The cornerstone on our brick sanctuary says 1900. In case you were wondering, that means it was built without central heat and air. To help the folks stay warm for those cold Georgia Sundays (I estimate 3 times per year), there’s a pit below the sanctuary where, I assume, a coal furnace used to reside. In contrast, to help ease the suffering of the summer heat, the sanctuary has a high, vaulted ceiling and windows that can open to capture a cross breeze. One Sunday over the last 120 years, and only God knows what Sunday that was, those windows were opened for the last time. They’re sealed shut now by several years of varnish and fragile, brass hardware.

My best guess is that the current HVAC system was installed about 50 years ago. It’s been upgraded since then but with an old, non-insulated building, the system struggles in the sweltering summer heat. Our immediate solution has been to keep the largest doors closed until after worship is over and to add a few fans to circulate the air. Beads of sweat still roll down my back as I preach but the air is tolerable for an hour.

I love that old church. I really do. I love the nostalgia. I love the floors that creak and the lights that flicker. I love the old stained glass. I love the idea that, over the last 120+ years, that well-worn pulpit has heard vows of matrimony, soaked up the tears of prayerful saints, and witnessed lives changed for eternity. How many souls have passed through the waters of baptism? Jesus is the focus. It’s his righteousness in which we stand. It’s his blood which covers our sin. It’s his name which we honor and glorify. It’s his mission we seek to accomplish. I love Jesus.

But you know what else I love? The people of FBC Senoia. We are family. We have some folks who have lived in Senoia their entire lives, some who’ve migrated from other parts of the south (an unusually large contingency from Mississippi), and we even have some yankees. I love them all! We are family…and I don’t mean we’re like family, I mean we are family.

Being hot-natured, I typically prefer fall, winter, and early spring. I like to slip on my boots and walk around outside without the worry of mosquitos, wasps, or snakes. A hot cup of coffee just seems to fit better when there’s a crisp chill in the air. The fish are biting, the deer are running, the turkeys are playing, and of course…football. My family also likes to snow ski. So yes, count me among those who enjoy colder weather.

However, I’ve learned to tolerate the summer with trips to the lake or week-long mission trips to colder places. I also like to sit in the air conditioning and cheer on the Braves. But one thing I’ve come to appreciate about the summer are fresh tomatoes. I’m not a gardener myself but we have some in the church who bring me tomatoes in the summer; cucumbers, pears, and other delicacies, too. For a moment, whenever I slice those tomatoes and put them between two pieces of white bread, along with a healthy(?) dose of mayonnaise and a little salt and pepper…life is grand!

God has blessed me and blessed our church. There’s more to this story. There’s more that hasn’t been told, and there’s more yet being written. As I have the time, I’ll tell it. For now, there’s not much better than family, family who shares faith in Jesus and fresh tomatoes.

Quick question: What is the end goal of progressive ideology?

That’s a question we must ask yet it’s a question that doesn’t have a real answer because progressivism has no end. It’s never satisfied. Yesterday’s progressive agenda is not enough today and is laughable tomorrow. Progressive ideology must continue to, well…progress. CS Lewis says something similar regarding pride: “Pride gets no pleasure out of having something, only out of having more of it than the next man…It is the comparison that makes you proud: the pleasure of being above the rest. Once the element of competition is gone, pride is gone.” Pride is the core of progressivism. There’s never satisfaction. It’s like a cancer that only wants what it does not have or at least wants to push the agenda further than where it is now. Progressivism pushes strange ideologies toward acceptance, then normalization, then celebration. This has been on display for years. Adrian Rogers once said, “The sin that used to slink down back alleys now parades down Main Street.” These strange ideologies have again raised their heads and moved from Main Street to prime time TV with the opening ceremonies of the 2024 Olympic Games.

You are probably familiar with the “artistic” depiction, especially if you are on any form of social media. In case you don’t know, drag queens sat along one side of a long table in such a way that many people naturally assumed a reference to Da Vinci’s The Last Supper. There was a central figure with others flanked to the left and right. I’ve heard (or rather read) two primary arguments that attempt to reason away the indignation felt by many.

