I had spoken of remaining and retaining the position in life where God has assigned us, not jumping from whim to whim seeking to satisfy self (1Corinthians 7).  She shared how she’d been struggling with the decision to retire, and God had used the message to affirm to her that she ought to remain employed as long as she enjoyed her job and could continue to perform at a quality level.  God answered prayer, affirmed her decision, and used her to affirm my message.  WOW!

As we began the worship service, an elderly lady who was visiting from out of town raised her hand and said, “I have a testimony about Vacation Bible School. Many years ago, when we did VBS for two weeks, I came here as a little girl. It was at this VBS I received Christ as Savior and began my Christian life. The teachers taught us many Bible verses, which we memorized and I still know today.” She proceeded to quote several Scriptures and blessed us all. It certainly reinforced the great value and importance of teaching children the Word of God. It was a special topping to our VBS week.

I was in for a surprise!  Nineteen young adults showed up — all were 22-24 years old, and all of them were serious about learning what the Bible had to say!  I left the meeting two and a half hours later —exhausted, but so happy to see the Lord at work.  Plans are to meet every Monday night during the summer before they return to college.

What was really special for me, however, was that in response to an expressed need for counselors, I approached some of our own Camp Victory workers to see if they could be available.  Two of them,  Barbara Schellentrager and Michael Gardner, quickly adjusted their schedules and made the trip of over 300 miles one way to come and help.  The Craigs told me how well Barbara and Michael served as counselors. I was so proud of them. It is good to be in the right place at the right time to see what God can do!

The calls started coming in at 6:30 in the morning – “How can I help?” We have to admit, we really don’t know how everyone knew that Shiloh needed help, but help is what we received! People came from all over with chainsaws and equipment, ready to work hard. Campers chipped in on their free time, picking up sticks and branches, hauling wood – it was amazing! God worked in the hearts of so many people through that first week of camp.

Wendy’s parents were up early Tuesday morning after the storm, ready and willing to help with whatever needed to be done. They ran errands, picking up needed items in the Valley. One of the most amazing errands was a trip to Costco! Costco opens at 10:00 a.m., and it was 9:00 a.m., so they were closed. Wendy’s mother called Wendy to ask what to do, and Wendy simply said, “Explain the situation, and see what happens. We’ll pray.” And pray we did! Costco opened its doors at 9:00 a.m. for Shiloh! Employees helped load many, many bottles of water, paper plates, silverware, gloves – all the needed items. What a blessing to see God at work!

We sent a thank you to Costco immediately. We expected nothing ; we were simply grateful for all they had done to help in the aftermath of the storm. However, they called to donate three small, portable generators. Wendy’s parents again returned to Costco, and not only did they have the three generators to send to Shiloh, but they donated a picnic table that had some end damage! We don’t care so much about the minimal damage on the ends; it replaces a picnic table that had been totaled in the storm. What a praise! We are developing relationships with employees there; many of them are asking questions about God, what we teach in chapel, and why we teach the Bible. How thankful we are for the open hearts!

A few weeks ago, we had an opportunity to play, and it looked like I stood a chance at winning. It was a high scoring game, and I was pulling out into the lead! However, my excitement was shattered when Lois through FIVE strikes in a row took the lead to finish the game, leaving me far behind!

At Grand Traverse Pavillions, the connection is harder to come by as I am serving the dementia patients there. However, I have connected with one resident: Rosey. She is a sweet lady with whom I met a few weeks ago. She has such a spirit of joy and looks forward to seeing me every week.

In addition to these two nursing homes, I began preaching at two more on August 2nd: Woodside Village Senior Apartments and Southridge Senior Assisted Living, both in Traverse City, and both on Monday mornings.

Please pray for me and the residents as I begin ministering there and that people would come to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior.