try not to blink.
I’m writing this in Syracuse airport, having covered more than 5,000 miles in the last 12 hours, and less than 70 miles from home.
I’m full of wonderful tales for my children, chocolate for my wife, and an added inheritance for the legacy I’m leaving and the reward I’m headed to in eternity.
Thanks for all your prayers and kind comments. I consider you far more than readers: you’re wings to our ministry. ch:
Last night was glorious. And it took all I had.
The event organizers billed Saturday night as a concert, and we certainly started off in that vein. But after an hour of music, something happened.
I felt prompted to invite all the adults forward to pray for the youth. What I had imagined as a simple exercise in generational blessing, turned into a 2 hour session of impartation, repentance, and of adamantly seeking God. Many teens who – just earlier that morning – were non-enthused with being at the conference, suddenly transformed into passionate worshipers – weeping, shouting, dancing, and basking in the manifest presence of God’s love.
Even though emotions were running high, none of my band would hug me at 11:00pm when we ended, as my shirt and jeans were soaked through with sweat.
Many God-moments made, many memories shared.
This morning I had the privilege to lead worship at the host church, followed by yet another powerful message by Mark Pugh of England, head of Elim’s international youth movement. Joseph also sat in on drums and did a fantastic job.
I taught again in the afternoon, and then opted just to lead a few songs of worship to close (as they wanted me to preach the last session, but my voice literally couldn’t handle it). It took less than 36 hours for a group of largely complacent, if not well-meaning, teens to be transformed into Jesus-dedicated, soul-hungry, presence-seeking fools.
And I love every one of them.
Saying goodbye to Mark, Jesse, Ben-J, Joel, and Julie, as well as Pastor Christophe & Sanbine, was as hard as it gets. Because the more I do this, the more I value the people of God. That’s one reason why heaven will be so epic: all the people you adore in the same place at the same time.
Finally, this evening, Joseph and I were treated to an amazing meal of raclette by our hosts. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen Joseph so happy – definitely trumped kebabs.
Flying home tomorrow. Couldn’t be more excited about seeing my tribe. I think I preached about Jennifer and her love for God in every session. (You know you’re crazy for somebody when…).
Tonight I go to sleep utterly spent and exhausted, but for good reason: I’m convinced I must demonstrate to the next generation of French leaders what it means to worship God with everything you have. (I suppose that’s why Jenny packs me 3 t-shirts per day).
Bon nuit. ch:
[Photo credits: pics of me by Joseph Gilchrist; thanks to anyone else who was handed my iPhone in the moment]
Yesterday Joseph and I drove from Clarens into the historic and always beautiful city of Geneva, Switzerland. So much to see, so little time. Ancient walkways, famed monuments, and landmarks of religious and political highlights of history.
We were treated to a fabulous real-Italian meal at The Spaghetti Factory (merci Ben-J), followed by a walk down to see the fountain of Geneva – an impressive plume of water that spouts hundreds of feet into the air.
That night, I ministered before an amazing group of youth (and spoke a lot about my wife). It was a wonderful time of basking in God’s presence, experiencing His manifest love, and taking time to pray for one another. I was really blessed by the display of genuine affection the youth had in praying passionately for each other; God move on their behalf, and all of us were changed.
Today kicked off the youth conference in Ambilly, France – source of our original invitation for this trip. It’s been a fantastic time solid teaching, practical worship training, a Q&A session, and touching heaven together as the Bride of Christ.
I’ve also met an older twin brother, Mark Pugh, of England (original from Wales). I think they just invited us because of our striking similarities and good looks. But seriously, his messages have been remarkable, simple, and very much about communicating Biblical truth through the stories of his life.
Tonight GodTV (dieutv.com) is filming our concert and all of us are excited to worship together and rejoice in our King. I’m so blessed by the senior pastor and his wife here in Ambilly, Christophe & Sabine Saez, as well as my remarkable band for supporting me so humbly. I’m honored to serve with them all.
A demain! ch:
