“For you have need of
endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was
promised” (Hebrews 10:36). “For whoever
does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother and sister and
mother.” (Mat. 12:50).
Hey Gang: No truer
words were ever spoken than “It’s time to see if this project is going to live
or die!” Within weeks a Board of
Directors was formed, incorporation papers filed, a retainer to hold that
beautiful piece property was placed, (a faith gift provided by my in-laws) and
my title changed from ‘Unemployed director of a none existent boys home to an
employed director and budding boys home.’
Now, before I get into the continuing story introduced in
the last blog, I want to blow away the “I don’t think I have the ability to do
that”. In the years as the builder of
this program, we had many visitors who came, who saw, and felt the price was
too high. Did you know that God knows
how to say “no” and close doors but He certainly likes us to put our faith into
action!
Shortly after Eagle Village became a legal entity, I
received a call informing me that I had been scheduled to speak to a very elite
Rotary Club, consisting of college presidents, attorneys, scientists and very
successful business men. I was a very
poor student throughout my education process and had spent the previous three
years working with- and learning the language of -delinquents. I was also informed motivating this group of
successful men could be very instrumental in the development of the Village.
I had two months to prepare but also two months to work
myself into a tizzy. They served roast
beef, mashed potatoes and gravy and peas that day. Oh, I remember it so well. Did you ever try and get peas to your mouth
with a fork when you are in a “tizzy”?
But God had provided. There was
wonderful grand ma type person sitting beside me (who happened to by the
Juvenile Judge) who reached over and put her hand on my arm and said, Mr
Hainley, you know more about this subject than anyone in this room! Just get up
and let it all hang out.
As I stood before that group of more than a hundred very
successful men, the nervousness disappeared. and I overstepped by time limit by
twenty minutes but no one left. I have
always believed that God gave me that message which He specially designed for
those men who had very little time for their families.
One last point before I move on. After the meeting ended and the room nearly
empty, there was one table of men who had remained; one of the men called me
over. He said, “That is a large platter you have set
out for yourself, how are you going to do it?
My response, “I do not have a clue, God has not shown me yet!” His response, “I think I will help
you!”.
Several days after the Rotary presentation I received a call
from the judge with a plea. She said we
have kids on the street that need to be off the streets into something what
will give them a positive experience. Is
there anything you can do? We had a
wonderful campus, but our assets consisted of a sixteen-foot square cabin which
was one and a half steps above condemnation, a thirty by fifteen cement block
building, with a one stall bath room, and a wild goose who felt we were
intruding on his property.
The cook just rang the dinner bell so will close this down
for today and pick up the “Miracle of the First Village Summer Camp”.
Blessings,
Gramps
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