MERRY CHRISTMAS Y.A.
It has been some time since our last contact so I though I would use the holiday time to share a few thoughts as we face the new year.
Let me remind you of a few basics as some have had a few questions. First, remember that YA is a movement and not some organization you join or have to qualify for. It has always been committed to a distinct philosophy of ministry and lifestyle. The concepts work in any context and for any age level as some of you who have built churches have discovered. It works because it is so scriptural and logical. Therefore, anyone whose life has been touched by YA in some fashion is welcome to this reunion. For example, I have met children of families who are now in ministry, they too are welcome.
Secondly, I emphasize again strongly that this gathering is not simply for the purpose of reminiscing. Bob Jones Sr. used to say that reminiscing was a sign of growing old and none of us are interested in acknowledging that reality, RIGHT!! My prayer is that this gathering will be a time of sharing love, encouraging each other, revival (if needed), and planning for an even more exciting future for some great YA ministry. PLEASE COME AS YOU ARE , BUT COME. If you make some changes for the better as a result then great, if not so be it. I love and revere all of you.
Third, some might feel that your accomplishments have not been as spectacular as someone else and you might be intimidated. WRONG!! Faithfulness is the only evaluation. Anything that anyone of us has ever done is by the grace of God alone.
As for more details of structure and logistics - that info is coming soon. Many have offered suggestions and help to work out all the details of a smooth operation. Priority at this point is planning and searching for folks we are still missing. Please help us with that.
I deeply appreciate the way that FACEBOOK is hooking up so many of us. I am amazed at how much it is expanding. Please forgive me if I am not responding more but we are still pretty involved in running Lassen Pines Retreat Center.
By the way, if you look up Lassen Pines on the Internet you will notice that sale. When we sell it to the right buyer , we are planning to switch our efforts to worldwide youth ministry missions projects.
Please keep sending in your Bios to Sheila. It is so important to help us all to know you and pray for you. Here are a couple of special prayer requests.
* Doug Warner's wife's battle with cancer
* Doug Turner's continued recovery
* Roscoe Brewer's recovery from liver surgery
* Safety for some folks ministry in dangerous areas whose names are held for security reasons.
If you have any special needs, share them with Sheila.
Thank you again for all you mean to Dottie and me and please know that we pray for all of you every morning. Merry Christmas and Happy New Years to all of you from all 21 of the Luffs.
PS: No more cracks about kissing Dolphins!!!!!
