Language of a Day
7:45 a.m. “Why do we do what we do? Why is it important to pay attention to program details and program presentation? What happens when we function with program purpose? How does our program action translate into ministry action? What is required within us to enable the transition to take place? Reflect on your best ministry moments of the summer….How were they made real?” These questions by Bill Black to our summer staff were part of an early morning staff meeting. “Bill questions” are common at all hours and have the goal of moving us from good to great. The staff were to pray, reflect, and respond in writing. 9:00 a.m. “We’re so glad you chose us to be part of your staff experience.” This statement was made by a friend whose business is hosting us for a staff dinner at the end of the summer. 9:30 “Being the owner of Imagination Mountain Camp-Resort, we are glad to work with Smoky Mountain Resort Ministries. Smoky Mountain Resort Ministries has brought the Holy Spirit to our resort for 12 years. To have a ministry in a campground resort is amazing. God bless Smoky Mountain Resort Ministries.” Dave Landry 10:00 “Jesus gave Peter a do-over.” Heard by Bill as he visited children’s day camps. The mission team was leading a day camp in Adventure Bound campground. The Bible study teacher was telling the story of Jesus relating to his disciples after his resurrection —the story of Jesus and the miraculous catch of fish (John 21: 1-18) The children acted out the story as they casts their reels on one side of the boat and then the other and caught fish. They called out loud and pretended to be Peter jumping in the lake and swimming to shore. They listened and learned about forgiveness and commission from Jesus as he reinstated Peter. They listed examples of their parents giving them second chances. Jesus gave Peter a do-over! 11:00 “Our cry from planning to fulfillment (of our mission trip) is that the hand of the Lord shows our way and that we follow. We ask him to grow our relationship with him and make us stronger than we were before in our relationship with him and one another.” Christy Bailey, mission group leader of Milan Baptist Church Bill and Christy were visiting in Greenbrier Campground as Milan Baptist Church ended its week of mission with us. Christy shared the way they had seen God at work in lives of children and adults in the campgrounds all week. Then she shared the heart of commitment in the team. 12:00 “I pray for you every day—that God gives you wisdom and words in all that you are dealing with.” Bill to the mayor of Gatlinburg—when they met at the gas station 12:40 p.m. “Yes, I took time to eat...
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