WHY DO WE DO THIS?
Well, yesterday was a big day. It was the culmination of a great deal of work, months of preparation and not a small investment. At the day’s end, over 300 people had visited the property. The question however is not about how many people attended. The question is not, “Did our folks have a good time?” I believe many did because when I left after 6 last night, some, including some who had been here since early yesterday morning, were still here playing on the zip line.
The question is not, “Was the food good?” I believe the answer to that question is a resounding ‘Yes’. We went through nearly 50 lbs of pulled pork, about 40 lbs of chicken, and several pounds of beans, along with hundreds of hotdog and hamburger buns.
The question today is not, “Did more people find out about ROL 4-H, MPC, and the church?” I think the answer to that question is also “Yes”. We had 10 Kohl’s volunteers, here, who had never been here before. There were folks from the sheriff’s department, and the fire department here, who had never been here before. A man from the USDA, who is on the county 4H board, worked all day as a volunteer, down by the lake with Russ; and Michael Cash, the husband of the county 4H director taught archery all day. The national director of the American Racing Pigeon Union, came in from Oklahoma to help man a booth, and several from the local club came out to help release birds.
Some of our neighbors came out to see what was going on, when the sheriff’s department helicopter buzzed the place and then landed in Steve and Susan’s back yard. Another, across the lake from us, came out and watched the folks in canoes for a while. The News Journal did an article a week ago Thursday, announcing the event; and the reporter was out here yesterday, taking pictures and notes for another article to come out in the paper this coming Thursday.
The question today is not, “Did this event cause Christians from different churches to get together and work together”? I believe the answer to that question is also a yes. Many of you have worked for months, preparing for this day, and others of you were very busy yesterday. Folks from San Jose’ Baptist Church in Jacksonville, helped with the bathhouse, the zip line, and many of the booths yesterday. A girl who attends a sister church in Oviedo was one of those who sang yesterday. Several folks from FBC Lake Monroe, worked preparing for the day; manned booths yesterday, and brought friends. A lady from First Longwood, who leads a ministry for single mothers, came and brought a friend. A member of Volusia Baptist donated the tent and paid six men to erect it on Friday and take it down yesterday, while another member from that church donated and cooked much of the meat.
People from churches in Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, Illinois, and Florida all prayed for the day. Folks who attend a Presbyterian church in Lake Mary, brought some ladies that they had been ministering to. Friends who attend a church in Longwood, brought a number of children from the Sanford Kids’ Club. A friend who attends another area church, brought his race car out, to help with the festivities. Two Spanish pastors from Orange City and Deltona churches, came out with their families. All-in-all, I believe you could say that it was a kingdom day, but that is not the question.
The question I think we need to answer this morning is, “Was it worth it”? Was it worth all of the time, all of the energy, all of the prayer, and all of the resources that went into it? Do you think the Lord is pleased?
In order to answer that question I believe there are several things we need to remember. The first is found in John chapter 3.
- John 3:16
I. GOD LOVES PEOPLE
God loves people. He loves them so much that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ to die for them.
> Galatians 6:2 Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
God loves people and we are called to carry one another’s burdens.
As a single parent, it is sometimes difficult to plan, or to afford special days and special events for your children. God loves these folks, and we as Christians are called to bear each others burdens. One of the ways we can do that is by helping to entertain, the children.
We have had several single mothers tell us that they love bringing their children to Mission Possible Camp for that reason as well. They have said that their boys get to be boys out here and they love having them around positive male role models.
Yesterday, a single mother thanked us for holding the event for that very reason, because her sons got to be around some positive, Christian men. You should have seen Adam running up and down on the 4-wheeler, dragging kids up on the zip line. I know Steve and Sam were worn out, from catching all of the folks, trying to keep them from hitting the fence as they came down. You should have seen Russ, wading around in the lake, helping children and parents get in and out of their canoes. There were men cooking, serving in the food line, dumping trash cans, and playing with children; things many children often do not get to see at home.
There were ladies, serving, handling paperwork, watching animals, supervising children, and telling us what to do; all without cursing, yelling, or obvious frustration.
Do you think we demonstrated love yesterday?
There is another thing we need to remember. This one is found in Matthew chapter 5.
- Matthew 5:13-16
II. EVERYTHING WE DO IS TO BRING GLORY TO GOD
> Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
What was our motive? Why did we do this? Was it so we could get a pat on the back or do you think God was glorified?
Yesterday afternoon one of the ladies from our 4-H group came and told me about a woman who had spoken to the lady from the News Journal. She said that she was a believer, but that she had been discouraged this week. It seemed that everyday she kept getting lower and more discouraged. She was wondering where the Lord was. At the same time, she kept seeing our sings for the SPFD.
Well, she finally ended up coming yesterday and she was surprised. She kept waiting for someone to tell her she had to pay for this or pay for that. She kept looking for the hook, and yet everything she saw was free, and she said that “The people were all so nice and friendly”. She said that she was really encouraged by coming here yesterday and seeing the people acted and everything that went on.
Do you think God received glory from what you did yesterday? I believe He did.
III. WE ALL HAVE DIFFERENT GIFTS
- 1 Corinthians 12:14-21; Romans 12:3-5
There are some who are really good at teaching, like Tom; others have the gift of prayer, they are great prayer warriors. Some are real good with music and can lead in worship; But, we all have gifts and abilities, and they are demonstrated in different ways.
Man who is part of our 4-H group. Cleaning Lilly pads the other day. Canoeing. MPC this coming year. We all have different gifts and we are each called to use them in whatever way the Lord directs us.
IV. OUR GOAL IS TO LEAD PEOPLE TO CHRIST
> Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Man with the airboat yesterday. Davie Gibbs. What is that John 3:16 on the back of his trailer?
Some may sow seed, others may water, and others may get to see the harvest; but nothing done for the glory of God and out of a love for people is wasted.
Was what was done yesterday worth it? You decide.
