Greetings from the beautiful campus of Siloam Missionary Homes. Joyce and I returned Monday from visiting Montreat, North Carolina where we spent the weekend camping, reading and enjoying the outdoors. On Sunday, we attended Montreat Presbyterian Church. This is the church that Billy and Ruth Graham were married in and is also where Will Graham, Franklin Graham’s son attends. Sitting there during the service, I thought to myself how God used a willing couple and his family to touch the world.

In Proverbs 17:6 the Bible says, “Grandchildren are the crown of old men, and the glory of sons is their fathers.” This verse was such a blessing to me personally because I love my grandchildren and enjoy being with them. Last night we were all watching our oldest grandson,Preston, and one of the missionary kids practice baseball. It seems like only yesterday we were doing the same thing with our own children. Time flies and before we know it our grandchildren will be grown up, too. In looking at the above verse, I realize the importance of spending time to train and encourage our children and grandchildren. Our lives as parents and grandparents never change. Just the other day my mom asked me, “Where is your sweater? You know you can catch a cold.” My daughter looked at me and grinned. I wanted to say, “But mom, I’m 55 years old!” I am my mother’s delight and my children and grandchildren are my delight.

My grandparents were always the delight of my life. I know I have shared with you on numerous occasions, but they loved me unconditionally. Last evening, I after ball practice I had to stop by the office and get my computer. In the foyer of the family center is a picture of my grandparents. There has never been a time that when I look at their picture, it doesn’t make my heart skip. I see their look of compassion as if to say, “Larry I love you.” Yes children are a crown of to us.

Thank you, dear friend, for your love and support for our family and for Siloam Missionary Homes. I say this all the time, but I mean it from the bottom of my heart. It’s God using you that allows us to provide a place missionaries can call home to encourage and strengthen them so they can go encourage others.

Have a wonderful day. Moms, dad, aunts, uncles and grandparents – hug your kids today. Tell them you love them, that you are proud of them and that you are praying for them. Only God knows how this will affect their ability to be the next Billy and Ruth Graham.

Larry George, President