Sharon and I flew into Las Vegas at noon on Saturday, October 14. On Saturday evening we had a fantastic supper at the home of our wonderful hosts, Tim and Daria Vanselow. We enjoyed great fellowship with them and Pastor Dick Olsen, his wife Debbie, and one of the Deacons, Al Bingham. Cracked crab and wonderful steaks. Salad.
On Sunday morning I spoke on Daniel 3, Don’t Bow to Pagan Demands, and Daniel 6, Do Bow to God’s Commands, in the two services at Upland Bible Church.
Then after a fine lunch out with Tim and Daria, I was off to St. George, Utah, a two-hour drive.
On Monday and Tuesday I competed in three geezer jock events. While there were men from 50-83 in my events, I competed for medals with men in my age group, 65 to 69. I won bronze in my age group for both the 3,000 meter racewalk (20:27) and for the 1,500 meter racewalk (9:54). In the high jump I won a silver medal in my age group for jumping over a toaster. Well, I actually cleared 1.21 meters, or about 4 feet.
Today I can barely walk. My back went out before the high jump. I only had 20 minutes between the two events and I guess I pushed a bit too much. Today I look like the Leaning Tower of Pisa. As I try to stand straight I’m listing off to the right.
I wasn’t sure I could drive back to Vegas to pick up Sharon. My back was in spasms. But I made it. Sharon had stayed with Tim and Daria visiting. We made our flight home.
I’m so thankful for the opportunity to speak at Upland Bible Church. The believers there are so hungry for God’s Word. They really encourage me. Dick Olsen is a great Pastor and Bible teacher and friend. It is a joy to share his pulpit. He too is a young man—that is, he is in my age group, 65-69. Hah.
I’m also thankful I can still racewalk and even pretend to high jump. This was my 9th year in a row at Upland Bible and the World Senior Games. Can I keep this going for another 20 years if the Lord tarries? I hope so. Of course, I might need to switch to race crawling. I’m thinking of taking up leaning. Today I’d win the gold medal for sure.
Peace like a river, Peeps.
