Two Days In Nashville

I’m just back from Nashville and the National Religious Broadcasters annual convention. Tom Bruscha, Mike Berry and I spent Monday and Tuesday taking in the trade show side of the event and enjoying seeing the “big guys” doing their thing. We made some good contacts for the future development of our Forgotten Truths show and learned about new technologies involved in its production. So it was a worthwhile few days.

One highlight was attending President Bush’s appearance on Tuesday. What ever you think of Bush and his policies, one thing is clear when you see him in person: he speaks with the personal conviction of one truly committed to his views. He doesn’t do a lot of the normal “political speak” but simply lays out his intentions. He could never find a friendlier audience than the NRB—no wonder he has spoken there every year of his presidency. Tom and I sat six rows from the front--right behind Jim Dobson! Impressed yet?

Tuesday afternoon we attended a screening of Ben Stien’s upcoming movie, Expelled! It is a documentary examining why Intelligent Design is forbidden to be taught—or even discussed—in academia. It is a little long (90 minutes or so) but is full of powerful interviews—especially with those who oppose ID. Stien’s interview with Richard Dawkins is a classic and worth the whole show! It is due for release in theaters in mid April. You’ll want to see it when it comes out--opening weekend if possible.

All three of us were sick with chest colds. As we parted Wednesday at the airport, we promised to get well soon. Hope Tom and Mike keep their promise. I’m working on mine--slowly.

While there, I got the call that George Reihmer had gone to be with the Lord. George and Isabell are long time members of our church, going back to the O’Hair days. In fact, they were one of the last couples married by O’Hair—they have old home movies of the event and its interesting to see Mr. O’Hair in action! George was a living example of a Christian Gentleman and will be sorely missed. As our “old timers” keep passing off the scene, we rejoice in their departure to be with Christ but feel the real absence of their wisdom and influence. It makes those of use who are beginning to move toward that eldership status more conscious of our own responsibilities!

Maranatha!