For the past few years the theme of Brother Walker's annual Bible Conference message has been, "An Old Man's Dream." In this message he explains how God has opened the door for him through the years to bring to reality a dream which he has had for some time.

      This great dream which the preacher began to have even as a young man, has now materialized in the form of a great gospel preaching church, a world-wide printed ministry, a continued radio ministry for years, a great evangelistic ministry and now the Lexington Baptist College and Institute. "How good the Lord has been to Clarence Walker" is the expression which the old man often uses.

THE OLD MAN GOES ABROAD

      As a complete surprise in June of 1954, the Ashland Avenue Baptist Church voted to send their Pastor to Europe and the Holy Land. The method of paying the expense was simple, EVERY¬ONE HAD A PART. Each member of the church brought a gift above the regular running expense of the church and as an ex¬pression of their love for their pastor, sent him, all expenses paid, to the Holy Land. This was truly a fulfillment of the "old man's dream." In his own words I have taken excerpts from the A.A.B. to show you the joy an old man received as he embarked for the Holy Land:

Brother Walker May Go to The Holy Land
A Personal Word

      The church has voted to give the pastor a trip to the Holy Land and has set June 20th — requesting each one to bring a gift, over and above, all other offerings, to finance the trip.

      When Bro. Cecil Fox made the suggestion I was so surprised — I was speechless. I felt I could not take such a gift because of the financial burdens we have as a church and — I ought to be working at my job.

"Not One Penny"

      I told the folk I appreciated their love but I could not take one penny from our missionary work — including the Preachers' School. I thought maybe money that ought to go to the school and missionary work would be taken to give for the trip. Then our old motto was brought out:

      "What I cannot do by myself, with the Lord leading, all of us together can do!"

      So if on Sunday, June 20th, each one gives a gift, averaging $1.00 a person (some cannot give a dollar, others are able to give more), not a penny will be taken from our missionary work and I'll be able to fulfill a desire to see the Holy Land — the land and places where our Savior lived as a man — and yet He is as much God as if He were never man — and as much man as if He were not God. I love Him. He lives in my heart.

      I thank God that my church still loves Glo and me. Next November, the Lord willing, we will have been here 38 years. In spite of these 38 years of mistakes, blunders, faults, and many other ugly things — they still love this poor, unworthy piece of flesh — and his lovely wife. Glo. Thank the Lord!

      Everybody pray for me and if I get to go I will tell in the A.A.B. what I see, hear and feel.

      Pray for me. If you have any helpful suggestions write — for I have never been abroad before nor have I ever been up in an airplane.

PASTOR TRYING TO GET READY FOR TRIP
"MUST PROVE HE WAS BORN"

      I have been having a hard time proving I was born.

      When the folk began talking about sending me on a trip to the Holy Land — I knew I had to have a passport and to get a passport — I must have a birth certificate. Since I was born before birth records were kept I knew I must get busy and prove I was born May 29, 1890 in Trimble, Tenn. — the son of John and Dixie Walker.

      I had no doubts about these facts myself. I had heard my parents relate them many times and always on May 29 — my mother had "ice cream and cake for Clarence's birthday." It is not that she loved me more than her other 13 children hut I was her first-born son.

WITH ALL THE LOVE I HAVE

      This reminds me — once when we were all at home one of my brothers accused her of loving the others more than she did him. Mother was very old-fashioned, simple and plain. I can see and hear her now in my memory as she said, "No, son, I love you with all the love I have — and I love each one of the others with all the love I have!"

      Somehow, Mother's confession of her love for her children speaks to my heart of MY HEAVENLY FATHER'S LOVE for His dear children.

      But back to proving my birth. I was the only one of all our I family born out of Kentucky. My people on both sides of the family have lived in Kentucky from the very earliest days. My father worked for the Mengle Co. in Louisville, Ky., and shortly after they were married they sent him to Trimble. Tenn., and it happened that during their short stay there I was born.

I DON'T REMEMBER

      I don't remember one earthly thing about it. I was still wearing "baby clothes" when they returned to Louisville. You understand what I mean by "baby clothes".