First of all, there’s an argument which claims this was not a depiction of The Last Supper but rather a depiction of the Feast of Dionysus. Of course there is some merit to this because of the roots in Greek Mythology and the origin of the Olympic Games. But if it was Dionysus and not Jesus, why did the central figure have a halo? For 2000 years, Christ has often been artistically represented with a halo. At best, this was (to borrow a progressive term) “tone deaf” to Western Culture. And while I may be wrong, I just don’t buy it. The other argument is this was indeed a depiction of The Last Supper, but that Christians shouldn’t be offended. Mocking a painting is in no way the same as mocking Jesus. 1500 years of church history would have no idea what this was about. The painting is one artist’s representation of Jesus, not Jesus himself.

If the first argument is true, then the second one can’t be. Either it was a mocking depiction of The Last Supper or it wasn’t. Truth will not allow for both. Further, if this was a mocking of The Last Supper, then shouldn’t Christians have every right to be indignant? Argue if you must, but the truth is The Last Supper is a representation of Christ and the apostles. To say people should not be offended by this is akin to saying people shouldn’t be offended by the Virginia Battle Flag because it doesn’t truly represent the Confederacy…absurd!

What we saw in the opening ceremonies however, is not the primary issue I wish to address. It’s what is visible right now, but there is a more concerning issue underlying it all. In short, it’s sin. It’s pride. It’s this progressive ideology which must continue to push the envelope. Which means that in the end, I don’t think we, that is Christians, should be angry…at least not angry at people whose moral compass has no true north. What did you expect? If there be anger, let it be with those in the church who have failed to proclaim the truth. Europe, once a bastion of biblical orthodoxy, is filled with churches-turned-museums. Let this be a warning shot to the church in America. We certainly should not be surprised. Romans chapter 1 predicts this behavior. For me, the offense is not that someone made a public mockery of a painting, even one strongly associated with the church. Rather, the offense is the public mockery of the family and sexuality. And don’t tell me the family does not represent Christ because the Apostle Paul says otherwise (Ephesians 5:32). But mockery of the family and sexuality is nothing new. What I am seeing on social media that truly breaks my heart is the fulfillment of Romans 1:32. I see professing Christians who applaud deviant, progressive behavior. That is heartbreaking.

I take solace in this: Jesus was mocked and ridiculed. The church has seen millions of martyrs over her history. If there was any offense taken with the display at the Olympic Games, count it as a momentary, light affliction. And remember that even the gates of hell will not prevail against the church. May I take this as one more reason to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. Let me pray for hearts to be transformed. Let me speak the name of Jesus. Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing and acceptable to my God. May the words I speak and the life I live bring the hope of Christ to a lost and dying world.

I don’t know who would want to read this. I am mostly writing it for myself. I mean no harm to anybody but perhaps my story can be an encouragement to someone.

January 25, 2019 It was a Friday night and I had a date! Lindsey and I were in a good place, literally speaking. We had just arrived at the Boathouse in Chattanooga, TN. I remember I ordered the grilled swordfish and it was incredible. But what I remember most is excitement tempered with overwhelming peace about our future because, figuratively speaking, we were also in a good place.

We always enjoyed our annual, weekend trips to Southeast Conclave. It was a time to refresh, a renewal for both of us. The seminars were fruitful and we were able to worship together without worry of logistics. We could just worship and rest. Did I mention we never took the kids with us? Anyway, we especially looked forward to the food. We are adventurous eaters and love to try new places. That’s how we ended up at the Boathouse. We had just been through some of the most difficult times of our lives. We thought we were following God’s plan but realized, rather starkly, the path we were on had some unexpected turns. One thing for certain through, I learned that God’s peace is undeterred by my expectations and disappointments.

Over the last few months of 2018, God used various circumstances to convict me of becoming a better disciple maker. I knew that is what God had called me to do and I knew I could do a better job. But how? After much prayer and conversations with Lindsey, we decided I should apply for school to pursue a doctorate of ministry with a specialization in discipleship and spiritual formation. I wanted to avail myself to the best resources and we both thought this was God’s plan. It was a Friday night and I had a date…and an acceptance letter! We had much to celebrate.

April 30, 2019 A couple of months later, I knew just what my project in ministry would be. For those not familiar, this is not a PhD or Doctorate of Philosophy. Those research-based dissertations often require an advanced degree just to read the title. This is a DMin, which primarily involves a project. After finishing my coursework, I would write a proposal for the project, implement the project, and write a report on the project. Since I knew what I wanted to do, develop a disciple-making strategy for Northside Baptist Church, I simply needed to complete my coursework and get on to the project. My plan was to begin my project at the conclusion of year two and graduate, at the latest, in May of 2022. I enjoyed the process. My first seminar was specifically geared toward discipleship. I learned so much in that seminar and took it upon myself to read additional books not assigned to me.

