Saturday, June 28, 2008

The Angels are Rejoicing...and so am I!

"Count on it - there's more joy in heaven over one sinner's rescued life than over ninety-nine good people in no need of rescue."     ~Luke 15:7 (The Message)

This past week, we had so much fun at Vacation Bible School at our church. The program was Group's "Power Lab" and the kids learned about Jesus's power and how He gives it to us. He gives us the power to be thankful, to help others, to be brave, to live forever and to tell others about him. I had six 4-year-olds with me this week and I think I still have not fully recovered! Wow...they are busy! I have a new appreciation for preschool teachers for sure!

Emily, Ben & Abby had a blast and were talking about "PBS" (as Ben and Abby call it) all week long. The kids had a chance to bring an offering as the church had set a goal of $2,000 for the week to be able to purchase 250 soccer balls to send to South Africa. Praise God that the offering totaled a little more than $3,500 at the closing ceremony yesterday!

During the closing ceremony, there was a time for kids who had invited Jesus to be their "forever friend" for the very first time to stand up and to be prayed over. There were 39 kids out of the 365 there that had made this decision to accept the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. As I look across the room, I see Emily standing up! I immediately teared up and couldn't wait to call Jason. We went out for a celebratory lunch and continued the dialogue of questioning her to make sure she understood what it was she had committed to that morning. She understands completely. 

I cannot tell you the depth of emotion Jason and I have felt since yesterday. 

Lord, what a joy it is as Emily's mom to see her understand the gift you've given and to accept that gift as her own. What a joy it is to see her commit her life to you and excited about sharing who you are with other people. I pray a special blessing over her precious life today, Lord. I pray that she will grow to be a beautiful daughter of the Heavenly King!    ~Amen.


1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Hey Curtis family. I've been following along on your journey and keep up with you all via the blog. I hope you're all doing well! Melissa thanks for sharing everything. You guys don't feel so disconnected from me now. (I cannot believe how big the kids are!) I started a project and a blog a few weeks ago. Tell Curtis to take a look at it with you when you guys have some time. Hope you all enjoy your summer! oh - and if you haven't already you've got to go see Wall-E! It's awesome!!