“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.

LOL Goes to Vermont, Day 3

On Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend, the LOL juggling team from Windham Christian Academy performed in the Essex Junction Memorial Day Parade.  This event in my hometown is the largest parade in the state of Vermont.  This was the performance most of the kids were most excited about.  They were not disappointed!

Perhaps the most enjoyable part of the experience was the hour between arriving at the starting point and actually stepping off.  A couple of lines over from our spot were three graduates from Vermont's Circus Smirkus.  The team consisted of a stilt walker, unicyclist and juggler.  Many of our team enjoyed conversing with fellow circus artists.  But that was nothing compared to who showed up a little later: Miss Vermont and Miss Teenage Vermont!  My nine middle school boys were truly awestruck.  They eventually closed their gaping mouths and got up the courage to go ask to have their pictures taken with Vermont's reigning beauty queens.  Most of the girls on our team stood at a distance with arms folded, glaring angrily.  As it says in Ecclesiastes, there's nothing new under the sun.

The weather was perfect for the parade. It was sunny but cool, and minimal breeze to impact the juggling.  Stephanie walked on the high stilts the entire 1.5 miles, and the jugglers did great. Rose was almost flawless with clubs, and her friend Corban was just as successful with ball jugging.  Sam, Cutter and Andrei wowed the crowd with their mastery of knife and fire juggling.

The highlight of the parade for me was when I heard a voice from the sidelines call out, "Richard!"  When I looked over, I recognized my father's next door neighbors, Dave and Diane Desautels.  I had not seen them for 14 years, since my father's burial in 2000.  They didn't look all that much older.  I only had a minute to shake Dave's hand and hug Diane, as the parade kept moving, but it was a very nostalgic.

Everyone was exhausted after the parade ended, and we met up with the rest of the chaperones at the vans for a picnic lunch.  Dan, the other male chaperone, was every bit as excited as the students because he met Bernie Sanders, one of his political heroes, in the parade. 

As tired as the team was after the parade, when they heard we were going shopping in downtown Burlington after lunch ,they got a remarkable second wind.  This too was a nostalgic moment for me because, as a teen I occasionally did street juggling there. 

All in all, Saturday may have been the best day of the whole trip for many of the team, but when we fell asleep one last time that night on the church floor we still were not finished.  We had our final show of the year the next morning.

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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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