I had every intent on posting this blog last night. I don't always get what I want. Before I tell you why I didn't finish let me tell you about some other things.
This day means that a routine has settled in as far as where to go and what to do. This takes some pressure off the kids to concentrate on their ministries and to focus on God and His word.
Yesterday I heard a couple of stories of kids from their sites that I will share. (As always, I encourage you to ask them to tell YOU what they experienced). Ian Nichols, one our Wednesday night kids, got to share (I believe for the first time) in the joy of being around when someone comes to Christ. Tyler, a seven year old, gave his heart to Jesus yesterday! Janelle Young learned first hand the significance of that cup of cold water passage Jesus shared with His disciples. Janelle "got to" carry around a boy that did not have any shoes. Believe me, and you can imagine, the relief he felt from the playground and parking lot heat here in Birmingham. We are learning to open conversations and share the gospel.
Last night we wrote to thank our prayer partners. We recognize that they play an important role in what happens at camp. Thank you to them.
By the way we did get a free afternoon yesterday. I took the kids to DeSoto Caverns for a cave tour. It's incredible to me that God is so creative, even where people may never see. Who knows how many undiscovered places there are where God displays his handiwork.
The real fun began this morning at 1 am and the reason I was late with my blog. Shanna called me to inform me that Sara Line was not responding to her migraine medication and needed attention. I dug out the emergency forms, found the nearest hospital, called her dad for the go ahead and off we went on an adventure. She is recovering now thanks to the good folks at Brentwood Medical Center and I hope she is getting some much needed sleep. Leighla her sister was there too. Thanks to Leighla for being a wealth of information and a sweet big sister. Thanks to Shanna for driving us there and back. Thanks to Missy for hanging out with Sara here at camp today while she recovers. We have wonderful adult leaders who really do treat these kids like their own. I have got to got stop adding to my list of experiences with emergency personnel. Footnote: Back in bed by 3:15 am.
One last youth pastor perspective about what you may hear from your child if you have one here: this year is not as emotional as last year. That may be true considering three kids came to Christ last year and some of our older kids were deciding that living for Jesus was going to be an everyday thing for them in spite of the cost. Last year we were making life changing "starting point" decisions. This year we are finding out those things were just the beginning and living them out is hard-and much less emotional. Consider this illustration. Everybody cheers and emotions run high when people in nice clothes pull out a shiny shovel and turn over a little dirt at a groundbreaking for a new building. Then the real work begins and things don't always go as planned. The blueprint changes or there are unexpected obstacles. This year we are building.
Things I have learned today (yesterday):
1. That gravity still works-even underground. Lakota slipped because we had to negotiate a steep embankment at the entrance to the cave. She fell and of course went DOWN. A scrape, some blood, first aid and we're ready to continue.
2. That Chick Fil A needs a store in Charlotte. You know we ate dinner at giant mall called the Galleria with several dining options. Plenty of young men with money burning a hole in their pocket could not wait to spend it on chicken. I guess they could have had a dinner of black eyed peas, cabbage and turnip greens. I'm glad I'm not rooming with Rod.
3. That Missy is afraid of Dan "the bad cop" McClintock.
4. That The Canadian National Anthem can be lovely. There is a hymn society gathering on campus this week and the Canadian contingent serenaded us with a beautiful rendition at breakfast. You would have been very proud Richard.
Keep praying.
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2 comments:
In case you do not know the back story to Chick Fil A. The owner is a Christian and they are never open on Sunday. In fact, I told Austin if he was eating at a mall foodcourt to make sure that he ate at Chick Fil A because not only is the owner a Christian but they have really good quality food no matter which franchise you choose.
We will be saying a special prayer for Sara today. I know from personal experience that migraines are no fun especially if you have to make a trip to the ER for relief.
Ryan,thanks for the updates.It helps us at home to keep it real. I am praying for the team. I hope God continues to use each of you this week for His glory and good.
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