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There we sat, surrounded by smelly tennis shoes, and sweaty teenagers, in awe of what was taking place. Dawn and I were in a missions conference weekend and we had been invited to participate in a Gym Night activity with the teens of the church. I had given a Bible challenge, on increasing ones faith by giving our all to Christ, when something unexpected happened that really increased MY faith! Another missionary couple was there too. His challenge was about allowing the Holy Spirit to fill us with His life giving breath so that we might serve and live for Him. His presentation was dynamic and gripped our attention. It was what happened next that took me by surprise. Pastor Steve divided the missionaries by couples and called for his teens to surround each couple. They were to place their hands on us and pray for us. As the teens were beginning to take their places I selfishly begged the Lord to have at least some teens come to us. Me being the "Old Guy" I didn't want to...

A fundamental doctrine of the Baptist church is that of potluck (though we cringe at the use of the word "Luck" we all understand the term). Whenever there is food at church there is seldom a dissenting vote cast. Potluck is a staple of our faith. All kidding aside, there are many many examples of Jesus using a meal to teach great truths to His disciples and others (it is an interesting Bible study). Ever participate in the Lord’s Supper? Yesterday, at Hope, we tried something a bit different. We had a "Fifth Sunday Fellowship". Each month with five Sundays this year we will have our regular morning activities. It is in the afternoon that we've changed the routine. Shortly after choir practice concludes we all gathered for lunch. Yesterday's meal was: baked chicken, rice, beans, and salad, with various desserts. It was good! A meal has a way of bringing people together. The fellowship seems sweeter over supper doesn't it? Our church folk need more sweet ...