My first experience! Sunday 9/7/08

To God be the glory for the things He has done! I had a ball out there yesterday! I went to the Ocean View Community Beach and set up just off the main walkway not far from the restrooms. The day was gorgeous so there were a lot of people coming and going throughout the almost 2 hours that I was there. It took me a few moments to get started, once I laid everything out. Along with my stool I brought a small wooden table on which I placed a stack of "The Church Guide" newspapers. It's a great Christian publication run by an inspiring man with a real heart for God and winning souls here in Hampton Roads. He, Ray boetcher, has motivated me on more that one occasion.

Anyway, along with the papers I placed a small display of the Pocket Testament Guides for people to take with them. I also had 2 bottles of water and 2 Bibles - the NIV and The Message. I had already mapped out the scriptures I was going to read. When I finally got up on my stool and opened my NIV Bible, I hesitated a moment and then plunged in with my best, most dramatic voice and away I went. About every 10 minutes I stopped for water and to see who was doing what around me. Most people just walked on by, but some looked over for a moment. Some people watched while their kids or spouses used the restrooms and almost all of the kids that passed by watched. Some of them would approach me and then their parents would call them back.

Though I have a loud voice, I quickly learned that I couldn't compete with the jets that flew overhead from time to time. Also, when the Ice Cream truck showed up with his musical sounds, I had to take a little break. 2 people engaged me while I was there - 1 woman pushing her baby in a stroller wanted to know "what book and passage are you on?" When I told her she nodded and took a Pocket Guide and a paper. Another woman came over to offer encouragement and while she got a Pocket Guide and a paper she said "Keep it up, you're doing great." I thanked her and kept on reading - affirmed and energized.

After about an hour, I was reading along and out of the blue I got very emotional. The Word just filled my heart and overwhelmed me. I was kind of surprised and then I realized, Hey this IS the Word of God I'm reading - the same Word that saves and convicts and inspires and teaches. I felt like a child, grateful. After about 90 minutes my voice started to strain and I decided to stop for the day. I'm learning some vocal chord exercises and will be taking some throat lozenges with me in the future. A grat first experience!

I am energized and motivated to know that while I was doing my part, God was doing His. As I read the Word aloud, He was able to use it and put folks in a position to hear just what He wanted them to hear at just the right moment. As I said, most folks just walked on by, but even they heard some of the Creator's Words. I am motivated by Isaiah 55:11 "So is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."

I am awed and humbled that I can be a part of the process whereby God uses His Word to accomplish His desires. I love knowing that I am participating in something that has eternal possibilities. I am so grateful that God put this in my heart. And I am grateful to all of you who are reading this and praying for me - for you, too, are participating as well! God Bless You!

I'll write more later . . .