It was a blessing today to be able to worship with (relatively) new friends at First Baptist Church in Mooresville - Brent & Deanna's church before their move to Oklahoma. My cousin Lyn and I visited today and were able to see and speak with a number of the "angels" and friends that the Lord sent in to the Higgins family's lives.

Today they were celebrating the return of 17 of their number, primarily youth, who had been in Toronto serving the Lord by reaching out to those in need. In watching the slides and videos that Pastor Larry shared, I couldn't help but notice the "Pray for BJ" tees a couple of the boys were wearing any more than I could ignore the fire in the hearts of those who went that took them to Canada in the first place. I'm moved every time I see one of these, especially on young people.

I know that there are many others out there who have loved ones just back or returning shortly from similar experiences - Cousin Beth and Marti Pieper among them. What a powerful impact and testimony these young Christians can have and what an example to us "oldsters". Special blessings for those who shepherd these young people on these trips should be a part of our prayers tonight.

Pastor Larry reviewed what he had learned from the teens on this trip, and one of the supporting scriptures he shared was Philipians 2:3-4 which talks about selflessness. I would like to share verses 1-4 because they speak also to the unity that was so much on BJ's heart on his ride to the hospital last August:

"If you've gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care -- then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other , be deep-spirited friends. Don't push your way to the front; don't sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand." -from The Message

As we enter a new week let's pray for the Lord to call up more and more of his soldiers to share his word in loving, showing, non-violent ways to a world that is lost, often full of hurt and hate. Pray too for the safety of the Amy's parents (of "Amy andNate", faithful bloggers) who live in Beirut, Lebanon and are trapped by the fighting that has been unleashed there. I can't begin to understand the anguish and concern that are overwhelming she and her family right now. Pray for the final days of travel and sharing for the NA team, and all the others who are out there serving on the front lines.

Have a blessed evening and day tomorrow,

Brad