First Hand Faith

From the bottom of the San Joaquin Valley in California, we headed up an incredibly twisty and windy road that gained us 4000 feet of elevation in just twenty miles as we drove to Camp Nelson to be at a youth retreat tonight.

Grace Church of the Valley in Kingsburg, pastored by our long time friend and JV board member, Scott Ardavanis, was in the middle of their winter youth retreat, and we had the privilege of joining them there for the evening.

Not only was Scott and his wife, Patty, there, but new JV missionaries, soon to be on the field, Shay and Bethany Thomason (going to Czech) and Cory and Kristine Cramer (Scott and Patty's daughter and son-in-law who are on their way to Albania). SO special to share an evening tucked away up in the mountains with these dear ones that we'll soon share life with.

Dave spoke to the young people about what it means to have faith of their own, following in the example of Timothy who came from generations of believers, as these teenagers do. It's an awesome legacy to come from families who have brought their children up to know Jesus!

But there also comes a time when they have to make a decision for themselves, to follow Him because THEY know His power and love. Dave challenged them to that end.

As I sat in the back, I prayed over those students, that they would not only make that personal decision, but that some would even be called to follow and serve Him in missions.

I may never see these students again, but I hope someday when we're all together forever in heaven, I'll get to hear what God did in and through the white hot faith of these young people!