All along this journey, our church was without a pastor. I was serving as the Associate Pastor, primarily tasked with student ministry so in the back of my mind, I kept thinking, “I sure hope whoever we call as pastor is comfortable with my planning this discipleship strategy for the church.” My “worst-case scenario” would be that I would modify my project to a strategy geared for teenagers. So I kept chugging along and after one calendar year, I had completed my first workshop and three seminars. I was on track!

October 20, 2019 Our church called Aaron Hornsby to be our pastor. I will never forget that day. As I announced the 100% unanimous vote, I cried tears of joy. Our church was united and we had a pastor! God is good. Aaron and his family joined us in December. We had a few months together, getting to know each other and how we would work together in ministry. I think we made a great team. Then March of 2020…well, you know. So, yes, my spring workshop was canceled. No worries though. If I was delayed a semester, I was still learning and growing.

Attending on-campus classes has a few perks over online classes: (1) Online classes don’t buy you that cup of coffee with the professor (2) Nor do they allow time for dinner with fellow pastors to “talk shop” (3) Dinner…did I mention dinner? New Orleans is home to some of the best cuisine in the world! So, needless to say, when my May in-person class was transitioned to an online class, I was bummed. But my sweet wife. She’s awesome. My setup for class was in our bedroom on my laptop. She knew how much I enjoyed traveling and eating the good food so she, unbeknownst to me, had prepared red beans and rice with smoked sausage. When she brought up my dinner, I almost cried. I decided to eat instead.

September 6, 2020 Aaron and I were standing at the front of the church just a few minutes before worship. I had just reviewed the annual church budget that would be voted on later that evening. Through the worst of the pandemic, God’s faithful people had continued to give. Financially, our church was strong. I looked over the congregation. While we still had some of our most vulnerable staying home, many families had made their way back to regular church attendance. I was smiling, reflecting on God’s goodness. That’s when Aaron informed me we had a few folks lined up for baptism over the next few weeks. The deacons prayed over both of us and I made my way back to my seat. And that’s when it happened. It wasn’t an audible voice and I can’t exactly explain it but somehow, I knew the Lord was speaking to me, and it was just one word, “Ok.”

“Ok?” What does that mean? Ok?”

The best I could discern, God was telling me that everything was ok and that it was ok for me to look at other ministry opportunities.

“But things are good. Lord, you wouldn’t let me leave when I wanted to but now? Why now? Things are good! The church is healthy and growing. The ministries have some great leaders in place. My own kids are just now coming into the youth ministry. Lindsey and I are happy. And what about our kids? If we move…they love their school. NOW? Not now. Three years ago sure, but now?” That’s what I remember from worship that morning.

Sometime later that week, I received my copy of The Western Word, the monthly newsletter of the Western Baptist Association. In the section with open church positions, I saw First Baptist Church in Senoia was looking for a senior pastor. That one caught my attention. Lindsey and I had visited Senoia a number of times, mostly for date nights. There are some nice restaurants in town. The church was across the county. That meant it was far enough from Northside that we felt comfortable yet close enough that the kids wouldn’t need to change schools. Again, Lindsey and I prayed and I felt led to apply.

At this point, it seems appropriate to mention how incredible Aaron was throughout the process. He was supportive and I even listed him as one of my references. I’ve heard horror stories of pastors who treated staff like hirelings, but Aaron is a shepherd and a friend.

April 18, 2021 After a series of interviews and phone calls, lots of 9×13 casseroles, meeting with staff and deacons, and a mediocre sermon, FBC Senoia called me to be their pastor. Wow, what a journey! In many ways, this was the easy part. The hard part would be the week ahead.

April 25, 2021 At the conclusion of morning worship, Aaron called me up and I climbed the steps to the pulpit at Northside. The sanctuary seemed especially quiet to me. I typically use notes when I preach but this time, I had a full manuscript. I cleared my throat, fought back tears, and announced my resignation. It hurt because my family had grown to love Northside, and we still have many friends there today. I told them it felt like home and they were like family. Yet there was a sense of peace because were so confident in God’s guidance.

April 30, 2021 I applied for an emergency withdrawal from my spring workshop at NOBTS…my final workshop before beginning my project. I was on track. If I had kept going, I would might have graduated just as I had intended. But God had other plans. The seminary stipulates that before beginning a project, the student must have been at their current church for at least one year. Had I remained at Northside, I could have continued on. Since was transitioning to First Baptist Senoia, I would take a year off.

