This week in pictures (& txt)

Like coming out of a dark tunnel, spring in Central Park emerges from a long, cold winter.

The Jackie Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, viewing Midtown Manhattan.

Cherry Blossoms!

Daffodil! A sure sign. We determined on Sunday Afternoon to walk home from church...a modest 3 miles, but right through Central Park. Delightful!

A classic Public Affairs event - The New York Theological Seminary Annual Urban Angel Awards Dinner. We populated a "Table for Ten" with developing friends of the Church and enjoyed a Marriott Marquis Time Square chicken dinner.

Herb Yassky, the Chairman of the Board of "The New Seminary". This college for pastors of all denominations....and do we mean ALL -- Christian, Jewish, Islam, Druid....any type you can name....will graduate you as a reverend. Lane likes taking pictures with older men.

In the most aggressive, challenging week of our mission, we headed to Cherry Hill, New Jersey to participate in the Mid-Atlantic African American Genealogy Conference (MAAAGC). This is Ahmad's stake...a beautiful chapel in a somewhat rural setting.

A headliner -- Dr Rick Kittles from the University of Chicago, and noted DNA authority in the PBS specials, "African American Lives" and "Finding Oprah's Roots". One day prior to the MAAAGC we shuttled him around Philadelphia for interviews with TV and radio. Gentle, dignified, and friendly, we really enjoyed being with Dr. Kittles again, having presented at the Harlem Conference in 2007.

Special guest -- Martin Luther King III. Yes, the son of the famous civil rights leader. In the lower right of the picture you see Vai Sikahema, the famous running back of the Philadelphia Eagles who came out of BYU (counselor to President Corbitt).

And to top off the evening, we drove the keynote speaker for MAAAGC, Reverend Khadijah Matin to Baltimore to see none other than Gladys Knight in a unique musical fireside. (Khadijah is the national president of The Afro-American Historical and Geneaological Society.) Driving back to New York late Sunday evening 3+ hours later, we arrived home just before 3:00 am, totally thrilled with the events of the week, and totally exhausted.

As we scooted around Philly on Friday, Ahmad welcomed Elders Ballard and Cook and Tingey to New York City. Interviews were set up, transportation arranged and meals coordinated for their day in the city. It ended with an intimate prayer service with the Pope, meaning only 250 Christian leaders rather than 55,000 'fans' in Yankee Stadium on Sunday.

It is a privilege and a blessing to serve in this public affairs office. We love the Lord, take comfort in His promises and lean on Him for all of our support. He is the source of our inspiration and salvation. Let us all look to Him and live with grateful hearts.

We love you!