By Lee D. Preston
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Friday, we had a retreat coming out to the Agape Dome. If you have been to the Agape Dome then you understand, if not then to help explain, it is our home but it also sleeps 29 people and was built to be a beacon for folks to come who need healing and hope. We love the place and have seen people find real healing here. Oh, it is just wood, stone, and furnishings, but I believe that God has blessed the place with His peace and He has put us here for a reason.
Anyway, we had a great group of teens and college age folks coming out to offer a work day for us in exchange for a retreat. We offered food, lodging, swimming, and love and they offered to do some light work around the property. It is a great exchange. And, what more do young people want after a half-day of work outside? Swimming of course! The carrot that was held out for them was this, “You all work hard in the September, Texas heat and we will feed you well and offer you cool, clear water to jump into after a hard few hours of work. Wouldn’t you know that Friday morning, we woke to a pool with a pretty heavy “green tinge”!? We had a light rain a day or so prior and it always creates havoc to a delicately balanced pool. I was devastated, lost, and well, discouraged. You know those times when it seems like just one more thing can tip the scales of your faith? Well, this was that one thing that tipped my scale. I felt completely alone, completely defeated, and well, ready to throw in the towel (no pun intended). All over what? Pool water….
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Friday, we had a retreat coming out to the Agape Dome. If you have been to the Agape Dome then you understand, if not then to help explain, it is our home but it also sleeps 29 people and was built to be a beacon for folks to come who need healing and hope. We love the place and have seen people find real healing here. Oh, it is just wood, stone, and furnishings, but I believe that God has blessed the place with His peace and He has put us here for a reason.
Anyway, we had a great group of teens and college age folks coming out to offer a work day for us in exchange for a retreat. We offered food, lodging, swimming, and love and they offered to do some light work around the property. It is a great exchange. And, what more do young people want after a half-day of work outside? Swimming of course! The carrot that was held out for them was this, “You all work hard in the September, Texas heat and we will feed you well and offer you cool, clear water to jump into after a hard few hours of work. Wouldn’t you know that Friday morning, we woke to a pool with a pretty heavy “green tinge”!? We had a light rain a day or so prior and it always creates havoc to a delicately balanced pool. I was devastated, lost, and well, discouraged. You know those times when it seems like just one more thing can tip the scales of your faith? Well, this was that one thing that tipped my scale. I felt completely alone, completely defeated, and well, ready to throw in the towel (no pun intended). All over what? Pool water….