Three weeks before, there was little to be happy about in that place. That was the day, Saturday, May 29 th , I'd walked in on something that seemed like a weird movie set. A thick layer of something strange covered the tables and floor and the air itself was clouded with that same substance.* Upstairs in the sanctuary, hymnals and Bibles had been tossed around, one of them hitting the sanctuary light behind the organ, shattering the red globe.

    Several area churches called with kind offers to help clean up but since the substance was toxic, we were advised to hire pros. Their team of 4 doubled and worked for days, finishing in time for Ashley's graduation party.

    And now here we were in the middle of Bible School week and the kids were having a ball. Matt D & Karl B had one class playing games and learning Bible verses while across the room kids were working on science/craft projects and enjoying fun snacks. Upstairs, T.R.& Janet were leading songs in a sanctuary that had been transformed into an African theme complete with a huge Baobob tree and a family of wild animals who helped teach lessons on trust, caring, etc.

    Fun, smiles, giggles, hugs had replaced the dirt and discouragement and I felt God's touch.

This verse sang in my heart:

“… He will give,
Beauty for ashes;
Joy instead of mourning;
Praise instead of heaviness.”
(Isaiah 61:3)

Joy to you this summer & beyond.

* (later we learned it was from the fire extinguisher being set off)

In His Love,