Is it just me or do the two guys in this picture look like they're talking in church and not paying attention?

Suzi Planas captured this shot last night during the kickoff of the Spiritual Growth Workshop. Stan Williams and I are no doubt sharing a last minute idea about the workshop (you do notice who's doing the talking and who's doing the listening, don't you?)

I love Stan Williams. Stan and his wife, Sherry, have been stalwarts in the kingdom for many years and have raised three children who are all fully devoted to the ministry of the Lord.

Stan spoke last night on the zeal we must have for our "magnificent obsession" -- sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Stan's passion is his love for the Lord and his love for the lost. His sincerity and his passion shine through each time he speaks.

As Stan shared last night, Sherry, his wife, is ill and was unable to participate in the workshop. Today, I ask you to pause and pray for Sherry Williams, a godly, gracious woman who needs strength that only the Lord can provide.

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What a blessing to be with Stan's son, and my dear friend, Kerry last night. Kerry, who ministers for the Sherrod Avenue church in Florence, Alabama flew into Fresno at 9:30 p.m. and he and I shared a meal together at Denny's following his arrival. The renewal of friendships make events like the Workshop so extra special. In addition to the buffet of spiritual food that nourishes our soul, we reconnect with old friends and form new friendships that encourage us and sustain us.

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It's a full day today. Brad Harrub gets it going at 8:00 a.m. with an Early Bird class. Kerry will cap the day off tonight with a keynote at 7:30 p.m. In between, there are two other keynotes (Truitt Adair and Derek Overstreet) and classes and meals and fellowship.