“Go and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  Teach them to observe all things that I have commanded you.  And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” - Matthew 28:19-20

We believe that we have been called to use the gifts God has given us to reach unbelievers for Him and to encourage, and build up His Church.

WCA Talent Show

Last night, Windham Christian Academy, which is the school where I teach and our youngest daughter, Rose, is in my seventh grade class, had its annual dinner / talent show fund raiser.  My wife, Sue and I went with Rose to enjoy an evening of fun and fellowship.

The food was terrific: a parent of another student is an executive with Famous Dave's Barbeque, so we had shaved pork, bbq beef and chicken breast, along with macaroni and cheese, potatoes and corn bread.  Famous Dave's signature barbeque sauce is known as "Devil's Spit", and it lives up to the name.  The dinner itself would have been enough to make a terrific evening.

Peter, my juggling partner from the early to mid 1990s, was there to cheer on his little sister who sang in the show.  A flood of memories came back when I saw him, and I realized I'm still telling some of the same jokes I did when he was working with me.  (Peter was our oldest daughter, Jo's, first crush.  She was two.)  We also got to see another one of my favorite jugglers, Lauren, who introduced us to her new boyfriend, Brady.  What a nice guy; Lauren deserves a great guy.

The show started after dinner, with students from grades 4 through 12 performing skits, juggling, dance, singing, and instrumental pieces.  Rose did not perform last night, preferring to hand out with her friends and cheer on her classmates who were in the show.  A fifth grader named Brianna did a beautiful Irish step dance, two high schoolers - Brandon and Lucy - did a guitar and vocal performance, and one of my students, Meira, did a beautiful version of the worship song "Oceans".  She's new to the school, and to the world of church, and it was wonderful to hear her sing.  (She's actually sitting on the couch in our living room with Rose right now!) 

but the highlight for me was another student in my class, Isaac.  He did a juggling routine with fruit, ending with eating a lemon as he juggled it.  The best part, though, was after his routine.  He spontaneously took the microphone and told the audience about an accident he saw on the way to the show.  Then he led the audience in prayer for the people involved in the accident and the rescue squad.  Isaac is just a typical 13 year old boy, but he clearly was moved with concern and compassion.

II was asked to do three routines while the judges tallied the votes of the winners (Meira came in second, and Isaac won the judges choice award).  As I was wrapping up my portion, I told the audience that Isaac demonstrated what it really means to be a Christian juggler.  You don't have to preach in every routine; A Christian juggler is a juggler who is sensitive to the leading of God to go outside the box.  That's what Isaac was willing to do last night, and I am proud that he is my student.

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A Few Testimonies

The presentation was fun and encouraging... The gospel message was clear and encouraging. I purchased your book and just finished it. Your scope is broad and again encouraging. May God continue to bless your ministry. I will encourage others to read your book. -Parishioner of a local church

"Hey, I  wanted to say that was a great message in chapel today! It touched something:) thanks for doing it!" -High School Student  

"We are so grateful that you brought your amazing ministry back to our church this year... The Gospel message you bring applies to all!  It is such a positive, valuable work that you do."  -Coordinator of Christian Ed. UCC Church

"There's no questioning it. This is powerful stuff. It's extremely touching at times, never less than entertaining, and I see a lot of sincere love for Jesus in you guys."  -Dwight Lilies, song writer

The Lord has given you a wonderful window through which to present the Gospel!   - Field Director of Alliance Missions to Paraguay

"What a wonderful ministry to both children and adults.  In past years it has been a struggle to arrange programing that would hold the attention of all ages, but also challenge each heart with God's gift of Salvation.  Thank you for sharing your ministry."  -Sunday School Sup't.

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