In June my youngest daughter went on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic. She is my child who is the most interested in missions. She asked a couple of weeks ago if some of the kids who went on the trip could come over to our house for what they were calling the "Upper Room". I said, "Sure". So the other night they came. There were about 75 of them. They were like locusts. They ate everything we set out, drank everything, and then I am pretty sure I saw some teeth marks on the furniture. Anyway they ended up outside around our fire pit, all 75 of them. Two students had guitars and began to lead worship. They sang and prayed for almost 2 hours. Toward the end I opened my bedroom window so I could hear. I looked out on 75 high school students gathered around a fire with their eyes closed and swaying together as they sang. They were singing Amazing Grace. As I listened I got goose bumps because I realized I wasn't just listening to high school students singing. I was listening to the hope of the world. The world is always one generation from total collapse. Christianity is one generation from absolute extinction. Outside my bedroom window gathered a herd of teenagers who could have been out watching a movie or partying their brains out. Instead they stood under my window and sang "Amazing Grace". So, the hope of the world gathered in my backyard the other night and I was thankful. I wanted to wake my neighbors and let them know that the next 20 years were going to be OK. I wanted them to know they could sleep well. God was not done with us yet. The fire has been lit in the next generation and so all is well. But I realized they were already awake. I just hope they had their windows open so they could hear the words..."I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see." I don't know when I have felt so good about being up so late. Let them come and eat all I have as long as I can hear them sing as I lay in my bed and thank God that another generation has been lit and is burning bright.
Friday, August 8, 2008
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Pastor Joe:
I am surprised that no one has commented on your story. I just cried when I read it, like I do every time I hear or feel His Spirit in my presence. One of the ones at your home was my daughter she went with your daughter. I praise God for this experience they had.
Unfortunately, I have told many people of the experience that they had over there their comments are so mundane like oh it is such a good thing that they were exposed to this. Everyone should have this experience when they grow up. The world is so simple. They chalk it up to the unison of a student body, almost trivalizing the potential significace of the hope you elude to. I just pray that these fires lit by this intense experience continue to burn and grow in spite of the world's influence. I pray that the fire truly does engulf the entire school and the youth that are exposed to it! I look forward to Friday's reunion at the school, also.
By the way I think I fed her before she left so hopefully her teethmarks were not left on your furniture, ha ha. Jan
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