This might sound unfair but it’s really for the best. First of all, the project is to be practical within the student’s current context and not a theoretical project for a hypothetical church. Therefore, the students should know and understand the needs of the current congregation. We need at least a year to get this idea. Secondly, in a pastor’s first year, there simply isn’t enough time to dedicate toward a project. Though I would be graduating later than I had hoped, I was grateful for the break.

April 2022 I finally completed that workshop and began working on my project proposal. In February 2023 I reached out to six church members who would become my strategy team. Together, we began working on a disciple-making strategy for First Baptist Church of Senoia. On October 26, 2023 I met with my Academic Advisor and two others for an exit interview. After the interview, I walked back into the room and all three were standing. That meant I had passed the interview! Dr. Hall said, “Congratulations Dr. Cobb.” I graduated about 6 weeks later, in December.

The story of the project itself is hard-bound in the Library of Congress and NOBTS. In a nutshell, the team and I developed a disciple-making strategy based upon various sized groups. Jesus preached to masses, taught small groups, was especially invested in a very small group, and spent time alone with his father. We looked at our church and noticed this very small group was missing. We have called them “discipleship groups” and have now been utilizing them for a year. God is good.

Originally posted 10/28/2010

When I left my house in South Georgia on Sunday afternoon, I thought to myself, “It’s been 5 years since Katrina. I don’t know if that will be the primary focus of this class or not, but it’s time to move on.” From my perspective, people suffer through fires, earthquakes, tornados, and even hurricanes, but at some point, they move on. I’ve known some of them. Some of them are family. I was anxious to see what the scope of the class would be. Monday and Tuesday were classroom sessions and after two days of discussions on the disaster, rebuilding process, and grief issues, I still had the same mindset. Pain hurts and there’s no way around that, but at some point you have to change your focus from the past and look more to the future.

Looking to the future was part of what I was able to do when we visited the Lower Ninth Ward on Wednesday. Several of the new homes there look like something out of a Dr. Seuss book. With solar panels, some of the roofs swoop down and touch the ground on one side of the house. Others are elevated for parking beneath the house. But the architecture and aesthetics aren’t the only futuristic aspects. One or two were built to float, should floods ever come again. Several of these homes are designated as “Green” or “Earth Friendly.” The technology used in construction and inside the home is state of the art. These “Whoville-style” homes are few and far between. Many others are typical of suburban America. They’re nice, not especially fancy, but are certainly nice, comfortable homes. This only part of the story, however. For every new home, there stands one abandoned and condemned. With boarded doors and windows, they still had spray paint markings from the search and rescue teams. There are empty lots with nothing more than an old slab in the midst of tall grass. The rebuilding process is still in full swing.

Though there are many homes to be built and many folks displaced, it still didn’t rest well with me to hear so much talk about Katrina. It seemed to be not a defining point but the defining point in people’s lives.

Thursday, I walked with a group up and down a street immediately behind the seminary. Our assignment was to simply ask people if we could pray for them. We didn’t talk to many people. In fact, it wasn’t until we got to the end of the street that we met our first resident. We told him what we were doing and through that conversation he shared his Katrina experience. Joseph actually lived in a neighboring parish, but recounted a couple of stories for us. One story included a man who was clinging to his wife and child in the wake of the flood waters, one in each arm.  They were desperately waiting for rescue. The man was struggling to hold on to his family and told his wife he wasn’t sure how much longer he could hold. She turned to him and said, “Let me go. Just hold on to our baby.” With that, this wife and mother floated away. My heart sank as Joseph shared this story. I have a wife. I have two precious sons and a daughter on the way. God had just given me a gift but in the moment, I was too dumb or too numb to realize it. He gave me someone that made it personal for me. I quickly realized this is a tragedy from which you never really “move on.” You pick up the pieces, sure, but life will never be the same. You will never return to “normal.” (Whatever normal is) How arrogant and presumptuous I had been? How insensitive, how foolish! I had been wrong, so wrong.

Next, we met Mrs. Ethel. She’s a saint. No, she doesn’t play for the football team. She answered the door in her house coat and curlers. Initially, she was skeptical to talk with us, but soon enough she warmed up to us and was eager and happy to tell her story. She had evacuated before Katrina hit but returned home to see that everything she owned was ruined. Somehow, in the midst of her tragic story, she had this glow about her. She seemed at peace. We asked her if it was ok to pray with her. She replied, “Yes. Pray, ‘God don’t move the mountain. Give me the strength to climb it.’”

