Uplift - Day 3 so far

It's rec time at Uplift, which means I get to go sit and watch our kids play some sports. It's a good part of the day to just hang out with no worries and let the kids do their thing. Last night was amazing. I fully intended to post last night, but it was very late by the time everything was over and I couldn't even keep my eyes open. Sorry about that. But it was an amazing night. The message we got from Don McLaughin was incredible. He brought Luke 15 alive and connected on so many levels. So many kids came forward to rededicate themselves to Jesus. It's an experience you really should live some day. Nothing like it. That's the beauty of Uplift. Our group devo time was solid. We got to talk about our day and how we can worship God through everything we do. It was good.

The kids have really been anxious to talk about the different classes and God time. They're soaking it up and embracing the spirit that's fully present here. Great atmosphere. Like I said, it's something you really should experience. It's hard to adequately describe it through blog postings. Some things are just better seeing them for yourself. I know you would be so thrilled with how our teens represent Bammel so well. It's nice to be able to say you're one of the youth ministers at Bammel. Everyone knows our kids and are impressed with how they carry themselves and model Christ for the rest of the campers here.

Last night, two of our own went forward asking for prayers. Shelby Werderich and Summer Williams were both loved on by our teens last night, praying over them and just being there for them. And I was remiss earlier by not mentioning that Shelby Tate's grandfather passed away on Saturday. You should have seen her friends rally around her. We have great kids. That's a recurring theme I hope you never get tired of hearing. Taylor and Madison Flowers joined us on Sunday, so the whole gang is here now. I'm enjoying getting to know the group's friends they brought along. It just feels like they're part of the group.

On a personal note, Zoo went much better this morning. No technical difficulties to speak of. We had our slang spelling bee, which is always a hit with the teens. And it makes me laugh a lot, so that makes it even better. It's been nice not having to teach a class today and spend time with every age group at lunch. One of the coolest thing about being involved so heavily in the production here is that you get to meet so many kids from all over. They feel like they can talk to you. I've gotten to talk to a bunch of kids from all over and hear their stories as well. It's nice to hear how much getting on stage and acting like an idiot (like Matt and I do every morning) means so much to them. I'm still not quite sure why, but it's kinda cool.

Everyone seems to be doing really well. I'm looking forward to what is in store tonight. I think it's Don speaking to us again. Then we have Josh Ross and Brian Mashburn to close us out this week. And then, as much as it pains me, Uplift will be over. But know that good things are happening here. God is working in our teens' lives in a profound way. It's good to be here. Well, it's rec time. I'll try to post another entry tonight, if I can keep my eyes open.