      My parents have been dead for many years. They died in the faith of Christ and while their bodies sleep in beautiful Cave Hill cemetary -— their spirits are "now with the Lord."

      I thought everybody who knew anything about my parents at that time and my birth, except my dear aunt, Mrs. Josephine Walker who was 90 years May 28 — was dead. To get my birth certificate I had to prove it really three times — by two witnesses and a document.

      My aunt remembered it — but I as puzzled — how could I get a second witness. The Lord helped me. I called a cousin of mine, Mrs. Nellie Brachey on the phone and was telling her about my difficulties. To my joy and delight she told me about a precious friend of my mother who was still living whom I thought had been dead for many years. My cousin had heard this friend say she was with my mother when I was born.

      I went, at once, to the address my cousin gave me and found my mother's friend — Mrs. Gertie Rowland. She is a lovable old lady — 88 years of age, up and about the house with a remarkable memory. It thrilled my heart to hear her talk about "Johnnie and Dixie" and those days in Trimble, Tenn., about which I know only by hearsay.

I WAS THERE!

      When I asked about my birth — her answer was, "Why Clarence, I was there — I was with your mother."

      Thus twice have I proven I was born — but they say I must have proof — a third proof — by some document. I am working on that now — I'll find something and tell about it next week.

      I don't know just when I'll go on the trip but next Sunday, the Lord willing, the church has asked the members to average $1.00 in the offering to finance my visit to "the Land" where Jesus loved so much to be.

      Everybody pvay for me and if I get to go I will tell in the A.A.B. what I see, hear and feel.

      Pray for me. If you have any helpful suggestions write — for I have never been abroad before nor have I ever been up in an airplane.

GOD COMMANDS ALL MEN EVERYWHERE
TO REPENT! (Acts 17:30-31.)
PASTOR ON MAR'S HILL WITH PAUL
PRAISING GOD FOR VICTORIES —
CLARENCE WALKER, Editor

My Dear Friends, Everywhere:
      I am in Athens, Greece, today, under the spell of the apostle Paul — and the speech he made here on the Areopagus: Mars' Hill — so-called after Mars, the god of war. It is a rocky elevation, where the Athenians held their supreme court. The account of Paul's visit and his sermon is found in Acts, 17th chapter. The sermon was divinely inspired — as was the recording by Luke. Sime think the apostle tried to "put on" as he spoke before the "high brows" of that day — quoting from the poets and appealing more to their heads than their hearts because just after this he went to Corinth. Later in the Corinthian letter he said, "And I, brethren, when I came to you came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ and Him crucified." (I Corinthians 2:1-2.)

      I do not share this view at all.

      Paul's complete address on Mars' Hill is a part of divine revelation and no weightier declaration of God's truth can be found anywhere than when he preached:

      "But, now God commandeth all men everywhere to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained: whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead." (Acts 17:30-31.)

FEW VISIBLE RESULTS

      There were few visible results to Paul's message that day on Mars' Hill. The record states: "Some mocked . . . others said we will hear thee again . . . Howbeit, certain men believed and a woman and others with them." (Acts 17:32-34.)

      My first glimpse of Mars' Hill was late yesterday afternoon as we drove from the airport to the hotel. There it stands — a rocky elevation, high above the city, where Paul witnssed to his Savior. The people have gone, the city is changed, the nations and empires of that day have all perished — but still it stands: the message — the unchanged message, God's commandment, still fresh as the dews of heaven, eternal, everlasting —"commanding all men everywhere to repent, BECAUSE he hath appointed a day, in which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man ... in that he hath raised him from the dead."

      Standing nearby are the ruins of the heathen temple of Wingless Victory — the Parthenon. All is gone of the magnificant temple except its many beautiful columns — fitted and placed there many centuries ago by hands long-gone back to dust. No doubt — among these columns were the priests and the people who heard Paul's voice as he preached, calling them to repentance and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ!

THAT DAY AND TODAY

      Paul's body sleeps in the dust of the earth but his spirit — Paul himself is now "with the Lord."

