"Remember to entertain strangers," writes the author of Hebrews. One of the great things about the greater church of God community is its hospitality. I experienced that first hand on a trip to Big Sandy this past weekend.

On the way to the United Church of God’s Camp Carter in Fort Worth, we decided to spend a couple of days in Big Sandy. Monica went to college there, and our guest Brigitte attended summer school at the Ambassador College campus in Big Sandy in 1974. Although the property is now used for another purpose, it still retains the look of years gone by.

We had not been to Big Sandy since 1995, and not wanting to be a burden to anyone with our travel party of five people, we had made arrangements to stay in a nearby motel. Two days before our trip a friend from Mobile visiting Big Sandy mentioned to some friends there that we would be in town for the Sabbath. Within about 30 minutes we had an invitation to stay with Don and Michelle Mischnick (pictured on the right with Brigitte). I talked with Michelle on the phone to make sure that we would not disrupt their household, and she assured me that our visit would not be a problem. The last time I had seen Don was when he drove me to the Louisville airport for my return flight to Germany following the UCG conference there in 1998.

We had a delightful Friday evening meal with Michelle’s sister Melodee present, whom I had known in St. Louis prior to attending Ambassador College in Pasadena. After church services on the Sabbath, Don and Michelle hosted a fellowship dinner at their home with members from two church organizations. We discussed a variety of subjects in an amiable and stimulating atmosphere. I met some new folks and caught up with Don Walls, editor of the Spanish GN, whom I also had not seen since the 1998 Louisville conference. After a relaxing breakfast on Sunday morning, we thanked our hosts for their unexpected hospitality and made our way to Fort Worth to drop Brigitte’s son Sören off at Camp Carter.

We were blessed this weekend because there was "room at the inn" – a hearty thank you to Don and Michelle!