Fall 2010 Youth Update
I’ve hijacked Ken’s space this month. He’s a little busy with Sandstock, so I took my opportunity for a very personal note.
Sandstock. We’re eating and sleeping and breathing this event at the time of this writing. When Ken first suggested it my reaction was… less than enthusiastic. Ken tends to dream big and figure out how to make it happen later. Like Job’s wife, I was critical and unsupportive at the thought of the hours involved, the risk, the expense. It was daunting. It was a horrible date. It didn’t fit in my business schedule. My grumpy tirade was pretty endless.
Ken’s faith was unwavering, though, and one by one other faithful friends caught the vision and jumped on board. I’m ashamed to say that I was among the last. I was afraid that Ken would be caught building an ark, and there would be no rain and he would be standing on McDonald Ballfield September 26th, with Mike Jones, our Youth Group and a Karaoke Machine.
Oh ME of Little Faith.
God’s goodness has been completely revealed in every aspect of the planning so far. We have over 750 confirmed tickets sold, plus more than 250 Facebook Friends. There are 11 diverse bands committed to sharing their love of Christ through their music, brilliant speakers, and dozens of volunteers from every church in town with countless hours invested. We couldn’t ask for a better team who have come together to share their gifts and time and talent willingly, lovingly and unselfishly. I am awestruck and honored to serve with them.
I don’t know what the day will bring. I know that the planning team has covered all the details as best we can. I know that we’ve covered the day in prayer. I know we’ve been faithful with our budget and sponsors have been gracious. I know the bands are excited and ready, arts and craft suppliers in place and the volunteers good to go.
But I don’t know what God has planned. It’s His day, so I’ll just sit back and enjoy it with excitement and enthusiasm and an expectant heart. I finally “get” the vision. It’s not about my schedule, my time, my needs. It’s about a lovely day of reminding as many as possible that He loves them through His creation of music.
By the time this newsletter is printed Sandstock will be over. From the planning standpoint I will be glad, but from a spiritual perspective I know the lessons of vision, faith and perseverance will remain with me. I hope to see everyone there. The ark is built and there are storm clouds forming. Let it rain.
