September / October '05

  Just as summer ended, Fall picked up about the same pace. We started with a mission's trip to Monterrey, Mexico. It was a great ministry time as we spoke to students in schools, kids crusades, and evening family rallies. Every time I go to Mexico God does amazing things as we see lives changed and hope renewed. I also had the opportunity to do Illustrated Drama Presentations for Calvary Christian Center, The Colony TX. and Lighthouse A/G, Bowie, TX., and Fellowship Family Church, Richardson TX. This type of ministry is so unique as people see as well as hear the gospel. This results in many people opening their hearts to God. In Bowie, I spoke school assemblies in the area. After the Bowie High School assembly one young man came to me and confirmed that many of the things I said and issues I spoke were things he was dealing with. He appreciated the straight forward message of character and choices and challenged me to continue to let students across America know that life is worth living and hope can be restored.

  Last week I was speaking to a pastor about our upcoming annual Ski Camp. I reminded him of the time I spoke an Illustrated Drama Presentation ten years ago in his section. This particular message stood out in my mind because I remembered that we broke a casket, we used as a prop, in the presentation. I always had the host church borrow one from the local funeral home and they would return it after the presentation. I remembered that we broke the lid and had to purchase the casket. We still use it to this day. The pastor told me that the message impacted one of his students in such a great way. He said that this girl had previously attempted suicide four times. The message, in the presentation, dealt with issues youth face in life including the enormous pressure to end their lives in self destruction. He said she rededicated her life to Christ and since that day she has done great and has completed a Master's degree in counseling. She is now a high school counselor influencing students to live a life of hope because of her experience, Wow!!! Sometimes we never know the impact of the opportunities God has for us. He will use you to speak a kind word, cross a person's path, and influence people that will later impact the world. That's what the gospel is all about. Your prayers and financial support is what makes moments like this happen. Let's continue to team together to ensure that other young people hear the message of life and hope such as the students in the school assembly, the girl at the presentation, and students all across the country.

  Please keep in mind that 90% of all people accept Christ before 18 years of age. Most people answer the call of God before 18 as well. I need your help to ensure that young people across America have the chance to know Christ loves them and has a great plan for their lives. Together we can reach the world.