Coming home.
We are currently leaving Chicagoland airspace and we have just been approved to use our portable electronic devices. I thought this would be a good time to check in and catch up on the past couple of days.
Yesterday we had another great day at VBS and through our bible lesson the youth had an opportunity to share the gospel with about 30+ children.
It has been an incredible sight to see our teenagers not only taking part in this week, but it is evident that they have cherished investing in these children and building relationships. Their eternal investments will surely pay great dividends.
After much needed rest we came back to the church to present a concert for the children, church members, and their families. I truly feel that God is going to do a great work in this fellowship, and I am grateful that The Lord was able to use us in a small way. The concert was great and included Dr. Seth creating some very appropriate Gospel sounds on the churches Allen organ! We were able to enjoy an ice cream fellowship with everyone after the concert and Julie DeHoyos led our students and the VBS kids in a couple rousing songs.
This morning we wrapped up VBS with the most kids we had all week. This is a true testimony that our youth did such a terrific job connecting with the children. They literally kept bringing their friends, and there were tears when it was time to leave. Please continue to pray for Temple Baptist Church and the new direction that God is taking them.
Here is what Megan Poffenbarger shared with me this morning regarding this week:
All week long, I’ve been trying to decide what to write about. At first, I thought I’d go for something like the glittering buildings or the sandy beaches, but then I found a beauty that was much deeper. And that beauty was hope.
It was in the “amens” of those at the mission and the applause of a church who grieved but still found joy. It was the echoing of a piano resounding through church halls. It was teenagers and adults alike sharing in the refuge Christ allows. It was the sparkle in children’s eyes as they learned of their Heavenly Father and the fact that wherever they are they are deeply loved. And above all it’s Jesus calling out to all of us and His glory raging like a fire in the Windy City. We’re going home. The memories, places and faces will fade. But hope will never fade and Christ will never surrender. And beauty of hope, the beauty of our Father is, Frodo, a very encouraging thought.
That last line contains a Lord of the Rings reference in case you were wondering. The Chapel Singers will be singing in two services on Sunday morning and presenting our Home Concert at 6PM. We look forward to sharing some of our experience with you.