Summer Mailbag

It’s time to look into the old reader mail bag since summer is upon us and I am on vacation. One does not have to be an old reader to send a letter to the reader mailbag. If your letter was not included in this edition, please feel free to keep trying.

Brent from Bakers Summit asks, “Since you always directed church camp in June do you miss it since it’s not part of your life anymore?” Yes, I certainly miss the camaraderie with other youth pastors and the counselors and kids. I liked the opportunity to interact with a lot of teenagers from different churches. I also miss the fun activities and the physical part of camp. However, I do not miss the lack of sleep and the busy schedule. Church camps are an incredible place for students of all ages to come and be away from distractions and hear God’s word in a unique setting. Many lives have been changed through the ministries of church camps which are typically volunteer driven. It was always a privilege to be part of a team that God used to impact the lives of kids, some of whom have gone on to be counselors and even directors. Even though I am not there, my heart is when that week occurs.

Betty from Tulsa, OK, wonders, “Have you done anything with the theater group lately?” Betty, I just recently completed a play that found me having more lines than ever and many of us were struggling to get our parts memorized. As usual it ended up being an enjoyable time, but it was more challenging this time around. I can tell as I get older that my memory isn’t what it used to be. I still love being on the stage and hearing the audience laugh heartily. I think laughter is one of the amazing gifts from God. It’s possible I will audition for the Christmas show. Being part of a community theater group allows me to interact with folks who are not from my church and may not know the Lord, so it is good opportunity to be a light.

“Anonymous” from Kentucky wonders if I’ve had any interesting experiences with my hospice chaplain job recently. I continue to do my best to deal with dogs who have the run of homes, and I recently had a dog jump up on me with his muddy paws but at least he didn’t bite. Just today I did a graveside service for a patient of mine, and it was incredibly windy. My bookmark was gone with the wind and went into a nearby bush at the cemetery so I had to excuse myself to pick it up. The family member who was there was so appreciative of the service she asked if she could have my notes. I also enjoy going to new homes that are in a different location because it can take me to roads I’ve never been on, and I love being able to see God’s creation and unique settings.

Carol from the Cove asks if I am going to the beach with my family again this year. That’s exactly right, Carol. We will be going to a beach that is near where I often went with my family as a child. I’m grateful that my sons still want to go with my wife and me. The ocean wouldn’t have been my first choice this year since we’ve gone there for the last number of years, but my sons like it and as long as they want to go with us we’re glad to do so. There is something very relaxing about hearing the ocean waves crash into the sand and seeing the vast creation of God. I don’t see many sunrises because I’m not a morning guy, but I do love the sunsets even though you must go to the West Coast to see them on the ocean.

Ronnie from Roaring Spring wonders why people sometimes call it Roaring Springs and what I’m learning in God’s word recently. I have heard several people put the S at the end of Spring. I assume because they think that in order to roar there must be more than one spring. Don’t let it bother you too much but try to remember even if there’s only the one spring that it’s a beautiful town there, Ronnie. I have been reading a lot about hope in the Bible. One thing I recognize is that the word hope is used in our vocabulary a lot differently than the biblical meaning of hope. Oftentimes in scripture hope has a name and that name is Jesus. It is in him that we put our hope for eternal life. 1 Thessalonians 4:13 states that “we do not grieve as others do who have no hope”. I would much rather do a funeral for a Christian because obviously they had the hope of heaven, and their family tends to grieve much differently than those who do not know God. I also like 1 Peter 1:13 – “Set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ”. So much hope in scripture relates to the Lord’s return and the joy of being with God forever.

Arnold from Altoona wonders if I recall the Pirates and Curve both being in first place as they were recently. The answer to that is easy. I cannot remember a time when they were. I’m sure it happened on rare occasions before, but I hope it will be the case by the time you’re reading this that both teams will be on top of their divisions. It’s been good seeing some players who know the Lord getting some good attention and being recognized for being godly men.

Willie from Williamsburg inquires, “Has your church had any missionaries visit recently?” Just last Sunday we had a missionary from Cameroon. He asked if any of us could find that country on a map of Africa. No. He is an impressive guy because he is the head of a Bible training center so that more pastors can be in the field. In our fellowship of churches there are way more churches in Africa than in America but there is a severe shortage of pastors. The good thing is that natives are helping to take over the training, so he is thrilled with that. He no longer has any missionary partners on the field. That is a struggle for him and his wife. I’ve always been impressed by those who are willing to leave behind the comforts of American life to do something of incredible impact far away from home.

My longtime readers will recognize that I make up the mail bag people and their questions. However, my answers were real and accurate. Hope you liked the break from my normal column which will return in two weeks. As we’re nearly halfway through summer keep enjoying the weather and God’s handiwork when you are outside.