After praying, we moved on and spoke next with Jeremy. He was a young man working on a house that had been flooded. They were gutting the house for free! His aunt was the owner of the house and his father was the contractor. About three years ago, his aunt had paid $150,000 to a stranger to rebuild her home. The con-artist took her money and fled for Canada. Apparently, that was a common practice. With no other options, her home has remained untouched since Katrina. Jeremy’s smile was as big as a Louisiana aligator as he talked about how huge this house was going to be. He said it would be the best house on the block. He was proud to be doing this for his aunt. I got the sense this wasn’t his only act of volunteerism.

God used three different people and their stories to change my heart and attitude. First of all, I learned from Joseph, that I am no judge of a person’s tragedy. To “walk a mile in someone’s shoes” is really an impossibility. As similar as my story may be, I will process it differently. I will grieve differently. I will cope differently. Through Mrs. Ethel, God reminded me He is still in control. True and lasting hope and joy come only from Him. Through Jeremy, God showed me that people who put others above themselves are still the greatest leaders. They, not the celebrities that throw money at building projects, are the real heros. God changed me and I’m grateful.

Thursday, May 30, 2024 from Ecuador

I’m not sure how, but I forgot to mention something that happened Tuesday. After breakfast, our group went down to Steve and Carol’s house. We heard their testimony of how they were called to Ecuador and how they were called to remain, even after IMB pulled out. Their story is one of faithfulness and trust in the providential hand of God. Steve then led us in a Bible study from 2 Kings 4. Of particular note was how the widow’s own children are involved in the miracle. Those that know, may understand how this teaching resonated with me.

Ok. Back to Thursday. 

This morning our team built benches for a church that meets in the jungle. We cut, sanded, assembled (glued, nailed, and screwed), puttied, and sanded again. I’m not sure how many benches were made but my estimate is 25.  The coolest thing to me is that these benches are most assuredly headed to the same tribe that Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, and their team contacted almost 70 years ago. A tribe, perhaps best characterized by bloodshed, was changed by the gospel. Now they are meeting weekly for church. They may encounter a panther or anaconda on the way to church…what’s your excuse? There is no other name given among men whereby we must be saved. Jesus changes everything! 

A Three-Waterfall Kind of Day – This afternoon the team had a little bit of fun. Those who wanted, got into a basket on a zip line and “flew” several hundred feet above the river to the other side of the canyon. We zoomed over to get an incredible look at a magnificent waterfall! We got back in the bus to travel to our next stop, a place with a short hike to two more waterfalls. The hike took us past one waterfall that violently crashed into a massive pool called the “Devil’s Cauldron.” We continued on until we got to a cabled bridge that bounced and flexed with every step. Then, we climbed steep stone steps. This took us to the most incredible waterfall of the day. To me, it felt like Frodo Baggins meets Indiana Jones. Josh, Hannah, and I stood under or behind the falls. We serve such an amazingly creative God! Simply beautiful. 

We rounded out the night in the city of Baños. I’ve written about the Catholic Church there before but suffice it to say, the church’s teaching is seriously flawed. Jesus is never presented as a sufficient Savior, much less as the eternally, enthroned King. He is always depicted in a defeated state because he wasn’t quite enough to defeat satan and conquer death. It makes me both sad and angry. We got to walk around the city for a while before a delicious pizza dinner followed by ice cream. 

We will get up early tomorrow and begin our journey home. We will spend some time in Quito visiting the national cathedral and the artisan market. This will likely be the final update until we share in more detail at church. Until then, “Hasta luego!”

Wednesday, May 29, 2024 

I woke up Wednesday morning to the sound of the rain on the tin roof. It would have been easy to stay in bed but I had a couple thoughts that helped me rise this morning: (1) the coffee sure is good (2) this is our last day to see the kids at VBS. So with that, I rose to my feet, brushed my teeth, and headed to breakfast. 

It rained heavier today than yesterday so we were making alternate plans for recreation and crafts, but by the time we arrived at the school, the rain had stopped. Again, a blessing from God. By now the children are familiar with the routine. More high-impact disc throwing and soccer ball kicking and hugs, lots of hugs. 