      The bodies of priests of the heathen temple, as a-e th" bodies of the people — who mocked, the others who said, "We will hear you again" — who put off salvation for another day, their bodies also sleep in the dust of the earth.

      How different the souls — Paul's soul and those who believed are enjoying the realities of Heaven — awaiting the resurrection of their bodies. Those who failed to heed God's call to repentance — spoken that day on Mars' Hill — are suffering in Hades — awaiting the resurrection of their bodies into shame and everlasting contempt. (Daniel 12:2.)

      Yes, I am under "Paul's spell." I feel that I, too, am a preacher of God's word. If the Lord tarries, my body shall also sleep — and so shall each one that hears me. My soul too shall "be with the Lord." He has saved me. He did everything that had to be done to redeem me from sin and Hell. By His grace I shall be with Him in Heaven. But those who reject the message — who fail to repent — shall in the last day stand before Him — WHOM God hath raised from the dead."

      Paul knew he spoke the truth. For that reason he told Timothy: "Therefore, I endure all things for the elect's sake, that they may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory." — (II Timothy 2:10.)

PERSONAL MATTERS — ON THE PLANE

      In my last letter I was just leaving Lexington, Ky. As I left, I think everybody was surprised at the vast crowd present at the airport to see me off. I knew Glo, my children, the workers and many others would be there to bid me "goodbye" and say Brother Walker, God be with you. I don't think anybody thought the crowd would be so big. But it was and I thank God for everyone of you!

      I got on the airplane with "fear and trembling." I held tight to the arms of the seat. Somebody told me not to look out the window. I expected to get sick. I didn't. A young man, the steward, told me to "relax." I tried but I couldn't. I lived through it all and in 35 minutes was in Cincinnati. Had to wait in Cincinnati for about three hours. Then began my second airplane flight, still a little afraid. I was more composed. In three hours I was in New York City. Toward the end of this second flight I was more "relaxed" and really began to enjoy flying. I got so I could look out the windows. It was a beautiful sight to see the lights of the city. We flew over New York City just after dark. All of it, together, the wonderful farewell you all gave, the victory over my fears which the Lord gave me, and lights of city did something to me. I felt glad — was really happy, yet I was sad. I missed Glo, the children and all of you.

      I must close — they are waiting to go on another tour of the city of Athens. I'll tell you all about it in my next letter. We'll fly to Egypt tonight.

Love,

BROTHER WALKER

I STOOD AT CALVARY -- TODAY!
GOLGOTHA — CALVARY
BOTH MEAN THE PLACE OF A SKULL

"And they took Jesus and led him away. And He, bearing His cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull . . . where they crucified Him (John 19:16-20.)
— FROM PASTOR CLARENCE WALKER

Dear Friends — Everywhere!
      I stood at Calvary '— today! There it was — "The place of a Skull" — called Golgotha or Calvary. I stood gazing at the hill from a point in the "Garden Tomb" enclosure. The appearence of the cliff, just below the top of the hill, to a rotting human skull is so striking. I cried out — "That is the place, where they nailed my Savior to the cross and lifted Him up — where — "In His own body He bore my sins on the tree," where "He who knew no sin was made sin for me, that I might be made the righteousness of God. Where the just one, the innocent one. died for th unjust, the guilty ones where He made peace, through the blood of His cross ... to present me holy and without blame before the Father — SO THAT "There is there¬fore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus." Praise His dear name.

TWO SITES

      Here in Jerusalem, there are two sites named as the place of the Crucifixion: The traditional site, claimed by the Catholics anu over which they have built a huge church charging a fee to enter, the other is known as Gordon's Calvary. Many years ago General Gordon, an Englishman, lived here — but he was not satisfied that the traditional site met the description of God's Word. Others, be¬fore him had doubted the traditional site. This led General Gordon to the hill — known as the Place of the Skull. From the Bible he knew there must be — In the place where he was crucified, there was a garden and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid." (John 19:41)

      He found the garden and the tomb in it — just as the scrip¬tures say. They had been covered by the dust of the ages — but when the rocks and dirt had been cleared away — There was the garden with the tomb in it — in the place where He was crucified. This is now called Gordon's Calvary and Tomb.

