riding the Escalator the Wrong Way

Hey guys,

I just wanted to say I had a blast at Hot Rod's and being able to hang out with all of you. I know everyone is extremely busy as well as I am but it is nice just to hang out for a few hours and enjoy the company of those you serve with.

A recap for those who did not attend.

I want to thank you for your service and appreciate the time and energy that put into this ministry. If I could tell you anything at all is that this ministry would be nothing with out you. I hope that you feel like this is your ministry and that you can call it yours. I also want to encourage everyone that they check their hearts and see where their motives are for this ministry. Is it out of obligation that one serves. Is it because some of your friends are in it and it is one of the only times you may get to see them? Or, is it out of love and adoration for the Lord and you see you important the youth are to you?

Everyone holds so much potential to be used to the fullest. Ephesians 5:16 tells us to make the most of every opportunity, and I would like to encourage everyone to do that when they come in the dome. You have an opportunity to be a mentor or a ear to some of these kids that come in the dome. Please take advantage of that. I pray that it is a joy for you to come to serve the Lord. That you make the most of every opportunity to be used.

Also I would stress the importance of modesty in dress. It is summer time and more towards the girls they need to see you as a counselor dressing appropriately. If you do not set the example, they will not do it, they need someone to lead the way for them. We live in a world that tries to justify certain things and these young Jr. High girls need older girls to set the right example for them.

Sometimes, I will try to run up the escalator that is going down. I don't know why I do this, one is because I am weird, but also it is a challenge. One time there was this really large escalator at an airport in Atlanta. I wanted to see if I could go all the way to the top. As I tried I was doing good but this was a 3 story escalator so it was long, but I stopped really fast and I found myself going back to the beginning.

The same thing with our Christian walk. We stop for a time, we go back to the beginning in sense. We lose our ground. If you also think about when we do not show up on a regular basis, then we lose the ground of those kids we see on a routine basis.

I thank God for all of you and you are truly a blessing to my wife and I especially the support in this new role.

Chew on this for a little bit please.

PJ