Sorry for the hiatus in the blog-o-sphere. Things have gotten back to normal, whatever that is, around here. My family and I have been praying for peace and guidance concerning some specific opportunities. We would love your prayers as well.
The week after July 4th I hopped on a plane and headed out to the bustling metropolis of Elmira, NY. I was the speaker at Transform Camp at the Chambers Wesleyan campground. I have learned a great deal about myself and what it takes to be obedient when preaching the word.
This last few days I have worked up the nerve to watch and dissect all 5 messages from that week. I am much better at tearing apart rather than building up when it comes to my own speaking. So I heeded some wise advice from my wife and a few close friends to try and not be too harsh on myself.
In case you want to tear apart night 3 here is the link
And just so you have some context here is a breakdown of how the days went.
Monday: The first thing I noticed was that it was triple digit hot right off the plane. And we tried to cool of at a “family” restaurant by the airport, only to get a free concert by the kitchen workers as they busted out Baby Got Back and other hip hop “classics”. The food being barely edible was another bonus. But that night was the toughest to preach. I was talking about God’s holiness and wrath towards our sin. The kids were exhausted from all day heat and jumping like crazy for a 25 min worship set. So, I mostly saw blank stares and fanning hands. I felt the roughest about that night, but we had to set the foundation for the rest of the week.
Tuesday: More heat and a new threat…FLIES. The garbage from the previous camp which hadn’t been taken out coupled with the campground being surrounded by a cattle farm created a Exodus like plague of flies. The camp had a strict no PDA rule, which the flies disobeyed blatantly. That night we were in Ephesians talking about justification by grace through faith. It was a much better night since I preached up front before the music and the kids got to respond in worship. This kept it from being so hot for everyone.
Wednesday: This was the first day I had to teach a seminar. It was on manhood. It was a fun and valuable time exploring Jesus “manning up”. That night was about adoption into the family of God. Told some strong stories and the kids really responded by seeking out counselors to pray with them. It may have been the most immediately relevant message of the week.
Thursday: Basketball tournament on the blacktop at 3pm…no bueno. But scoring a triple double muy bueno. Too bad I only dropped 2 or 3 buckets and nearly wiped out just walking up the court. Beholding Christ in 2 Corinthians was our topic…lots of background info, but we had the most honest time of worship of the week in response to the message.
Friday: Last day of sleeping on a plastic bed with 300 flies dive bombing my lips like Pearl Harbor. Last day of sweating all day including IN the shower. Had to share some more practical thoughts on living by the Spirit and not by flesh. Thought it might be a rough night since the music came first, but after some convicting opening silence the students zoned in to listen.
Saturday: Leaving camp after a baptism service which was the first one at youth camp in their history…finally a meal in air conditioning by the airport. Almost ate the hamburger with two grilled cheese sandwiches for the buns…you heard that right. But settled for something less deadly. The flights home were good. Got to share stories with a lady in the army and a college student returning from a summer in France with his mother.
But the best moment was seeing my wife and little boy as I came up the escalator. I missed them so much and I felt like I was home in the middle o the worlds busiest airport, because they were there.
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