On Saturday, May 31st, in South Boston there was an event called Faith Fest '08.
Heidi Dawson, from Republican Grove UMC, reserved a site to set up the "Please Stop...I Want to Pray For You" tent. She manned the tent from 11 to 5 by herself.
She had three people who stopped for prayer. Several area pastors dropped by and commented postively on the idea. The stage announcer told people about the tent from the stage.
It turned out to be a warm and sunny day. A good day for food, fellowship, and song.
I got an email from one of the pastors who stopped by the tent. He's a pastor of a Baptist church in Nathalie. He also has a blog and mentioned the ministry of prayer on his blog, as well as giving the link to this blog. Here is a link to his blog; check it out. http://www.dproctors.com/ His church also has a website, looks nice so check that out, too. http://www.cloverbottom.org/ 
Last night was the high school graduation for Fray Education Center, an alternative school in Rustburg. They had 24 graduating, the largest class they had ever had graduate. So large that they had the graduation at Timberlake UMC, besides Fray doesn't have AC and it would've been sweltering. It was unlike any graduation I had ever been to and I had been asked to be the guest speaker. 
The students, families, and guests were blessed with a wonderful home cooked meal. They had meat loaf, ham, green beans, mac & cheese, potato salad, vegetable salad, and an assortment of deserts. The chief cook was Doots Abbott, the Principal's mother. Doot's and her husband, Dickie attend church at Republican Grove UMC.
We had Kevin, Heidi, and Betty Jo Dawson from Republican Grove serving. It was like a church extension ministry going on that I didn't even know existed. 
The family Life Center of Timberlake UMC was packed for the meal. The food was great! (Having had Doot's cooking before I knew it would be.) Principal Jeaneen Abbott circulated talking to her students and their families. You could tell how much she cares for the kids.
The students graduating were from 4 different high schools; Altavista, Brookville, Rustburg, and William Campbell. They were told they could wear their school color robe or any color they chose.
I made my message short (which I'm sure was appreciated). The point was that life is an adventure that God has planned for us. No matter what happens good or ill, if we remember "its all part of the adventure" he can see us through.
Jeaneen had told each student that they could request whoever they wanted to present them their diploma. Some asked favorites teachers from Fray or their home school, some asked parents, and many received them form the principal who had seen them through.
Last night I watched more than a graduation. I watched an act of love take place, I watched real ministry happening. I saw young men and women, many of whom had been told they'd never make it, make it. Jeaneen told a bit about each student before they came forward and it was from the heart. She told each of them that she loved them and for them to be safe. But, beyond what she told them was what she showed them and that was love. It was a wondrous thing to watch and I got to be part of it. I was so blessed.
Last year we had a Veteran's Honor Rose bush donated to Providence UMC. We had hoped to dedicate the bush on Memorial Day, since it was in bloom. But, I was attending licensing school over the Memorial Day weekend, so we planned it for the first Sunday in June. Seeing that the rose bush is blooming outdoors we decided an outdoor service was appropriate.
They had boutonnieres for the men that had served in the military. Yes, I know women can be in the military, we simply didn't have any attending. Doris Adams pins one on Carl (Army).
Theresa Reiger pins the bout on Fred (Navy).
Brian Daniels, dressed as Uncle Sam, met the guests. Brian also sang "Onward Christian Soldiers" for the offertory.
The pastor (Air Force) arrives and receives his boutonniere.
Glen Adams (Army) with his wife Ann.
Terry (Air Force) and Liza Adams, who donated the Veteran's Honor Rose bush, with their son, John. Check out the size of those blooms. 
Clayton Lester, who donated the church's sidewalk, joined us as well. Betty Jo and Heidi Dawson, from Republican Grove, drove over to join us as well. They had already heard the sermon once, but they didn't mind (much). We had gotten about half way through the service, Brain was reading the scripture, and it started to rain. We simply picked up our chairs and moved under the pavillion for the rest of the service. Its always good to have contingency plans when you're doing a special service.
Now, it was necessary to remind the guys not to eat the chocolate candy in church.
The last thing we needed was chocolate stain on the pew cushions.
Though if they had the sugar surge, I might have fewer snoring folks in the pews. 
Again, we reminded them that being a biological father isn't the only way of being a father. You can be an adoptive father or a spiritual father, both no less important than being the biological father. I reminded them that when we baptize a child the entire congregation vows to "nurture one another in the Christian faith and life and include this child now before you in your care" and to "surround this child with a community of love and forgiveness" and finally "to pray for them". The body of faith takes on parental roles for the child baptized. It is a connection that binds us to one another and makes all us guys "Dads".