I was again in the Bible story room. Marilyn and Liz told of how Daniel and his friends refused to eat the food of King Nebuchadnezzar. Instead they wanted to obey and honor the God of Israel. When they did this, God honored them. We used stick puppets to help tell the story. At the conclusion of the story with the oldest group, Chris shared the gospel and told them we had a gift for them. We gave each of the older kids a copy of the Gospel of John in Spanish. There were enough left over to give to every teacher and administrator. A couple of the teachers were especially engaged in the Bible stories over the last few days. Liz got to share with one of the teachers and she is really interested to hear about the “real Jesus.” (My words, not hers.) So much of what is taught here is salvation-by-works Catholicism. It was tough to leave the kids but hopefully, we will be able to return one day. 

After lunch we went back to the school to finish the painting and tile work. We were running short on paint but somehow we had just enough to get one coat in all 8 classrooms and to hit some spots with a second coat. In one room, we lifted the lockers back up and were able to anchor them to the wall. The tile work was almost finished but it is a room that isn’t used every day so the local mason should be able to complete the work. 

I had asked Chris yesterday if we could bring a weed eater and clean up the playground a little. He agreed and so we did. And we also brought a few extra grounds keepers, a set of scaffolding, and a 2-cycle set of hedge trimmers. We got all the trees and bushes trimmed. The playground and classrooms look so much better.

As we finished, the principal wanted to speak to our group. She was especially grateful for the work our group had done. She told us we would always be welcome at her school. We also discovered the school had planned to not pay their teachers for one month’s salary in order to repair the walls. Now they wouldn’t have to do that. God is good! We prayed as a group before leaving. I ask that you pray for this principal and her teachers. I don’t have their names right now, but God knows. 

When we got back to camp Chacauco, I showered and went to dinner…mmm…tacos. After dinner, the group gathered around a bonfire (with s’mores!) where we heard the testimonies of Chris and Madeline and how they ended up in Patate, Ecuador. Then Bob and I took turns playing guitar and leading various worship songs before we all concluded with Amazing Grace, a cappella.

Tuesday, May 28, 2024 from Patate, Ecuador

With Day 1 under our belts, Day 2 should operate much more smoothly, unless of course it rains, which it did. We weren’t really sure how the school would respond since there’s an old belief here that the rain will make you sick. It was never a heavy rain, but slowed even more by the time we needed to get started. 

We played full-contact frisbee again in the little grassy area. Many of the kids remembered our names from yesterday. It’s interesting that fun doesn’t have a language barrier. If you smile at someone, try to play a game with them, throw a ball, or laugh, then the language doesn’t seem to matter all that much. I saw Larry jumping up and down in sync with a small child. Bob was learning about recycling of plastic bottles from a little girl. Amie kept telling one little girl about her brother named Jason, but after a little help, we realized Jason is actually her husband. The rain really didn’t slow us down. 

In fact, the rain was like a gift from God. The temperature was much cooler and the heavy clouds provided protection from the sun, which is especially powerful in Ecuador. So with the rain basically past us, we gathered in the little courtyard again to sing our VBS songs. 

The Bible story today was about how God granted wisdom to King Solomon who in turn rightly judged which lady was the mother of the baby. I dressed as King Solomon to tell this story. To help engage the children, I asked them how they would respond if they could ask God for just one thing. I don’t want to spoil this. We will share it at church, but their answers were just incredible. Liz and Marilyn dressed up as two Israelite women fighting over…an inflatable monkey. (I’ve learned that sometimes on the mission field, you just use what you have.) In crafts, the kids decorated paper crowns to represent the wisdom that is needed for a king. Boy did those kids love those crowns. Great job Vickie, Marti, Amie, Hannah, and Larry! In recreation, the kids seemed to love the John and Peter relay race and the parachute games. Bob, Jackie, Josh, and Chase are so creative with these games that have a message. 

After VBS was over, we headed back to Camp Chacauco for lunch. When we arrived in the cafeteria, we discovered there were camp t-shirts for sale. I think everyone found something and purchased a t-shirt. I normally wear XXL but in Ecuador I’m EEEG. You probably didn’t care for that fun fact, but I figured I’d tell you anyway. Lunch was fried chicken and rice with a slice of watermelon. 

We left to go back to the school at 2:00. We needed to continue work on stripping, sanding, and sealing the masonry walls. There are nine classrooms we are working on. One room is getting retiled. Jeremy and Larry are working hard to lay tile. They roped Liz in under the guise of needing a translator and she stayed to help pour and mix the mud for the tiles. Four of the other classrooms got at least one coat of paint. Somehow, Jackie, Josh, and Chase put four coats of paint on their classroom wall in 2 1/2 hours and were told that their room was “perfecto.” 

