Friends....

We just ended a week's revival in the Quad Cities...East Moline and Joy, Illinois and Davenport, Iowa.  Many years ago Ronnie and I put up a tent every July for 10 days down on the Ben Butterworth Parkway at the Mississippi River.  We had wonderful meetings for years with many lives changed.  We developed lasting friendships with friends from several churches.  After they sold the property on the Mississippi to build condos we moved to the Fairgrounds in East Moline.  This week we went back.  When we rented the building we had no idea who would come or if they would remember us or want to be back out in the heat in a folding chair again.

What a wonderful week it has been.  The same guys that played music with us then was back on the platform this week singing and playing just like old times!  The crowds were unaffected by the 85 degree weather.  The gathered each night hungry to be in the presence of the Lord just like they also did years ago. 

A few things had changed.  I am older.  They are older.  The children have grown into young men and ladies.  The moms and dads are a little grey.  One thing remains the same....they love to worship!  Night after night they worshipped with us and then they sat with undivided attention as I broke the Bread of Life.

This morning we pulled out with our equipment trailer and stopped to pray for all our friends that the fire will continue to burn.  The fire that was fanned in this revival.  I couldn't help but cry...  Who will be gone before I return?  What changes will occur before the next meeting?  I couldn't help but cry....  remembering each kindness, each gift, the cookies, the meals, the home to sleep in, the hugs, the crowds night after night, the Presence we were blessed with!

Ronnie and I are rich.  We know who Jesus is...we have the love of friends and family...we have open doors to carry this gospel.  What more could we desire....except maybe another trip to the Quad Cities!