Sweat drips from my sodden shirt, it rolls from damp brow into stinging eyes, blinding me. I mop it from my pate with a tattered ‘Cascade-Lumber’ cap that has somehow survived our long sojourn here, and I shift about uncomfortably in my sticky seat. Gradually, a sea of canvas rolls into view, tepees stretched out as far as the eye can see…’Praise-land’. Teeming with teenage campers, and rife with the usual sort of mayhem associated with this age-group. Playing soccer with the local chickens appears to be the ‘mischief-of-choice’ here. This was the second time I had run this particular gauntlet, it seems that I am known here now, as they meet me with out-stretched hands…hands bearing a steaming mug of coffee. God is good, eh?
Hard to prepare a message for kids, their mercurial natures tend to shred prepared plans! They are a minefield of disruptions, outbursts….sudden and urgent questions that brook no delays. One paddles cautiously in these waters! Being relatively ‘clue-less’ affords me a great deal of latitude however, and it leaves me desperate for the Spirit’s leading! He threw an arm about my shoulders, and whispered: “There are many here that don’t know Me, Mike….why don’t you introduce us?” Relief washed over me! This was familiar ground!! I can still hear, taste, smell and touch the moment Jesus called me home…I began to speak. I didn’t know where He was taking us all…but God poured the words into my head…and out of my mouth. ”It all comes down to this guys….living forever…or dying forever.
A simple choice…and one that your youth does not exempt you from. Sweet comfort…or the gaping maw of hell.” It got a little intense, but, poignant, profound….piercing the soul, God’s word worked its wonders. ”So, how many of you want to be forgiven, want to live forever….want to give yourselves to the Son of God? I asked for ‘bowed-heads’ and ‘closed-eyes’….my request was roundly ignored. So, with ’every eye open’ ( but with every voice stilled! ) …nine young men and women stepped out of their cages…and walked into freedom….walked into the kingdom of God! Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a young man slowly raising his hand. I saw his companion, mocking and jeering at him…he glanced briefly at his friend, smiled widely…and shoved his arm skyward!
Hail to the King of Glory! Praise to His Holy name!!
Mike, Amberlea, Mercy and Zion Macy
PS On the ride to the station, I opened again the letter Gunter had given me, from a young girl who had attended the previous week….reading, weeping, grinning like a fool… I felt absurdly pleased…and enormously grateful. Oh how I love my job!