Years ago, as a young preacher, I came to Eagle Heights Baptist Church to preach in chapel. That is when I met Pastor Bob Franseen. At that time he was the school principal. Since that time he has become the Pastor. It was a blessing to be with Brother Franseen again. He is doing a great job there.
There were several things that encouraged me about the week as it progressed. The first thing I noticed was that Brother Franseen was leading the church in corporate prayer. I could tell that was making a difference. Secondly, I noted that the folks were faithful to the services. There was good attendance not only Sunday morning, but also Sunday evening and Monday and Tuesday evening as well. (Sometimes a church will ask us to conduct all church meetings on Monday and Tuesday evenings.) Thirdly, there was an atmosphere in the school conducive to the spiritual goals we were pursuing.
The last two nights we battled some difficult weather, but the team was thrilled that both of those nights a good number was saved. On Thursday, we had rain, wind, and temperatures in the 40’s. (Yes, we did the games outside!) I guess we made some memories! On Friday, the temperatures fell off the cliff so we did all the games inside. The Army Rangers won that night with an unbelievable comeback because a young man brought 200 glow sticks that were worth 100 points apiece!
The church has started an effective bus ministry and many of those teens got plugged in to the week. It was great to see some of them get saved during the week of “Special Forces.” There were also some students in the school who either really got assurance or really got saved. One young man, a pastor’s son, nailed down his salvation and wrote a powerful testimony to be read at the service on Friday (since he couldn’t be there).
The team also was encouraged with the students in the school. On Friday a majority of the students responded to the invitation that they had made a decision that week and wanted it to be lasting. We had a wonderful prayer time with some heartfelt prayers. That night many of them did give a testimony. The next day my wife and Mrs. Franseen went to visit a young lady who had come all three nights. The girl was not saved, but had come home and told her mother all about the testimonies. When my wife presented the Gospel to her and her mother on Saturday, her mother heard the Gospel and she received Christ with tears. Evidently, God used the testimonies to prepare the way for her salvation. I love seeing the Lord use young people as they testify of God’s working in their lives!
The week was a wonderful week with which to end the fall of 2013. We thank the Lord for the many victories won throughout the tour. Pray for these young people, who have responded to the Lord, to keep looking to Him for the daily grace to live for Him.
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