The rest of us worked to clean some black mold, seal, and paint the other classrooms. All the rooms have now had water sealant applied. Four rooms need a base coat and second coat. Three rooms need a second coat only. No additional work is needed for the room that is “perfecto.” 

The principal again bought us a treat: arepas, which are very famous in Patate. These were very good. They have the consistency of dense cornbread but with a hint of pumpkin flavor and chunks of cheese baked in. Everyone got to try it, even if our rooms weren’t “perfecto.” 

Dinner was beef tips and rice. Dessert was banana bread…or perhaps plantain bread? A local couple, who operates a mobile artisan market, set up in the cafeteria. They had some nice things and most everyone was able to find a souvenir or two. After completing our preparation for our last day of VBS we sat at the outdoor picnic tables for games of Phase 10 and Heads Up. It’s alway a good time, especially after Marilyn proclaimed, “The fun girls are here!” 

We’ve worked hard and we’ve laughed a lot. I believe both work and laughter are some of God’s best gifts to us. 

Monday, May 27, 2024 from Patate, Ecuador

All the prep work. All the prayers. All the scripture study. All the coat hangers, glue bottles, boxes of Cheeze-Its, inflatables, and frisbees, came down to today. It was our first day of VBS. We planned for 100 kids but discovered there are 106 kids enrolled in the school. It started fast and furious, like a flurry of punches from a welterweight. The playground couldn’t have been more than 800 square feet and filled with swings, slides, seesaws, and tires. Somehow there was still enough room for a game of chase-the-ball that looked vaguely like soccer and another game of full-contact ultimate frisbee. 

Everyone was gathered in the courtyard just outside the Principal’s Office where we sang three of our four songs. After some introductions, the children were divided into three groups by ages. One group went to recreation, another to crafts, and a third group went to Bible story. I was in the Bible study group today where we learned about Samuel’s anointing of David as King. The children learned that God is more concerned with our heart than our outward appearance. 

The groups came quick and they were full of excitement and energy. One thing I found interesting was most of the kids were wearing jackets or sweaters. I was about to burn up, especially when I put my Samuel costume on. 

We all learned a few things, but overall, I would say it was a great first day. 

We came back to lunch at Camp Chacauco before heading back out about 2:00. We went back to the same school where we were for VBS. All their classrooms had water damage along with some mold along cement block walls. We sanded and scraped and sanded again. Sometimes we even bleached the walls. Then we sealed the block walls with some cement sealer. Tomorrow we will return to paint the walls and hopefully be done by Wednesday. 

The principal was so grateful for our team that she bought us a special treat. We had a slice of ham(?) inside a bun. Let me just say, that bread was really, really good. I’m not one to brag about bred too much, but this was good stuff. She also gave us some Coke…a nice taste of home. 

When we got back to camp, most of the men immediately took showers before going to dinner. I discovered most ladies had not showered before dinner. They said it had to do with the fact that their hair had to dry. I think maybe the men had just worked harder. Anyway, we all circled up to finalize plans for VBS Day 2. 

This is a really great team and we are stating to figure out or various strengths and weaknesses. God put us together and knew just what each would bring to the group. We have grown in our relationship to each other and are really connecting by serving the Lord. This team is full of servants who just want to be vessels of God’s blessing. I am personally grateful that I get to watch my children serve Jesus this week and I’m especially grateful for the men and women who are mentoring them. I love my church family!   

Sunday, May 26, 2024

Yesterday there was a wedding at the camp and what we thought was the praise team may have actually been the wedding party winding down last night. Either way, they serenaded Larry, Josh, Chase, and me along with Jeremy and Jackie, who’s room is right next to ours late into the night. The mattress I flipped up against the windows helped to keep most of the exterior light from shining down on me and Chase. I found the outdoor light switch about 6:30 this morning, so if there’s light shining on us tonight, that will be confirmation of our angelic personalities. At breakfast we discovered that apparently the band drowned out the barking dogs over near the ladies cabin, which is across the soccer field. I share all this not so much as a complaint, but as humor. 

Breakfast was scrambled eggs, a cheese pastry, fruit, and pineapple juice. We loaded the bus in our Sunday best to go worship with Eternal Word Baptist Church. Chris, our missionary, is one of the four pastors or elders of the church. They have a rotation for preaching and meet throughout the week in various small groups for discipleship. As a new church, they have yet to formalize church membership but that is soon on the horizon. 

