Youth Camp (nuff said)

I know I haven't blogged in a while but it hasn't been for lack of stuff to report. We had youth camp last week and, I'm happy to report, once again God pulled me through. I'm not sure why I'm so overwhelmed by kids...I'm sure God will show me when it's time. At any rate, here's how camp went:

We bussed in about thirty kids from across the city. The kids came from inner-city, Juvenile Court referrals, foster homes and OCS. Most of these would be deemed "problem children", but I gotta tell ya, I've had way more problems with 'normal kids' than we did with this bunch. We went over the rules every morning (no guns, knives, profanity, sex or disrespect) and they did their best to follow them. All good.

Ang Musso did a kickin' job teaching the girls a new dance. We had the females in a hip-hop class while the guys worked on their football and basketball skills. Ang enforced her strict 'no booty zone' rule with an iron fist and taught the girls that they could have fun without being vulgar. It took some time but they caught on. JP and Pastor Johnny were all but limping by the end of the week. I think the pace of the games were a little quicker than they remembered. JP's team ended up winning the tournament; a fact I'm sure he'll be happy to tell you about.

This is what I watched God do in three days: He took thugs, dealers, and wanna-be rollers out of their environment into the house of God and changed them by His Presence. We didn't beat anybody with bibles or preach hellfire and brimstone. We loved them, brought them to a safe place and gave them the truth about the Gospel. In God's presence, through dance and sports, there were decisions made that affect eternity. How cool is that?

I love that HPC put's it's money where it's faith is. I love that we built a sports complex that gives us a venue to change lives. I love that we're building a worship space that will provide more people the opportunity to have an encounter with God and His people. I love that Pastors Dino and DeLynn are willing to reach past what looks do-able and into His plan. I love my church. All glory to God!

Oh yeah, one more thing. Check out my website at donnafrank.com to see my new book. I'll write more about it later. Christ is Lord!