Back from the Hill

Last week was spent on the hill down in Hardin KY. We (18 of us) went for our annual B.A.S.I.C. training. This year was very different for me.

First of all, there were over 80 kids there (I think the most ever) and there were almost twice as many boys as girls (again first time ever). Because of that, the boys were in the new lodge which is farther away from the manna house than the ark is. I did not stay in the lodge with the boys this year (and when I walked through the lodge on wednesday, I was glad about that) because Kim and I actually had our own room (again, first time). With all of that, this year I felt disconnected from the boys. It just seemed that I did not get to know everyone. Also, Bob was a little different this year. He talked more about himself and his history and let the kids decide what the topics were going to be. As a result, we were all over the place instead of covering a topic or book for the week. I also noticed an urgency in him. He really wants to get all of what God wants him to teach out to these young people.

However, what struck me the most was watching two parents work with their kids on the subject of dating. I was honored and humbled to be watching these two dads (of whom I have tremendous respect for) as they take the biblical approach in handling these situations. I came away not really knowing what God was showing me. I don't know if he is trying to teach me how to be a christian dad or to help me be a spiritual "father" to my youth. Either way I paid attention and I will tell you, the bar has been raised.

God is great. It was amazing as always to see how God was working in each of the youths lives and what He did there on the hill. I encourage everyone to take time to talk to the youth individually and see what God has done in their lives. I urge you all to hold them accountable to those things. They are looking for that, they want that and they need it. I leave you with the scripture Bob gave us on the last nite.

"Watch yourselves, that you might not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward." 2 John 8

Keep them in your prayers as Satan will be attacking. We love you all.

Step by Step

The other night at prayer, we were sitting out on the porch of the church and were just amazed at the amount of people that pass our meeting house. We had been discussing how the new youth room construction was proceeding and how the plans for the Fifth Quarter were going. I had remarked how amazing ( I know it should not be, but it still is ) it was to me to see how God has been opening doors for us to not just reach out to the community (around Tatesbrook) but also integrate us with them as well.
The TBNA (Tatesbrook Neighborhood Association) is meeting at the church once a month, and this is a great chance for us to get to know the people who live around us. They are having an ice cream social later this month. We hope to be there to meet and greet the community and to hopefully share a little about us and the vision God has given us.
I then went on to share some of the long range plans including 3 on 3 tournaments (which was confirmed by Duane), afterschool activities and ultimately a "Youth Life Center" which would be open everyday for youth in the area. In our prayers we were thankful for what God has done and praised Him so. However, we all wanted to make sure that we were not getting ahead of ourselves. We prayed ernestly for direction and obedience to God's timing, trying to always remember that these are His plans not ours. Tim brought out this devotional (from their Ecuador trip) and it seemed so appropriate:
"Through the intimacy of our relationship, you are being transformed from the inside out. As you keep your focus on Me. I form you into the one I desire you to be. Your part is to yield to My creative work in you, neither resisting it nor trying to speed it up. Enjoy the tempo of a God-breathed life by letting Me set the pace. Hold My hand in childlike trust, and the way before you will open up step by step."
I don't even know how to respond. It is so awesome when God speaks to you. I just pray that we can hold on to that and stick with it. The scripture reference is found in Psalms:
"Yet I am always with you;
you hold me bye my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory." (Psalm 73:23,24)
We just ask that you all will be in prayer for us as we move forward in trying to reach out to the community that surrounds our little meeting house on the hill.