Stratford - upon - Avon Home of Shakespeare!

We traveled on to Stratford - upon - Avon which is the birthplace, dwelling and burial place of Shakespeare. What a great day this was! I thought about my sister, Crystal, all day...as she is a professional journalists and lover of the English arts. I am very proud of my sister and her many gifts. I wish that she were here with me to experience this day.

I toured the birth place of Shakespeare...who had very humble beginnings. We also had a chance to see the Nash house which was his residence...followed by a trip to see his burial place inside the Holy Trinity Church. (Shakespeare's birth place is in the upper left hand corner)

At 5:45 pm we formally dined in our finest attire at the famous Falcon Hotel. Afterward, we walked over to experience the most fantastic performance of Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice! The day could not have been better! (Shakespeare's Nash (adult) house is to the right)

Notice the house boats in the picture provided...these are fantastic.

Sharon, how would you like to spend your summer traveling all through the water ways of England living on one of these boats? It would be great...I know Aaron and I would love it!

Thank you Lord for allowing me to experience these things. This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity.

(Shakespeare's burial place inside Holy Trinity Church)

Tewkesbury July 17, 2008

Traveled to Tewkesbury today to see the oldest surviving Baptist church structure in England. The church is incredible. Notice the arrow indicating that the baptistry was hidden in the floor and uncovered when needed. Our Baptist forefathers, as I do, felt that baptism by complete immersion is the only way that we are to be baptized according to Christ commands and under the authority of scripture.

A person is thus lowered in the water signifying their death with Christ, they are then raised up out of the water signifying their "new life in Christ" just as Christ was raised from the dead.


By the way...my Deacon Brothers Roy, Otis, and Richard would not be happy being on this baptism committee...the water used to fill the baptistry was hauled from the river!

These church members feared for their lives because of their baptism practices. The government and Catholic church lead many to become martyrs for their cause. How many fathers of faith do we stand upon today?