I KNOW THEY WERE THERE!

For the past three years the middle of May has found me on staff
for Regional Celebrate Life at Olivet Nazarene University.  This is a fantastic activity that draws 2,000 teens from across the midwest to campus.  There they participate in various forms of competition including but not limited to basketball, volleyball, soccer, golf, baseball, track, Bible quizzing, numerous categories of music and the arts, and many more lesser known venues.  That's where I come in!  I moderate the Chess competition!  Not that I have played the

My last known game of Chess with my big brother (circa 1961)

game in the last 40 years!  They just need a warm adult type person to make sure that no fights break out and that no one bursts into applause (or makes any other noise) while the matches are in progress.  I must say that I have met many wonderful kids and supportive parents.  I think that when everything is said and done and the last King has fallen that all have had a memorable time.  But it's not the 16 hours of watching chess and listening to the hum of the A/C unit (2 days), it's the chance to  be with family and friends who are likewise working the event and to return to the place that prepared me for life and ministry.  It was there that Sherry and I met.  It was there that I last "dunked" a basketball.  It was there.....well you get the idea.  Four wonder fulled years in my youth.

The school song begins; "My Olivet, our Olivet..........."  I am proud of "my" Olivet.  It provided me with a wholesome environment, great professors, and an "education with a Christian purpose".  I am also praying for "our" Olivet; for so many whose lives have been touched throughout the years, for those who are yet to become "Olivetians".  It would please me much should my grandchildren choose to make this institution their college home.  It is not just "my" Olivet it is the Olivet of thousands of others and many more to come.

Praise At Celebrate Life

As I sat in the beautiful large Worship Center  and watched this present group of teens worship I couldn't help but wonder who, with raised hand today, will be a great leader in God's Kingdom tomorrow.  I know they were there and I will pray for them tonight. 

"Tho time may take us far apart, I'll still revere you in my heart,  my Olivet, our Olivet......."