In His Presence on Holy Ground

This was the theme of this years Youth Ablaze conference put on by Chili Bible Baptist Church (Pastor Hal Roscoe).
Bro. Hal always has a great gathering of many church youth groups reaching from CT to PA to GA etc.
The preaching is always doctinally solid and spirit-filled, the sobriety of the services is appropriate for the fact that eternal souls are on the line and at every moment of that conference there is a spiritual battle raging for these youth and teens. That said, the atmosphere is still fun, friendly and activity loaded for the kids at approriate times.

I was blessed and ministered to in many ways this year.
One - I was encouraged and had my soul stirred by the godly music. There is just something about 700+ people singing out the great scripture filled hymns of the faith and rejoice in what Christ has done for us.
To see a youth choir assembled and singing "Its through the blood", "Such a lovely name", "Standing on Holy Ground" and many others made me about jump out of my seat. It was God honoring and encouraged humility, joy, appreciation and worship.
Secondly - the preaching. For a youth conference to have such a serious theme is surprising but it was clear that it was what God would have. People responded, in droves to the altar. When God's men preach God's message to God's people for God's glory - they will respond - they need to respond - the altars need to be open - they need to cast their burdens upon the Lord. When they move, guess what, the more God is magnified and yielded to by His children, the more the lost tend to move as well. Having some excitement for God has an impact on the lost.
Third, the souls - by the beginning of the service on friday night - 21 people had responded to the gospel - getting out of their seats and going to the old fashioned altar and having someone show them from the Bible how to be saved. Kids were saved at the hotel where they stayed as well. It was a great time of rejoicing at the event - JUST IMAGINE THE REJOICING IN HEAVEN. I dont know what the final count was but God knows. Many tears were shed and hugs were given at the altar. Another bold measure of testimony was seeing all those who made a profession to stand up during the service as a way of testimony. I realize that conferences are long, sleep is at a premium and often music and messages could even intentionally be catered to bring people to emotional peaks. I did not see this here. On friday night - before the preacher even came, while an adult Choir was singing there were many that came to the altar - it was not induced or called for - this lasted a good half hour, it was blessed time of the Spirit of God moving. O, for our altars to be filled!
Fourth - the experienced missionary - bro. Sinde to Crete was a blessing to us. Bro. Hal had all Pastors and missionaries introduce themselves and so after Thursday I was asked to set up a display table and be a part, that was a blessing by itself. Beyond that though, Bro. Sinde was just a great source of brotherhood and counsel in sharing deputation stories, testimonies of God's goodness and grace through trials and good practical wisdom.
Fifth - old friends. It is always good to see the many people that I have had a chance to be around in my youth - many who are now pastors or youth leaders etc. I had cousins whoe were there and even a real name out of the past - Greg Raszkowski - I went to school with his sons - Eric and Jason (pray for them). It was a good time of visiting and rejoicing in the Lord.
Sixth - Contacts. Missionary Sinde and myself were visited by a Pastor Vince from Drum Baptist Church. He was a blessing to us by giving us a CD with a database that he put together of Fundamental, Independent, King James churches around the country. It is a great resource that will assist in the phone call process.
Seventh - the Grace of God demonstrated. I had a chance to talk to Bro. Aaron O'dell on Friday night. Aaron lost his wife a while ago to Leukemia. While he daily needs a fresh anointing of grace from the Comforter, it was evident that God has been faithful to do just that in the weeks and months that have followed this loss. Keep Bro. Aaron and His family in your prayer, I know he appreciates it.

I was challenged personally in the areas of unity, daily crucifixion of self and how often it happens that people become followers of man in Christianity.
- Lot mimicked the life and practices of Abraham - when they separated, Lot was left without His own personal solid walk with God but rather with the practices and emulation of Abraham's faith. The time comes for our kids to separate from us and often for us to separate from our protective fences of our home church. Where does that leave them/us? Are we nothing more than people who have sat under the cloak of leaders and pastors who have faith or has that faith become ours - thereby equipping us to go anywhere for Christ and not end up sitting in the gate and becoming comfortable with the wickedness around us.
Praise the Lord for the many faithful churches that are spreading the gospel around us!