School's Out!

Do you remember the old song, "Schools Out"?  Its original lines were delivered in derogatory jest towards students. Now, well, welcome to the 21st century! Nonetheless, we still should sing because summertime really is upon us and, with such, comes a wonderful opportunity for church and family to make a difference in the lives of so many.  

In the summertime our church enjoys camps, mission trips, and VBS for pre-teens and teens alike. Ahhhhh Camp!  When I was a boy a church couldn't even attend a youth camp without their pastor.  Now, well... thank God for student pastors.:) But boy, those were the days!  How funny are my memories of those old 'geezer' pastor's sitting on lawn chairs underneath a great oak, drinking iced tea, while we kids played baseball in hot the sun.  "Come on, Sammy." "Win one for the 'geezer,'" Oooppps.  Did I say that?  I mean "Gipper."  And, how about those late night talks when Bro. D would 'visit' the boys cabin and we boys would try to get him off track with questions like, 'Bro. D. Did Adam have a belly button?"  Yet, amazingly, he was always the same.  Tennis shoes, black socks, bermuda shorts, a big straw hat - and lot's of love.  

When I think of the influence of church I can't help but wonder how far it really reaches if not into the hearts of children. For this reason I look forward to summertime. Its our opportunity to have His precious little ones on our campus and in our halls hearing about Jesus from people who know Him firsthand.  This morning, at our staff meeting, a staffer prayed the right prayer."God, as the boys and girls come onto our campus for VBS next week, may they hear of Jesus, of His love, and how He can save their soul and change their life, forever."  

Amen! Its Summertime. And schools out, indeed! 

Pastor Sam