Basic Training Bible Ministries
Summer Report 2026
Our last report detailed some of our ministry and mission activities from January through May. We want to give you an update on the things that have occupied our summer months. This has been a very busy but richly blessed summer for us, and we thank God for His many blessings, and for His guidance and guardianship. Those of you who know me are aware that I am not in the business of promoting Basic Training, or what we do in the way of ministry. We thank God for each and every one He has brought to us as a Most of you keep up with us in the Bible classes, which I consider far more important than constantly peppering you with reports and updates. This report will fill in any blank areas for those who are interested.
The Aussie Invasion
Our summer began with a bang and followed through like a hurricane! By the grace of God, and the financial help of some very dear friends, we were able to bring our daughter Katie and her husband Daniel, along with their four kids, to the U.S. for the summer. I am sure it will be a trip they will always remember. Following are the events of our summer that, by God’s grace, they were able to be a part of.
Kansas Retreat and July 4th Conference
For seven years now, Basic Training has hosted a week-long retreat for young(er) pastors and their wives. Our goal has been to provide a place of quiet refreshment, along with Bible classes and discussions. The pastors and wives meet separately in the mornings to discuss topics and issues directly related to their part in ministry. Afternoons and evenings are spent in activities and refreshing fellowship with one another. This year, being the 250th year of American freedom, we added a weekend Bible conference, with the theme “Let Freedom Ring,” where each of the pastors had the opportunity to present a message from God’s Word. You can listen to these on our website. The perfect setting for our retreat and conference was the beautiful Clover Cliff Ranch in the rugged Flint Hills of Kansas, right in the heart of the nation. Chase county Kansas is where life began for me, on my father’s ranch, and it is always like a homecoming to return to the area. The Clover Cliff Ranch is 4,000 + acres and has been a working ranch since the 1800’s, now boasting a large herd of Bison. I still call them Buffalo, much to Warren’s consternation. Who ever heard of an early American Bison hunter? Billy Dixon would be appalled!
If you should ever find yourself in the area, I highly recommend you pay Clover Cliff Ranch a visit. Warren and Susie run this B&B like a big family home. The food, beautifully furnished accommodations, and superb hospitality are all memorable. If you are a reader, you might want to find the book, PrairyErth, by William Least Heat Moon (a pseudonym), as he considered Chase County, Kansas, as “the place where the West begins.”
Family Retreat and Road Trip
After the conference, our Aussie-American road trip began. Our grandchildren, Max, Mila, Leuwen, and Isabella, are being homeschooled, and have been studying American history. We did our best to visit as many historical sites as possible during their stay. We travelled to Dodge City to see the “Sodom and Gomorrah of the Plains” as it was called in the days of Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson, and the big cattle drives from Texas. Further west, we saw the wagon tracks still visible from the days of the Santa Fe Trail. Since the kids had studied Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder, all along the way, Daniel, whose humor knows no bounds, was pointing out to the children, “Look, there’s a little house on the prairie,” on seeing some modest little home. Then he would say, “Look kids, a broken-down shanty on the prairie,” at some old, tumbled-down shack. Finally, in some remote area of Western Kansas, he found what he had been looking for all along. “Look, kids, a little outhouse on the prairie,” as he spotted an outdoor privy behind an old sagging house.
We had a family reunion planned in Colorado Springs so, on the way, in Eastern Colorado, we were able to visit Bent’s Old Fort, a supply center for the mountain men of the fur trade era. It was home for a time to Kit Carson and was a stopping place for many of the well-known early trappers. While at Colorado Springs, we took the Aussie delegation to the top of Pike’s Peak. Coming from Sea level, the 14,000 ft + elevation was quite an oxygen challenge for them! Our family reunion was a wonderful time to see some family members we have not seen in many years, and to see young families living by faith and growing in the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. Before leaving Colorado, we visited the cliff dwellings near Cortez, then wound our way through Utah, Monument Valley, and then home to Prescott Valley. We are so grateful to God, and to those who helped us, for such a wonderful time with dear family we see all too seldom.
PA Youth Camp
We were home only a few days before leaving again (the story of our transient lives) for the annual Youth Camp near Erie, Pennsylvania, with the Aussie family and a couple other Arizona grandkids tagging along. This camp has been hosted by Fairview Bible Church for 34 years or so. Christopher Preston now pastors the church. He and his wife Kristin (with four small sons) are one of the young couples we believe will make a lasting mark in the ministry of God’s Word to this nation. If you know of any teens interested in a summer camp, I highly recommend they look into the camp, which is held each year at the WLD ranch, just outside Fairview, PA. It is one of the most spiritually challenging experiences, with a great combination of stirring music and songs, rigorous games, camaraderie among the youths, and excellent Bible teaching. It is a refreshing thing to see a large group of teen boys and girls locking arms and singing out, in grand fashion, praises to our God and King, and then find them seated with Bibles open and hearts ready to learn The Word. If you are ever in the Erie area, visit Fairview Bible Church—you will get a taste of what I mean. After the PA camp, we had to bid a sad, but thankful, goodbye to our Aussie family, as they headed back Down Under. We miss them all but treasure the precious time we had together.
Anticipating Fall Breaks and Conferences
Fall is my favorite time of the year. I love to see the season change to cooler weather, the brilliant colors, and a little time to regroup and refresh our spiritual batteries. We still have work to do as we will have the annual Bible conference in Uniontown, PA this year on the theme “The Gospel in Isaiah 53,” followed by our Prescott Valley conference, around the theme “Interpreting Problem Passages in the New Testament.” All these classes will be posted online in due time. Fall also provides time for a break, which we have sorely needed this year. We have both been very busy since January, which began our mission trips overseas. Since that time, we have made 31 flights and travelled around the world twice! In late September, Nan and I will take a float plane into the Alaskan wilderness for a week at an isolated cabin. We’ll fish, hunt small game, and hike around in a beautiful area that is home to moose, mountain goats, and bears. Lots and lots of bears!
In October, between conference schedules, I plan to take a wilderness hike. If conditions allow, and I complete the task, I’ll let you all know how it goes. Later, in November, I’ll make my annual pilgrimage to Arkansas for Deer season, and time with family there. This is the most relaxing time of the year for me, as I am deep in the woods, and can put plans and schedules aside for a while. We are so thankful to our gracious Lord first—that He has much work for us to do. And then, that He also provides some valuable and precious time for rest.
Camp Verde Bible Study
My Bible studies on Friday night at Camp Verde continue when I am home. When I am away, Kurt Johnson has stepped in to help, and I appreciate his commitment to drive the two hours from Phoenix for the task. Our group meets in BJ’s home and is growing, sometimes having more than 25 people in attendance. They are such a positive group, hungry for the Word, and are a great encouragement to us in so many ways. Our current study is in the book of Isaiah, which we will complete before the end of the year.
Nan’s Ministry Activities
When we are home, Nan stays busy with ministry here in our local church. She teaches in the women’s Bible Studies and children’s Sunday School classes. She also works with Child Evangelism Fellowship, offering Good News Clubs at a local elementary school. We ask you to pray especially for this outreach as it meets up with some opposition from liberal leaders in the school. Yet, God is faithful to overcome all opposition and allow young hearts to hear the truth of His Word and the beauty of His love.
As always, we are so grateful for your prayers, your support, your friendship and encouragement.
Servants of the Savior,
Gene and Nan