We slept in today BIG TIME! Before we went to sleep last night, we decided to make Saturday our day off again. Today was Youth Day at PCG General Convention, and there was plenty of cool things planned that we were able to choose from to keep us busy. We finally left the RV around 11 and headed into town to grab lunch. We went to McAlisters and they were more than happy to provide our lunch free of charge. The generosity we have received on this trip is at times overwhelming. You would think after nearly 350 meals donated, that I would somehow feel used to it. But I’m really just as amazed today as I was the first day. The crazy thing is that it never crossed my mind during the planning of this trip that without the people who have donated food to us, this trip would have never been possible. If we would have had to buy every meal up to today, it would have cost us over $2500!!! THANK YOU LORD!
So we ate our food, got the mandatory to go cup of McAlisters Sweet Tea, and went to meet Uncle Gene and Aunt Sharlan. They are in town for convention and their flight was delayed so they didn’t get in until around 5am! Sharlan was at Fazzolis with Darla, Aunt Jean and her son Kevin. We visited there for a while and then went over to the hotel to see Uncle Gene. It was soooo good to just sit and talk with him. He is a man of tremendous wisdom, and I literally hang on every word that comes out of his mouth. He told me he was proud of me and that God was pleased with the work I am doing. He then asked if I would allow him to be like a consultant to my future ministry endeavors. Kind of like a board member to provide insight and direction to my ministry. I was so honored! Of course I want his guidance! I cant wait to call him for the first time and take him up on his offer!
We left there and went to Joplin Family Worship Center for the National Youth Ministries Rally. As soon as we walked in the door we ran into a friend of ours from California. Candi was our worship leader at Family Worship Center in banning, Ca. Her parents were voted in as Directors of World Missions so they all had to move to Joplin. I met her mom and dad there too. Brother Naten talked with me for a while and commended me for doing something great for God. He said it was rare these days to see young people willing to make such a big sacrifice. I thanked him, and then Dad introduced me to several other friends from California. Johnny and Linda Ross were there, as were Jan and Gail Lake. These have been friends of our family for as long as I can remember. Dad also introduced me to the PCG General Secretary, Wayman Ming. I have heard many stories about the impact that Wayman has had on my Dad’s life and ministry. Dad credits Wayman for his being involved in ministry today! It was an honor to meet him.
The service was really cool with awesome worship. The girl who led worship sounded just like Kim Walker! Right in the middle of her set she sang “He Loves Us” and I was just BLOWN AWAY! What a rad song! It was a great time of worship, but I was melting like cheese in a toaster! It was so hot that I had to walk into the lobby and sit because I was feeling light headed. Isn’t that amazing? We can walk in 100 degree heat with 80% humidity, but I couldnt stand to stay in there another minute. And the crazy thing is the service was AWESOME! I was just burning up. After the rally they had “Party on the Lot”, with food games and music. We stood in line for like an hour for food, which was late getting there, but when it arrived, it was McCalisters. Not that that is usually a bad thing, we just didnt feel like eating it twice in a day. Now I know that most of my friends will probably dog me out for that, but keep in mind it was 100 degrees outside as well! Dang, I should have still ordered a cup of Sweet Tea!
So anyway, we left and went to Fuddruckers down the street, and once again were treated to a complimentary meal. I ALWAYS order conservatively when food is being donated to us, but tonight I couldnt help myself. I ordered the ONE POUND Bacon Cheddar Burger! Dad filmed it and when I held it up it was nearly as big as my head! I ate the whole thing! Im still trying to decide whether or not it was an incredible feat, or incredibly stupid! Our friends from Kansas City, Dalin and Cindy, joined us again and we had a blast visiting with them. I really wish we lived closer to them. They are such real kindhearted people! Their daughter was there, and they told us how she was born deaf but God had healed her!!! Such an incredible story! God is a miracle working God! Even though I have experienced that in my own life when I was healed of cancer, I really needed to hear it tonight as my Granddad and Auntie Christyl have been on my mind a great deal lately.
In fact, I have decided that the last day we walk will be dedicated to Granddad and Christyl. We are going to attempt to break our distance record that day in honor of their fight. I’d give anything to be with Granddad, but I know that isnt physically possible right now. I know that his prayers have been with me every step of the way, so the least I can do is honor that by pushing myself harder than ever to show him that if a cancer survivor like me can walk 500 miles, that he too will be able to do great things when God heals him! And Christyl, I know that we have not even met yet. But our family feels as if we have known eachother forever. You are my Aunt Chrissy! So it is my honor to walk for you! And although I dont know exactly what you are going through, I do know that all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord, and are called according to His purpose!
