3/2/26

 

Dear Family,

 

Sometimes disaster strikes. This is our time to show people what Christians are really like. Do we crumble, do we grumble, do we stumble? Or can we lean on God’s grace, carry on, and share His love anyway. This was a hard week for Bobby because the youth room flooded. He has been creative in the use of different rooms, and I have enjoyed seeing him shine even when his heart is heavy and his mind is whirling.

               Last week a student started promoting their small, crocheted animal Kenneth. They are nominating this Triceratops to be the Youth Group mascot. This student was bringing a petition around asking people to sign it. When one student hedged, she became insistent. He said, “I need more information. Does Kenneth read the Bible every day? What is his testimony?” When the answers weren’t coming in as rapidly as he was asking, she insisted anyway. He signed. As she happily left, he told me secretly, “I didn’t use my real name.” Oh my. These questions have now been answered. Kenneth had no family when he was young and he had to live in stores or even on the street. She found him, took him home to his new home and cleaned him. She introduced him to the Bible, church, and camp. Now Kenneth is a strong Christian with a personal relationship with the Lord and would like to help others come to the point that he has reached. Kenneth also reads the Bible daily but hasn’t finished the Song of Songs because he’s too young. Kenneth will represent joy and happiness as the Youth Group Mascot. What do you say? Do you vote yay or nay?

               Bobby was talking about having a mentor and how it’s important to listen to people that are older. When Bobby said, “Take advantage of old people.” I did have to chuckle. I knew what he meant. Anyway, many of our young people may be learning to drive soon and Bobby said a certain someone would be a good to person to ask about driving. He is now retired from driving long haul so he would be perfect. One student piped up with, “He would be ‘Glad’ to help us.” It took me a little bit – Oh the man’s last name is Glad. That was a good one!

               May you press on, with God’s help, even when you have hard times. May you find joy in the journey and may God’s love fill your heart. Love and hugs, Cristy