What a treat it was to experience all the activities of summer camp on Thursday. The staff of young people, Lisa and God has put together are fantastic. Our children lvoe our youth leaders. Seeing the children run up to the leaders with big hugs and big smiles is a blessing. As the children arrive for camp, they go into the room and sit down at their tables. A prayer is said, Byron lines up the children and they walk quietly to get their meal prepared by Ms Abbie and Peaches First order of the day, every day is to the read the camp rules together, lead by Chuck. Then the fun begins. Crafts, games, puzzles, reading, learning taking place as the children move from activity to activity. A circle is formed as they depart for the day, with an ending prayer. I can only imagine what an impact this will have on their lives as they grow up. Please check our web site each day, as Princess posts various pictures and videos of the days events. Only two weeks left, come by for a visit and see for yourself what God is doing!
Thursday was an unusual day for myself and Lisa. We spent all day being interviewed and photograph as the Angel award folks from Baton Rouge were in town. They are making a video of our community for a presentation in October. Hopefully we will be able to get a copy of it and show it to all after they put it together. I struggled with my part, trying to tell folks what Common Ground is about. It is hard to explain God's lvoe to folks who have not experienced it. Hopefully they will be able to capture in pictures what we are about.
The rains came Thursday morning just as a youth group from First Methodist was finishing up their activities at the center. They spent all morning working in the garden with Rickey. Abbey has gone above and beyond her role this week, hosting a church from Baton Rouge, Monday - Wednesday. We did not have as many youth groups this summer come for a visit, just so happened they all came the same week!
The rain continued Thursday evening as our chapel and meal got under way. Lomax, Joey and mr brian shared a few words at chapel, with Ms Abbie and Pops supplying the music. Our meal was cooked by our resident chef TJ and his family, one of our best meals of pork loin, potatoes, green beans and banana bread. Groceries and our clothing room was full during the evening.
Following our meal, Lisa conducted our monthly Board meeting. We had election of officers. Report of finances, and discussion of various activities going on. We have had an unexpected donation of funds from one of our foundations. Our fundraiser event, has been put on hold, as we were reminded again God will provide.
Matt and his team are spending time at our new basket ball court across the street from the center on Saturday mornings. Many new faces are showing up to sample the ways of God through shooting hoops and playing together. Matt can always use help, come and enjoy all the fun.
Scott will be leading our Saturday visits to our outdoor friends from the center. He would lvoe to have your company. This Saturday he will be taking a group from Brookwood Baptist.
Lisa shared various policy forms with the Board. Some that are already in place, others in the planning stage.We take for granted sometimes the grace we have been privileged to have.
Carl, shared, one new activity we will be starting this school year, a new reading program called L.I.T. There is a link on our web site for more information. In the coming weeks, you will be seeing more information about the times, how to sign up, and what will be going on. This program was tried at another poor performing school last year and the results more than exceeded the expectations. Please consider helping out, this will be a great opportunity to help our young children get a much needed boost in their education.
The Board will be having our annual strategic planning meeting the end of September. If there is something on your heart, you feel like Common Ground needs to be doing, please let Lisa know.
Please add my son's wife's family in your prayers this week. Our daughter-in-law, Jennifer. Her mom, possible heart attack, fell and hit her head on their coffee table. Her husband found her unresponsive. Tried to revive her, called 911, got her to the hospital, but the doctors were unable to revive her. All of this happened Thursday morning. Keep in your prayers John Sacker, long time friend of our community. John's church, Calvery Pentecostal, lost their pastor this week. They were at the center not too long ago with their pastor. I remember he always had a smile on his face and was always supportive of us. He will be missed.
This week in mens Bible fellowship, we read from 1 John chapter 1. In verse 7, but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another . . . I was reminded of this last week when I showed up for chapel, all the folks in our community coming up to me and saying, mr brian sure good to see you. We've missed you. How's your wife. We've been praying for her. As I was putting up the sound equipment, our community standing in line to get their groceries, hollered over to me, we're praying for your wife, mr brian. The young men coming up to me on Tuesday evening, asking about my wife and me, giving me a hand shake and hug. My heart is overwhelmed with gratitude and emotion, reminding me if we walk in the light of Christ, we will be surrounded with family and friends concerned for you. I was reminded we have more in common than we are different. When we are hurting, we all hurt. When we celebrate, we all can rejoice. Words can not express the sincere appreciation I have for each one of you and for our community. What a privilege it is to be a part of such special people. Amen.
Hope your week will be a good one. See you around the center.
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