Sunday, June 20, 2004
“Is it morning yet?!” This was the question on the mind of many of our students as they awoke today. They jumped up and could barely wait to begin their first full day here at LTIA. They were so eager for this day to begin, in fact, that they stayed up as late as possible to discuss it. Yes, the importance of a good night’s rest here is just one of the many invaluable lessons our students are quickly learning this week.
After a nutritious breakfast, Jim Love, who arrived after our activities had concluded last night, led us in a brief devotion. We quickly gathered our things and were brisked off to Crossroads Baptist Church. Members of the church were gracious enough to provide rides for all of us.
Attending Crossroads Baptist is an experience in and of itself. As Bro. Ken Francis so aptly put it during his lecture this evening, “It is worth traveling to Washington D.C. just to attend Crossroads Baptist and then return home immediately afterwards.”
The church is made of an incredible, melodic choir, extremely talented soloist musicians and singers, dynamic speakers, and enthusiastic congregation members. We were all uplifted and encouraged. Pastor Lou Baldwin delivered a sermon that could well have been slipped into the agenda for one of our LTIA lectures. He discussed the need for all us all to “stand in the gap” – Ezekiel 22:23-31.
We returned to the Leadership Institute for lunch. We are being filled with delicious physical and spiritual food. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
The afternoon time was filled with three lectures: “War of Ideas,” by Dr. Briney; “What is a Worldview,” by Josh Pettijohn; and “How Worldviews are formed,” by Ken Francis.
We ate dinner and took off for our evening tour of the monuments. There is nothing like the experience of seeing these historic and patriotic monuments in memory of our nation’s greatest leaders and warriors, especially for the first time. We walked across the Potomac River and visited the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam memorial, the new World War II Memorial, and the Washington Monument. The Capitol Building and the Federal mint could also be seen in the distance. We definitely got our exercise in tonight.
Back at the LI Building, got ready for bed and had small group meetings. What a day! We had church, rich lectures, and a tour of the monuments. Each day at LTIA is packed with new, exciting experiences. Can’t wait for tomorrow, but, for now, we’re ready for some much needed rest. Good night!
With Love from LTIA,
Cherry & Lucy
P.S. HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!!! We love you, Dads. Sorry we could not be with you…
Monday, June 21, 2004
It was another great day at LTIA! The students learned very much and were eager for each new lecture, well, most of them. They are starting to show signs of fatigue, but they are also being rejuvenating in the Word. The morning started off as usual with worship and breakfast. This morning was begun with two lectures: “Evidence for God,” by Dr. Briney and “Evidence for Resurrection,” by Ken Francis.
A Chick-fil-a lunch prepped us for our visits to the National Air & Space Museum and Concerned Women for America. The Concerned Women for America provided us with three excellent speakers in addition to the organization’s spokesperson, Wendy Wright. The speakers discussed the problems with issues such as same sex marriage, pornography, feminism, and abortion in America.
We returned to the LI building for dinner and received two more lectures: “Evidence for Inspiration” by Jim Love, and “Defending the Gospel” by Ken Francis. The students were ready for more, but alas, they were forced to play “Heavy, Heavy Hangs Over Your Head.” No worries, students, there’ll be many more lectures in future days…
Small groups concluded the night. Many students are advancing in their efforts towards receiving Honors, such as memorizing verses, keeping their living area neat, and being a Godly example.
Sweet Dreams…more tomorrow from the gals.
With Love from LTIA,
Cherry & Lucy
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
What a full day! It was a little more difficult to get up this morning, and we had a very packed schedule. Everyone’s dragging just a little. There is so much deep information and incredible experiences being imparted to us. It’s almost overwhelming.
This morning began as any other day at LTIA, and Jim Love continued things with a lecture about “Understanding the Church.” Dr. Briney then spoke about “Worldview Warfare Strategy.”
We ate a quick lunch and scurried over to the Holocaust Museum. The Holocaust visit is a very provocative experience. It is unbelievable to view artifacts from some of the 6 million Jews that were murdered during that tragic time.
