20th Ann. in GDL

This weekend we traveled to Guadalajara (GDL) for an important celebration! We arrived Friday to help my in-laws with the last minute little details. Saturday afternoon we spent getting everything ready for the big evening. Saturday evening we gathered along with the church and other christians throughout the city to remember all the good God has done over the past 20 years in the congregation "El Colli". There were gifts, memories, pictures, good food and several different activities. I was blessed to say a few words from the Bible and challenge the church for the "next 20 years" (in Spanish...no pressure there :). After I spoke, Mase got up and read a small thank you that Barb had written and then read Joshua 24:14-15. He was the hit of the night and everyone said HE would be the preacher in 20 years :) God alone knows, but our prayer is that he grows up to be a faithful servant.

My title was "when your children ask later". I know it's kind of a long title, but the idea behind the message is that God wants us to remember the past and the good He has done, but for the purpose of trusting Him in the future and sharing our story with others. It comes out of Joshua 3 and 4 where the Israelites crossed the Jordan and God told them to take up 12 stones as a "memory altar" if you will. I think about this passage, along side Ex. 12 often. What story am I leaving for my children? Am I telling them His story and raising them to love God? Barbara and I share this pray often. In all, it was a good weekend to thank God for all He has done and to give thanks for His goodness.