Tornado misses HSBC

Last week in the middle of what looked like a picture perfect day, dark clouds from the North began to advance toward Springfield. While the sky was blue we heard the tornado sirens. I received a call from a panicked 16 year old sdaughter watching James at home. Mom was busy doing some things at church and could not be found. I was thinking that this was probably much to do about nothing, but the sirens were real and tearful call from my daughter did send me home. Within minutes of arriving home, the wind picked up and the hail started. What I did not realize at the time was that a tornado had formed over the strip mall called Furniture Row very close to the church. It took off the roof of part of that building and headed in the direction of the church. While we do have a list of things damaged by the weather, we can't help but be grateful to God for protecting us from the kind of damage our neighbors experienced. They had to close part of the complex and a tent sale has been up all week to clear out merchandise affected. Thank God we worshiped in our facility without interruption.

Gracious Giving

This morning at church I talked about outreach opportunities this summer.

I mentioned how inspired I was by my brother's efforts in the Philippines. This camp season he exceeded his goal of sharing the gospel to 50,000 young people. Thousands responded to accept Christ and many of them baptized. I have asked Troy to go to our young people and see how many of them have a friend who is unchurched and does not appear to have a relationship with Jesus Christ. My question was, if we could give these young people a week at camp would they come. So far we have 13 on the list. My appeal was simple, we need camp fee of $175 for 13 kids. We could see lives changed now and for eternity. After the service four people approached me and said they would help. One handed me a folded check and simply said, "This should help get things started." I thanked him for the check but did not look at it. I thought maybe there would be money for one camper. I was shocked when I finally looked to see the amount of $2000. God moved and in one service He touched hearts to provide for 14 campers. God is up to something and I can't wait to see it.