Even though our numbers were small, we had a pretty good time playing pool and talking among ourselves, Ashley, a very charismatic former youth turned volunteer, was kind enough to stop by and hang out, and even said she'd consider coming out regularly as a volunteer again once her schedule settles down. To round out the evening, I had an albeit brief, but meaningful conversation with Ron.
Saturday, after spending a supremely relaxing day with my 3 youngest, I had the honour of joining the folks at the Orangeville Door for their drop-in. I met some very cool youth, and had a very in depth conversation on the nature of God's provision, especially how it has applied to my life. Everyone I came into contact with down there was fantastic, and I learned quite a bit from Anna, as to how she runs drop-ins. This has led me to look forward to stopping in at Huntsville's Door next weekend.
On Sunday, I had the amazing privilege of sharing the ministry and my vision for it's direction in front of Living Faith Community Presbyterian church. They were a spectacular audience and wonderfully welcoming.
God was evident in the fact that not only was Pastor Heather Malnick's message fantastic, it linked up perfectly with mine.
I must admit, I did have a bit of an issue speaking in front of their congregation as, by nature, I walk when I talk, especially when it's something exciting to me. The source of my frustration was that their mic was the type that you couldn't exactly take off the stand. This was by no means their fault in any way, I failed to mention my need to move, and was informed by Heather afterwards that it could have been accommodated. In spite of this, I made my it through my presentation with very few hitches, and the only complaint (courtesy of my lovely wife) was with the quality of the pictures in my slide show.
After the service they have a wonderful time of fellowship, including Tea and Coffee and some very good conversations. I had folks coming up to me and just talking with me naturally, sharing their excitement for what I was doing, and in general treating me as if they had known me for years, and that is truly a great feeling.
My family and I then spent the remainder of the day relaxing and just enjoying each other's company as we drifted around the 400 flea market, and then back home to watch movies.
That wonderful Sunday was followed up by an equally amazing Monday. I spent a relaxing morning with my wife at home, just puttering around with some e-mails and educational reading.
Around 11 I made my way out to the drop-in centre and had just settled in, when a few of the youth from the high school dropped in for a brief visit. We had a pretty good talk, and I look forward to seeing them come out for Friday's drop-in.
I then received a call back from a church I have been trying to get in touch with for several weeks (unsuccessfully because they are a young and growing church without a whole lot of staff to keep up with things)
The conversation I had with Charlene of Living Hope in Angus was both uplifting and exciting, hopefully for both of us. I look forward to seeing what comes of it in the next few days.
I had a special guest join me for lunch, Pastor Stephen Weenink from Elmvale Community Church took me out for lunch, and we had a wonderful time of fellowship and discussion of both of our ministries and how they can come together to build the Lord's Kingdom.
Stephen has played a pivotal role in my ministry in the fact that he's the one who first got me into youth ministry with a simple question, "Hey, can you drive some youth down to the Jay's game?"
I'm pretty sure I spent the majority of our time together gushing about how amazingly blessed I feel, and how much God has done to confirm that The Door in Angus is where he wants me to be. I look forward to future get together's with Steve and hopefully our respective families (miss you Charlotte and Ellie, and have yet to meet Callum outside of Facebook)
The natural flow of thoughts and ideas back and forth between us was invigorating and reminded me of why Steve was so much fun to work with.
I just want to thank everyone I've come into contact with over the past several days for the uplifting thoughts and prayers. I feel so blessed and content yet excited right now. I can't wait to see what the future holds.
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