Awesome, simply awesome…
Filed in NHL | Comments (6)Journal,
Yesterday our Christian Challenge 31st Homecoming Jubilee was no less than awesome. Yep, had a reserved table for me and Betty.? There we were — Shana, Hunter, Jared, Abbey, Andre, Judy, Betty and myself, surrounded by a sea of love. Hugs and greetings galore. It was like a bit of heaven on earth. (No such thing as ‘be careful about hugging Brother Buddy’.)? ? 
What can I say? Watching a service via the computer can no way be compared to? actually being in a service. The worship was like a heavenly stream of? water.? Nope - There is nothing like? being in the fellowship of brothers and sisters in the Lord.
David described this fellowship atmosphere as best as it can be said. He wrote:
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, coming down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard, coming down upon the edge of his robes. It is like the dew of Hermon coming down upon the mountains of Zion; for there the Lord commanded the blessing–life forever.” (Psalm 133 nasb.)
Nathan did a wonderful job putting the service together. He is such a great worship leader.? (Jeff was unable to attend due to sickness.)? Without any prejudice on my part, I think that Christian Challenge is especially blessed to have Nathan in leadership. He and Lori are moving the ministry forward in a wonderful way.?
Nathan? and Donna also put together a? slide show on? Christian Challenge and the early years. Boy, have folk changed. That was such an? extra-plus? part of our Jubilee. Brought back so many memories. I was 35 years old? when Betty and I started the ministry in Boyce. This August I’ll be knocking on? 67. What a journey. (Our very first service was on Shana’s second birthday.)
Nathan wanted me to share a bit from our table. It was a? tender moment for me. I could hardly hold the tears. Saw a lot of misty eyes around. Course you know me — Had to begin with, “I can out shout, out worship, out dance, anyone in the house.” (Don’t know how anyone puts up with me.)?
Brought folk up-to-date on my progress. (Which is all positive.) Spoke of how [humbly] proud I am of Nathan and the direction that? Christian Challenge is taking. There is such a feeling of? adventure and purpose in the ministry.
Our young people shared a wonderful skit. It had to do with the bondages of darkness and how Jesus breaks the yokes. That was another moment when tears filled my eyes. Noticed that I wasn’t the only cry-baby around.? Jon is such a good youth pastor. And our young people are moving forward with? such a? passion for? the Lord. It thrills my heart.
Before the? ministry of the word, Edward Dorsey shared a song.? He? left everyone standing with? their hands clapping.? This brother can say more with the expression of his face and eyes that many of us can say with our words. Edward just gleams with a love for Jesus. ?
Christian Challenge overflowed with members and guests. Had to bring out extra seating. What a? blessing to have so many friends with us.?
Right at the top of the blessings was our guest speaker, Alan Stroud. He? came all the way from San Antonio, Texas, just to be with us. (Alan? came to the parsonage for a short visit both before services and after the service. Had to drive back to San Antonio that afternoon.)
Alan was one of our earliest disciples. He has such a passion for the Lord. On top of that, Alan is an excellent speaker. He can be humorous without even trying. One thing he shared that really touched my heart is how the Lord is now using him to mentor other young men. He touched on memories of how I had mentored him. (Alan is helping raise up a new church work in San Antonio, called ‘Cross Point’. Believe I have that right.)
What else can one say about a wonderful day. To mention dinner-on-the-grounds goes without saying.? We had a feast par exellance.? That is the norm for Christian Challenge. We feasted and fellowshipped with plenty of food left over.?
Could share a lot more but I don’t want to write a document. Just take my word for it — It was awesome, simply awesome.
Ok, nuff for now. General Claudius Josephus sends his best.
Talk with you later.
Lots of love,
Buddy
?
