Faith, Family, and Friends

This weekend we celebrated the 235th anniversary of our nation, the United States of America.  For us, it is becoming a time to go and celebrate with our son and the church where he serves.  Dave is worship and youth pastor at First Southern Baptist Church, in Dover, Delaware.  Each year for the past five years or so, they host a block party type event right on their church property called 'Son Jam' on July 4th.  There is free food, games for the kids, and music.  We've been a couple of times.

This year I had the privilege of playing and singing in the band for the event.  I told my son he was scraping the bottom of the barrel to ask his Dad to play!  Actually, it was an honor, and a blast!  After preaching three services (one Saturday night and two Sunday morning) at Northside, my wife and I and our two youngest daughters headed to Dover.  We arrived a little before 7pm.  It was great to see our son again.  Then it was time to rehearse!  An hour and a half and about 9 songs later, we settled in for some late night burgers and chicken around an RV some new friends brought in as a blessing for some quiet and cool in the midst of the busyness.

Monday morning, we rehearsed again most of the morning.  Then we took everything out of the church and moved it to the platform out in the field on the property.  That transition took some time and diligence!  Then we did the soundcheck outdoors, ran about a dozen songs again and then took our final break.  When 5:30 came, people were lining up for dinner and all the festivities, which would conclude with a great view of the fireworks over downtown Dover from the church lot.  For me, I was about to do something I love - play and sing music - with people I love - new friends, and old ones - and sing between my son and one of my daughters.  Now that's about as good as it gets!

We played three sets of music, and I had the privilege of sharing the gospel in a ten minute presentation midway through the night at the pastor's request.  Only eternity will tell what a night like that accomplished - but I believe the Lord was doing a lot.  More than 1600 people came, enjoyed food, time with friends, and family.  In the midst of it all they were challenged in their faith as well through music and the word.  It was a WONDERFUL night.

At one point I thought - I wish this night would never end.  That's when you know it's going well!  I also respect and admire the faith and outreach of Pastor Jeff Osgood and the church he leads under the Lord's leadership there in Dover.  This congregation of between 300-400 reached out powerfully, generously and selflessly to their community with bold faith.

Faith, Family and Friends.  When you break it all down - well that's as good as it gets.  Without Jesus, my life would be a total mess and without hope.  Without my family, I don't know where I would be.  They know me best and love me most.  I thank God for them.  And friends?  Well - I have old ones and new ones and many somewhere in between - but this weekend I learned again they are a blessing from the Lord.  It makes me want to be a better friend to others.  I'm so grateful Jesus is the friend of sinners!

To keep the fire burning, you will need faith, family and friends.  Invest in all three.  You will be glad you did!