I HAD SEEN THAT CROSS — BEFORE

      It was there I stood today. I had looked upon that cross before, not here in Jerusalem, but when a boy, eleven years old, 53 years ago, in Louisville, Ky. It was this way: My parents had taken us children to church and Sunday school. I knew from their teachings I was a lost Sinner — doomed to suffer forever, in hell-fire for my sins. The Holy Spirit took these truths and produced in my heart deep conviction for sin. I knew I was a lost sinner — but I didn't want to go to Hell when I died!

      I was afraid of God, of death, of judgement, of Hell. I can remember now — often at night I couldn't sleep. I think, in my heart. I was ashamed to let anyone know what was going on in my soul. I told no one about it.

TRUST HIM!

      It seemed I could not find rest or peace — until one Sunday afternoon, the superintendent of the Sunday school said, "Boys and girls, when you go to bed tonight and everything is quiet and still in your home — talk to the Lord Jesus about your soul — remember, He died on the cross to save you from sin and Hell. Just trust Him!"

      That night — I couldn't sleep. My father and mother and all my brothers and sisters were sound asleep. I couldn't sleep. My soul was lost and I knew it. I didn't want to go to Hell.

      I don't know how it came about — nor what time of the night it was — BUT I STOOD THAT SUNDAY NIGHT AT CALVARY! I remember I prayed something like this: "Lord, I am a lost sin¬ner, I don't wa'nt to go to Hell. My parents, my preacher and Sunday school teachers teach me from the Bible — thou did die for me — I trust thee!"

      It was then and there I WAS SAVED! That has been 53 years ago. He has kept me by His power. His presence has been with me all the way and though I go through the Valley of deepest darkness, I fear no evil — He is with me. His rod and staff, they comfort me.

      Dear Friend — If you have never stood at Calvary — stand there — and SEE HIM.

      It means everything — "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name, under heaven, given among men, whereby we must be saved." — (Acts 4:12.)

A PERSONAL WORD

      Shortly after "I stood at Calvary" our party crossed the "no man's land" which separates Jerusalem into two parts. The Arabs and the Jews went to war about six years ago — and the result is that the Arabs live on one side of a barb-wire fence and the Jews on the other side. They have absolutely no dealings one with the other.

      Everybody knows a barb-wire fence — and a "no man's land" can not settle problems. Problems of hatred and jealousy.

      Most of the holy places are on the Arab's side. That is the reason we spent most of our time there. Yet it was good to visit among the Jewish people and see the wonderful progress they have made in the past few years. Israel is now a nation. She is at work. Old things are becoming new as she puts into practice modern ways and methods in meeting all her problems.

      I was surprised when I saw large fields of tobacco growing. It rains only three months during the year in the Holy Land — December, January and February. For that reason — irrigation is indispensable. I asked the guide about the tobacco: He explained, the Israel government has undertaken tobacco as an experiment a few years ago — and it had proven very successful. It is that way with everything that Israel state is doing. I'll have much to tell about this part of our trip — Things that I believe tell us the coming of the Lord is near — very near.

LOOKING FORWARD

      I am looking forward — when I shall be back home. Nobody knows how I miss Glo — in fact, really I am homesick today. It has thrilled my heart to hear of the wonderful way the church and Sunday school has progressed — yet I miss everybody. I'd love to shake your hand right now — and say — "The Lord bless you."

      I am looking forward to the opening of our Preacher's School. Glo said in her last letters new students were enrolling — and by God's grace I am expecting a very healthy increase in the student body. Tell folk about our school - a school that teaches the Bible and stands out and out against modernism, worldliness and all things which dishonors our Lord and Savior.

      Pray for me. Tomorrow (August 8) I shall fly to Geneva, Switzerland, later to Paris, London and Brussels — then to the good old U. S. A. and all of you. Hear me — I love every last one of you.

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