life on 21/7: community day

Saturday 3 August 2013

community day

WOW! It is hard to imagine that just a year ago, we were doing our mall "Community Day" presentation for the first time. Keith's parents and nephew Jess were here for it. Today the same bench where they sat was just across from our booth, and I looked longingly at it, thinking, if I just stared long enough, Jackie would re-appear there. But she didn't. She's with Jesus. And I wouldn't take her away from Him for anything.

In honor of her, I wore the blouse we bought her for her birthday on that trip. I was able to reclaim it on our trip to Florida last month. And how Jackie would have loved to hear our Children's Choir singing today... And maybe she did?

We must have handed out a hundred balloons today, greeted many families, and invited their children to our upcoming Music Camp/VBS this week. I believe we received about 15 more registrations today, bringing out grand total to 69. We were praying for 60, and 69 would be wonderful!

Our worship team sounded exceptionally good in the mall, proclaiming the goodness of God and the kindness of our Savior. Many people gathered around for songs such as "How Great Thou Art" and "Blessed Assurance." Keith was even interviewed on a Christian Radio station! He had mentioned to the radio guy in passing, that this kind of religious activity would never be welcomed at a mall in the U.S. The man found that interesting, so they began interviewing Keith. Cool? I think so. It also provided an opportunity for him to pitch the Music Camp one more time! God's ways are definitely higher than ours.

All in all, we had a full but wonderful day as a church. Gracie Brown, Keaton's dear friend she met at Pastor's College in 2011 is here for 2 weeks, and already she's been a blessing. We look forward to our time with her and all she will add to our mission this week!

The girls and I will be serving dinner again out at Adventure Learning Camp this week, filling in for dear Mindy who just had her knee operated on. Have no fear, the Bunting Girls (and Gracie) are here! The camp is where our mission group from Florida is staying anyway, so by cooking out there, we'll only get to spend more time with them!

Pray for us as we step into this week of serving, morning, noon, and night. We know we will make some amazing memories and see God move in ways we haven't yet. Pray for stamina, safety and health, resources, children to be saved, and for those of us who know Christ to be drawn closer to Him. We couldn't do this without you all praying!! Keep up the good work. 'Til next time...