Recap of Cannon Beach Week 1

Dear Prayer Team,

Well, all votes are in, and we’ve decided that the Cannon Beach Convention Center is an AWESOME place to minister. From beginning to end, it was such a well-planned and organized event. Such a warm group of people gathered there, and we all walked away from that experience having gained many new friends, great memories and much heartfelt encouragement. We cannot wait to get back there in a couple of weeks for obvious reasons and also because we lost the basketball tournament by one lousy point! Come on guys, win one for “Ginger”!

We had a great time as we were able to spend some nice leisure time (in addition to all of the rehearsals) getting to know the individual members of RESCUE, and temporary team member, Tim Lewis. You’d think that we’d be pretty much up to date with each other by now, but we aren’t always in the kinds of situations where we can really chat. Most times we’re rushing to a concert, rehearsing, or setting up and tearing down equipment, which is fine, but it doesn’t allow for the relaxed time that is required to really get past the surface.

I have also been very blessed to be able to watch as “Over” has taken the lead by speaking to audiences, thoughtfully from his heart. From what I am hearing from those around RESCUE longer than I, his speaking ability has jumped to a new level as he comfortably shares personal testimonies of the good news of Jesus Christ. It is interesting that both times he has tried to step off the road, situations have arisen which put him right back up on stage. He is trying to decide if this means that God wants him to keep singing, or if he is only to fill the position until the right long-term singer can be found.

We finished our last performance of the week on Friday night. We sang a rousing version of the familiar song “Shout To The Lord” with the praise band led by Hinson Baptist’s Evan Irwin to close the session. Afterwards, a woman came up to us on stage and told us that she’d been separated from her husband for six years and that, along with the wonderful speakers, RESCUE had been a huge blessing to her. You see, she talked her estranged husband into coming to Cannon Beach with her, and through the preaching, teaching and music they’d found their way back together and that God was restoring their marriage!!! She led us over to her husband and we all shook his hand and wished them the best.

Don’t you just love being blind-sided by God’s blessings like that? These are things I tuck away, like cherished pictures. The pictures of loved ones who have passed on, birthdays, graduations, marriages, and newborns, are all deeply held memories that mark my existence on this plane; but the significance of a life newly yielded to Jesus, a decision for Christ, a resolve strengthened, marriage vows renewed, and a weighted, tired soul that has been rejuvenated is far beyond this life.

These are things that we carry with us for eternity.