Celebrations and VBS

T minus 6 weeks, 2 days... 44 days from now, I will probably be leaving the great state of Texas and the United States of America to begin my new life in Asia. I can't believe it is so near! It is surreal right now, but anxiety and excitement will surely build in the next few days. I'm trying to make the most of my last month and a half with my family and friends. I got to see a lot of friends from high school, college, and past employment at weddings and birthday parties on Friday and Saturday. It was such a blessing to get to see a lot of people I haven't seen in years that I was certain I wouldn't get a chance to see before I leave. I also got to tell a lot of friends about my big move coming up. A lot couldn't believe I was moving so far away and for so long.

Yesterday was Father's Day. I got to celebrate with my father, mother, sisters, and nephews. I have been really blessed with a awesome, godly father. I won't exaggerate and say my dad is the greatest in the world. He definitely has imperfections and short-comings, but, of course, he is human. For a mere man, he has been a wonderful influence in my maturing and development into manhood, as well as a great example of a faithful father, both in his walk with Christ and marriage with my mother, and man of integrity. His childhood wasn't as well-off as mine. He turned away from his father's sinful and selfish lifestyle and ended what could have been a legacy of generational sin. I will definitely tell my children and grandchildren how my dad's faithfulness changed the course of our family. He is where I derive my work ethic, though I'm still trying to meet his level. Man, do I have stories of inspirational moments that will forever affect me... but those will wait for an appropriate time when I can fit them in to nail down a specific point. Anyway, all this to say I love my dad.

Tonight my church started vacation Bible school. If you're unfamiliar with this, it's a week-long mini-camp each evening this week where kids will play games, sing songs, make crafts, and have a little Bible lesson. I love working VBS! I'm co-teaching the games class with another guy, Nathan. Tonight we had a pictionary relay race and a game of tag for the wee little ones. It's really cool to see kids grow physically and spiritually. It makes me think of a Bible verse:

At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. (Matthew 18:1-6 ESV) http://esv.to/Mt18.1-6

We have a great responsibility to lay a foundation for the younger generation's faith. It doesn't mean blindly believe something but to humble yourself- admit you don't know everything, especially no more than God (cuz you don't, see Job 38:2-4). This year's theme is about truth of the Bible, specifically the creation story. The curriculum takes a very strong young-earth stance, which caused a little controversy. There are a couple creation-based theories. I tell my nephews to research and learn about them just as much as they research and learn evolution at school and not to ignore something they don't think they believe in because ignorance of the others weakens your faith and understanding in the one you choose to believe. If you want to discuss different theories (or subjects of anything), you should have a pretty good understanding of what you don't believe so you can actually know why you don't believe it. Educating our children in both (or all) sides of an argument strengthens their understanding and faith; not doing so is a disservice to them.

Lastly, my friend, Putti Sok, is now in Thailand for the summer. Here's her blog: http://puttisok.blogspot.com/ Read it. Pray for her.


Ways you can pray for me:

• I'm still trying to gather up all of my start-up funds (and I have about 6 weeks to take-off)
• Pray that Nathan and I are aware of how God is moving at VBS and that we are devoted/invested in the kids and the lessons