For the first time in a long time, the heavens opened up on a Saturday and it was wet, really wet! One of the camps called us to tell Scott we will meet you at a concrete parking lot! Scott said, at least they knew we were coming! We made a decision Saturday morning to hire Turner to be our test tester for our MRE's! We asked Turner, if we bring you a case, would you take it and tell us which ones are good and those that are really good! He said yes, he would do it. Our basketball time was rained out, but fun and games were happening inside the center. Matt, Vicky, Ardis were busy wrapping bread, playing games, putting on a play with the children. Looked like everybody was having a good time.
Our reading afternoons continued with our new children and our homework sessions on Tuesday was happening as well. Good times.
Wednesday afternoon, I had the opportunity to visit with our intern's leader at Centenary's Christian Leadership Center. She tries to place young people who want to go into ministry into churches and organizations. One of her favorite places to put her young leaders is Common Ground!
Tuesday evening, another big group of men gathered to listen to the hearts of others. Matt read from John 14: 1-14. The title of this chapter, Jesus comforts his disciples. We can say the same, read it, Jesus will comfort you!
Thursday was another full afternoon. With our fall weather still with us, we gathered in the chapel. One of my favorite places at the center, just feels right to be in there worshiping God through song and words. Spencer and Abbie shared their gifts of music, Brother George shared the Word. Brother George's church brought dinner, served and helped clean up to a big crowd. People were everywhere, having a good time. Thanks to all for sharing your gifts of servant hood.
Continue to lift up Ginellen. She continues with her very slow recovery from her surgery. Still in lots of pain. Doctor visit next week, hoping to find out what's next for her. Prayers for Matt's mom. She took ill Thursday. Let us know Matt how she is doing.
Don't forget, this Saturday is Sonatra's Family Day. Matt will be leaving the center around 9 am. If you can't go that early, the festivities go on until 4, so please try to make it if at all possible. Matt and Vicky will be grilling hot dogs around noon. The address is: Youth Challenge Program at Camp Minden (9649 HWY 80, Minden, LA).
Did everybody get Joey's second newsletter? If not please send your email address to Joey: Joeyutley@hotmail.com, He is doing good. Sure like to see his picture. I asked him, when he can, to send us more pictures.
Some of us will be heading down to Baton Rouge for the Angel Award Banquet Monday. Please keep us in your prayers for safe travel.
Reflecting back on our discussions Tuesday night, you want to know Jesus, then let go. Let go of your pride, your egos, your stubbornness, your thoughts, allowing Jesus to come into your heart, into your soul.
One of Jesus' disciples asked, Lord, show us the Father? They had been with Jesus for almost 3 years, seen His miracles, ate with Him, walked with Him, heard His teachings, and still they asked, show us the Father.
We go to church on the weekends, we take Bible classes during the week, we listen to sermons, we read books about Jesus, and we still ask, where do I find Jesus?
Jesus tells His disciples, don't you believe that I am the Father and the Father is in me. Rather it is the Father living in me, who is doing his work. Jesus knew where His strength came from. It was not about Him but about His Father.
Jesus allowed His Father to enter His heart. We need to do the same. We can't know Jesus until we do. We can know about Jesus, we can read about Jesus, we can study about Jesus, but we won't "know" Jesus until we let Him into our hearts.
Verse 12, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these. When we allow Jesus to come into our hearts, we will do the works of Jesus. Our works will be about Jesus not about us. Our works will be even greater than what Jesus did! Can you imagine, maybe we can't, but as we move forward in our journeys, as we continue to align our ways with God's ways, the endless possibilities we will experience.
Common Ground continues to be a place where people come to serve and be served. We are finding out that those who come to serve are being served in ways they did not imagine. Common Ground continues to be a place where others who are looking for Jesus, seem to find Him. Not through what we do, but through the people they come in contact with. Exciting times are a head of us. More challenges, more blessings, more lvoe, more Jesus than we can ever know. Join us. Don' t let this opportunity to "know" Jesus pass you by! Amen
Have a great week. This week, allow the Father that was in Jesus, to come into your soul and into your heart!
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