastor Ed Chambless.  

As always, the trip was a great blessing, with many ministry opportunities. Dr. Craig Hartman, of Shalom Ministries, Inc. and I will be leading another pastor's trip in January, 2012.  We deeply appreciate his ministry and share his burden for the Jewish people. In these days of turmoil, it is critical that bible-believing Christians take the lead in standing by Israel.

In mid-June, we enjoyed the 91st FBFI Annual Fellowship at Crosspointe Baptist in Indianapolis, where I presented my dissertation research in the annual Chaplains' training sessions. 

On Guam, the Pacific Rim FBFI was held at Harvest Baptist. Former members of Faith, the Whitmores and Zimmers (Mark) spoke. On the first day of the conference, Dr. Tim Watson, former member of Faith, passed away. Dr. Bob Jones III, and I were both with the family at the last. Dr. Watson's funeral was held the day after the conference ended and both of us gave a testimony, and were blessed to be able to encourage Doc's wife Bonnie, son Tim, and daughter, Faith Anne and family.  

July will bring writing time at home and ministry in Alaska. Beginning with a four day meeting with Pastor John Judson at Gateway Baptist in Ketchikan, punctuated by a couple of days of fishing, the trip will finish up at the 20th Annual Alaskan Regional FBFI meeting at Hamilton Acres Baptist in Fairbanks. July in Alaska sees only three hours of darkness a day-leaving plenty of time for fellowship! August brings grandkids--lots of them. Debbie's oldest, David and Becca will come early, joined by Sarah Mac (John's) and Silas (Dan's). Jack (Joe's) is nearby, and although still very young, will have "funtime" with several of his cousins. Tim and Debbie and their younger sons, Matt and Jonathan, will come with them a week later. Grandma and Aunt Becky can't wait (neither can Grandpa!).  

On September 11, I will be in Kent, WA for a "Blue and White" (law enforcement) day at Galilee Baptist with Pastor Steve Hicks. Pray with me that I'll have the law enforcement book ready for that event. FBFI meetings in Kansas, NYC, Northern and Southern California will be followed by a meeting in Virginia Beach, and two weeks of teaching at the Walk Right Bible Institute at Camp Cobeac, MI. Praise the Lord for opportunities to serve and for all those who help us at home to make continued ministry possible.

All three of us have health updates to share. Brenda is stable and after 18 months of wound care and in-home nursing, has seen some improvement. She has been released from in home nursing care, but continues to visit the wound care clinic once a week. Following her biannual visit to the Gastroenterologist, she was scheduled for an immediate endoscopy then gallbladder surgery on June 27. She is now recovering from surgery at home. 

After a series of eye infections during the winter months, Becky ended up under the care of an ophthalmologist/plastic surgeon, who reconstructed her eyelids on May 23. For the first time since the fire in 1978, she is now able to fully close her eyes and has been thrilled with the results. In mid-June, she got a new power wheelchair. Becky continues with her graduate studies and is serving faithfully at church.

Returning home from a conference in Pennsylvania in the fall, I ended up in the ER with sudden double vision. Thankfully, it was just a problem with one of the lenses in my glasses, and cleared up in about a month. Generally, my health is greatly improved. Having lost some weight and now on a daily program of physical therapy exercises, my strength has increased. Thank you for your prayer and encouragement. No doubt, having the dissertation behind me and becoming more active have really helped. 

Thank you for your prayer and encouragement, for all who support us in so many ways. As always, the Lord is faithful to meet our needs and to give us strength to serve Him. Now that "the paper" is completed, we hope to get back to sending updates at least once a quarter. Let us know how we can be a blessing to you.

Sincerely, in Christ,

John, Brenda and Becky Vaughn