What a fabulous week at the Tahoe Family Encampment! This was my fourth year to be on the program and, as I shared with Paul Methvin, I thought it was the best spiritual experience of the four.
The theme -- "In Times Like These, Jesus Says, 'Come To Me'" -- was addressed marvelously through the various keynote speakers. I was grateful to give the keynote speech on Sunday morning, the foundation message for the week.
My message centered on the missional dream of Jesus and the call that His people would be counduits who call others to His saving grace. That evangelistic theme would permeate the remainder of the camp, culminating in Tex Williams's keynote on Thursday night. Tex, speaking on being sacrificial givers in a time of coveteousness, shared of a need that existed in Africa. By Friday morning, over $15,000 had been spontanouesly contributed to address the need.
For me personally, it was a great joy to spend time and reconnect with Jimmie & Thelma Jones, the members of the Vallejo church, John Wiegand (editor of the songbook published by 21st century Christian), Eddie & Jessica Pollard, and all the Williams clan, especially my new neighbors, Kerry and family.
It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to forge some new friendships. Dr. Gary Bradley, minister of the Mayfair church in Huntsville, Alabama was outstanding. Gary and I shared lunch together on Thursday -- a real highlight for my week. John Price is the minister of the First Century church in Sun Valley, Nevada. He and his wife, Gayla, are enthusiastic beacons of the mission of Jesus in the world.
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The best part of the entire week, though, was the memories Trae and I shared together. An entire "Daddy/Daughter" week for the two of us. In our free time, we rode amusement park rides together, swam together, watched Disney together, played Putt-Putt golf together, attended assemblies together, colored pictures together. Well, you get the picture, we did a lot together.
I would be remiss if I didn't thank Skylee, Emma, Ann, Heather, ReAnn, Regan and especially, Joelle (who took Trae and Emma horseback riding on Friday morning) for sharing some of the memories of our week. These gals were great fun and great friends for Trae this week.
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Prentice Meador, the outstanding Preaching Minister for the Prestoncrest church in Dallas, gave the Monday evening keynote. During his introduction, he shared with the assembly the battle his granddaughter, Palmer, is fighting against leukemia. He made a clarion call for the people of God to pray for his granddaughter. You can learn more about Palmer and her fight against leukemia here.
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Tahoe is the ultimate site for a "mountain top" experience. The pristine blue waters of the lake. The soaring mountain peaks still dotted with snow. The cool mornings and comfortably warm afternoons. The outdoor meals on decks overlooking the beach.
Each glance in every direction screams of the majesty and creativity of Almighty God. I can't wait till 2006 to be back. In the meantime, like Jesus and His disciples, I've gotta get off the mountain, roll up my sleeves, and get back to work with the people down in the valley.