From the Holocaust Museum, we rushed to Senator Brownback’s office from Kansas to speak with one of his staff members.
We continued our trek to meet with Bryan Franklin of the Edelman Corp. After that meeting we walked to the Capitol to meet up with Congressman Boozman from Arkansas. Unfortunately, at that time, the heavens opened up and dumped buckets of rain upon us. It was just another ingredient to make this day memorable. Instead of meeting the Congressman on the steps for a photo, he took us to a room inside.
We hiked back for dinner, which was followed by a lecture on “Secular Humanism” by Jim Love.
The Grand Finale of the evening was the private tour of the Capitol Building led by Congressman Boozman with whom we had met for the photo op earlier in the day. He took us to many special places that the average visitor is unable to view, such as the House Floor and the piece of furniture that Presidents are laid on after going into the after life. Many may remember it from watching President Reagan’s funeral, as he was placed upon it. We are very appreciative of Congressman Boozman for taking so much time out of his schedule to meet with us and take on this very special tour. It was an unforgettable day here at LTIA. I know our lives are continuing to be affected and impacted by all that we are experiencing. LTIA truly is life changing. For now, our leaders of tomorrow are finally getting some shuteye, and I must partake as well.
Good night…….
With Love from LTIA,
Cherry & Lucy
Wednesday, June 23, 2004
Buenos dias! Todo esta bien. It has been another good day filled with wonderful experiences here at LTIA. The morning routine was followed by Dr. Briney’s discussion on “Evolution vs. Creation.”
After a satisfying lunch of sandwiches, chips, and pickles, we made our way to the steps of the Capitol to meet up and take a picture with Congressman Steve Chabot from Ohio.
We spent a short time in the Library of Congress before we hiked over to the Ambassador of Kenya’s residence. We are so privileged to have had the opportunity to meet with some of our world’s important leaders.
On our way back at the LI Building, we swung by Union Station for some shopping. It’s quite a sight. However, we were forced to evacuate due to a bomb threat. No worries, Mom and Dad. We’re all ok.
Back at LI, we had dinner and more informative lectures on “Evolution vs. Creation,” by Dr. Briney.
Later that night, we got to chill and have some down time playing a relay race with animal crackers during our fellowship time. The students are becoming increasingly relaxed and at ease with one another. It is so good for them to have so much fellowship with their brothers and sisters in Christ from around the nation.
With Love from LTIA,
Cherry & Lucy
Thursday, June 24, 2004
Due to Cherry and Lucy’s having been “unavoidably detained” it has fallen upon myself the sole survivor of the race Humanus Fundamentalus Interni to record my thoughts of today’s lectures.
The day started with Brother Jim’s expostulation on the degradation of our current education system due to the implementation of secular humanism. Following Jim’s inspiring lecture we heard from Mr. Morton Blackwell on his wonderful rise to power as founder and president of The Leadership Institute (LI). After Mr. Blackwell’s exuberant speech and enthralling testimony we listened to Dan Hazelwood. Dan is the President of Targeted Creative Communications, and has worked with such people as President Bush, Newt Gingrich, and the like. Mr. Hazelwood’s lecture was on message development and was actually quite interesting. Once Dan had served his time he handed over power of the floor to Brent Bahler. Mr. Bahler was at the most astonishing in his speech on PR and media.
Lunch followed Mr. Bahler as did a hearty sigh from all the students followed by a stern look from Mrs. Lepaine.
After lunch there was a tour of the magnificent LI building, and then another charismatic speaker. Later in the afternoon we heard from the following speakers on the following IMPORTANT topics: Jonathan Collegio on how to deal with reporters, Wendy Hamilton on organizing and building a speech, and finally Tom Crowe on developing a winning sound bite.
In conclusion, the day was a success! And despite their best efforts I think the students are indeed learning something.
With Love from LTIA,
Douglas Francis (intern)
