Day 87

Scripture: Ps 87, 90, 136; Ezekiel 3:4-17; Hebrews 5:7-14; Luke 9:37-50


Scripture standout: Luke 9: "⁴⁸ Then he said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.”


Morning thoughts: I just  love that. Some could say that is the foundation of the kids' camp experience. And it confirms why welcoming these precious children from Afghanistan feels so right. Praying today for all children to be welcomed in his name.


His Deed/The Day: Today I attempted to deed someone on the way out of town with an icy, cold watermelon — the kind loved by Afghan children and American children alike. But when I went to get it out of the car, it jumped out and did a face plant on the pavement. Nice. To redeem myself, I prayed for two people who are in challenging situations. I prayed the whole way out of Jacksonville as we headed north to camp in Beast Master.

Mostly, I shared my gratitude with God for Solace for the Children. I'll be honest. I was exhausted last year  and dragged my feet as summer 2011 approached. It's not easy. It's work. It's often painful. But during the past few days, I have been shaken and reminded why it's such an awesome experience. Let me share a little about it. After these 15 children and their two 18-year-old interpreters traveled 50 hours to Jacksonville into the warm, loving homes of local families — and visited the willing, experienced, gentle practices of local dentists and doctors (all of whom said what a privilege it is to treat them) — one child got very sick and had to go to the hospital. Another is so upset she is beside herself, others are homesick. At the hospital is a throng of American mothers, and a young Afghan interpreter who refuses to leave for a rest. In the community are friends and family praying for resolve and seeking guidance for a better plan. Americans, Afghans, Christians, Muslims working together in love for the benefit of God's children. There's no other agenda. There's no press attention. There's no monetary carrot. It's all to help a few kids have a better life. In many ways, it is a perfect world. That's not to say it's an easy perfect world, but there is an overwhelming sense of God's presence which is undeniable.