The church sits in a one room building with tile floor and plaster or sheetrock walls. Actually, there is another room, the restroom, which is accessed by a door midway down the sanctuary and on the left. If you know anything about the layout of FBC Senoia, then you’ll know we all felt right at home. After greeting everyone and finding our seats in the white plastic chairs, the service started with the reading of Psalm 107. Next we sang three songs. I’ve often thought worshipping God in a different language is a glimpse of what heaven will be, a peak behind the curtain to reveal the glory of God. I may not understand all the words, but I understand the message: Jesus is King! 

After music, I was graciously asked to preach. The sermon came from Exodus 3 where God reveals his name, I AM, to Moses. After the sermon Hannah shared her testimony. She talked about how Christ saved her one Christmas Eve Service in which she wasn’t allowed to partake in the Lord’s Supper. Then Marti shared her testimony, which includes understanding that simply following the rules isn’t what a relationship with Christ is all about. Larry also told his story of growing up knowing about God but not knowing God until he was an adult. 

I forgot something…As worship started, the kids gathered into a side area (same room just off to the side) where they were taught I’m in the Lord’s Army. They learned this song while the rest of the church worshipped together. They were noisy just like kids are supposed be, and I loved it. There is something special about all generations worshipping together, again, a glimpse of what heaven must be. To finish the worship service, they sang and danced to the motions. It was a fitting conclusion to the service. 

We got back on the bus and traveled for about an hour to lunch. Fried yucca, plantain ball soup, rosemary chicken -or- beef burrito, and pumpkin bread. Another hour trip and we were back to the camp. Part of the group walked down to the river and bridge, but they’ll have to tell that story as I was checking my eyelids for cracks. 

Early Sunday evening we gathered to go separate and organize VBS materials, eat supper, and rehearse for Day 1 of VBS. We practiced our songs (in Spanish) and the motions. Bob, Jackie, Chase, and Hannah finalized a plan for recreation. Jeremy is telling the story of King David’s anointing while me, Larry, and Josh act it out. Larry is Jesse, Josh is David, and I am Samuel. Vickie, Julie, and Marti have paper hearts to be decorated and remind the kids of the heart of King David. Liz, Marilyn, and Amie are floating around tomorrow to fill in where needed. We will have some different jobs each day. 

Walking back to the dorms, we stopped to look at a few stars that we can’t see back home in Georgia. The most significant constellation is the Southern Cross. It’s just another reminder that we serve a magnificent God. I pray for good rest, because tomorrow we begin Vacation Bible School, at a local school. I may never march in the infantry, shoot the artillery, ride in the cavalry, zoom over the enemy, but I’m in the Lord’s army. YES SIR!

Patate, Ecuador Saturday, May 25, 2024 

Our team of 14 made it to Quito and got a night’s rest at the Holiday Inn near the airport on Friday. The next morning started early with a huge all-you-can eat breakfast, except for soft drinks which cost extra, but the coffee, fresh fruit, breads, eggs, and shrimp were great. Did I mention the coffee? Mmm mmm. I ate about half a bowl of seafood ceviche. It was alright but I thought it had too much lime. Jeremy and Jackie liked it, but then again they are from Mississippi. Julie said it was good, too. 

Next, we were on our way to the equator monument, which is a few hundred yards off, but not bad for French explorers 400 years ago. It made for some nice photos, souvenirs, and memories. I ate a banana split ice cream popsicle. Jackie and Jeremy love to share. Jerermy shared his roasted guinea pig with whoever wanted some and Jackie shared her vanilla, caramel frappacino double shot thing with whipped cream, mostly she just shared it with Julie…all down her arm and pants leg, but I digress. Lunch came a little later and included a hot tea or cider drink, blackberry juice, and potato soup. We each had our choice of chicken, beef, or pork as our main dish. 

More traveling and we ended up at camp. After dropping our stuff in our rooms, we got a campus tour. We ended the evening in the seminary where we ate supper and discussed a few details regarding VBS. As I type this, we are all in our rooms. Josh, Larry, Chase, and I are in a room with 20 bunks but because we’re men, we each have a corner of the room. I’m exhausted and hope to fall asleep as soon as the praise team, who is on the other side of this non-insulated wall finishes rehearsal.

We’re headed to worship tomorrow. I’ll preach at the Eternal Word Baptist Church and a couple of folks from our group will share their testimonies. God is good.