One of the things I love about youth rallies is I get to meet new friends. The pictures above show a few I was blessed to meet in Monroe, La. It was a great weekend. I applaud Jason Barnard, his youth group and the entire Forsythe church of Christ for planning and hosting this great event. I love the way the church loves her young people. Don’t you? Thank God for the shepherds at Forsythe. Hosting a youth rally is no easy or cheap undertaking. Because of their faith hundreds of young people were blessed in a way that will last forever. Isn’t that cool? Thanks Jason for inviting me.
I also want to tell you Dusty Rush is an amazing preacher. During the weekend I spoke four times. On Sunday morning Dusty preached a sermon that had more meaningful content than all of mine put together. It was the best lesson of the entire rally. His delivery was POWERFUL too. Next year he should be the key note speaker and I volunteer to be his driver. If only he had a connection to the ones who put on the Tulsa Workshop he would be able to preach the same sermon on a Friday night in the Pavilion. Everybody needs to hear it. I love you Dusty.
I met a young man in Monroe. Devin (sp?). Him and his sister were being raised by their grandparents. Recently one of their grandparents suddenly died of a heart attack. When they were very young they lost both of their parents. Their mother died of cancer. Their father was shot to death in a brutal murder. What heartache. Yet, there they were singing, smiling and loving our Lord Jesus Christ. I admire them more than all the athletes, entertainers and politicians in the whole, wide world. I admire a young man named Houston, sixteen years old, who taught a well attended class at the youth rally. That’s scary. He did it. He did it well. I admire Logan, a senior, who wants to be a fireman and is a gifted artist. He has such a Christ-like spirit about him. I admire Monet and Diamond, two sweet girls who helped me with my sermons by reading some passages for me (I had a broken contact and couldn’t read a thing.) Church we are so blessed by our young people. We’re lucky to have them, aren’t we?
Other stuff- Monday morning was a great event in the kingdom of God. Or at least it was for me. I went to my first preacher/elder meeting in seven years. I felt like a little kid. It’s all still so wonderfully weird. I was with the men who fired me seven years ago and it was so peaceful. I can’t even describe it. I think this is the kind of stuff that makes God very happy. I like making Him happy. So do my shepherds and co-workers. I am blessed.
Tuesday, 9:30AM, will be the start of my first official day in the office. My little satchel is already packed. I probably won’t sleep for fear of over-sleeping but I look forward to a great day. A day of victory in my life and the Kingdom.
Love you guys.
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There's something about that Name! 
I look forward to seeing you in the office tomorrow morning!!!!!!
What a wonderful story is unfolding!!!!!
Only God could write this one!!!!!
David Buchanan did a wonderful job of telling the church Sunday about this great move. The church applauded!!!!!
That is so awesome Terry. Amy was thrilled. Sunday made made a huge impact on her. Thanks again.
Wow, you’re too kind. But you definitely cannot be my driver. I don’t want to be wandering around in the woods at 1 a.m. because my driver can’t find the Barnard resdence! By the way, those girls in the first pic are the “sweet” teens who let me know that I look like Larry the Cucumber. It’s hard to get a big head at a youth rally.
I’m praying for your big day tomorrow.
Brother….Im stoked!
God is moving and im feeling it.
see you tomorrow night!!!!
Hey man, Memorial just gets richer and richer. You are blessed and they even more so. I’m excited to hear all about it.
I’m just now learning how to download the sermons and I can’t wait to hear your first one back.
God bless you guys muchly.
Hi Craig, I have been reading your blog for sometime and am always inspired and “entertained” with your writings. I am so happy to hear that you will be working with MD again. You have such talent and it has been sorely missed. Congratulation to you and MD for taking this step!
Craig,
I have not seen you yet to tell you how excited I am! It’s so neat that God is giving Memorial another opportunity to have YOU there and I can’t think of a better person. God is doing great work in you and I can’t wait to see how He works even more through you. His blessings just flow from you and bless everyone you meet! I’m excited brother! I’m excited!
Craig,
Thank you very much for graciously accepting our invitation! God used you to bless numerous lives this past weekend. Thank you for being flexible and so kind as we worked through the weekend.
Memorial is very fortunate to have you. I pray that you and Amy will have the adventure of your lives as you serve to strengthen and advance the Kingdom of God in Tulsa, OK.
You are a great youth minister and a great friend. I love you.
Hey Hey Craig!
This is Houston.
Thanks for the words of encouragement at the rally, and thanks for the words on this post! Hope everything continues to go well for you!
Thanks again for coming to Discover!
Houston I believe in you. I believe the Lord Jesus wants to work through you in mighty ways. Let Him. And stay in touch.