“For by these, He has
granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may
become partakers of the divine nature having escaped the corruption that is in
the world by lust” (2 Peter 1:4).
Hey Gang: The past
months have been filled with reminiscing, sharing stories, digging through
fifty years of archives, as we have celebrated fifty years of seeing the
miracle of change in the lives of hurting people.
Most rewarding of all is the number of past residents,
campers, families, foster kids, employees and board members and donors, who came to the aid
of two young people - who just wanted to help some kids do far greater things
than they were equipped to do. If there
was ever a question as to whether God was the true power behind the develop of
Eagle Village, look at the first years of its development.
In going through the many stories that have surfaced, it is
impossible to pick out a very best. For
in their own way every single one is a very best. I wish I could say that every one told a
story of success, but that is not the case.
But let me share a story that happened during this time. My bride and I were on campus for meetings
when a man came to the receptionist asking to see one of our past
employees. He introduced himself as a
past resident in Sherk House in the early nineties.
Since the person he asked to see has long since move on, the
bride of my youth spent an hour with him listening to his story. It was not a wonderful story by any means,
but, in many ways, it was a success story.
He said that as he drove to the Village, he was not sure he should come
back. When he arrived he seemed very
nervous, but it was not long until he felt at peace.
As the hour passed and he related the changes that had taken
place in his life, including his relationship with Jesus, he began to relax and
become more verbal. He said his concern
was that he would not be welcomed at the Village but, at the same, knew that he
would be.
There are hundreds of stories. Each one is unique. Everyone is important, for it represents a
child or family that came seeking, and many, many found what was needed to fill
the hurting vacuum in their chest cavity.
In going through the archives, I
have chosen one that I believe would describe a multitude of the kids that have
crossed our path.
When my son was 15 he was angry and defiant. He had no respect
for the rules and pushed the limits at home and at school.
My husband worked down state and was gone all week. I needed
help and I went to the court house to ask for help. They said they could not
help because he had not done anything illegal. I begged
for help before he did do something illegal. They repeated that there was
nothing they could do.
That is when the judge came out of a room behind me, took me
into his chambers and in very little time had arranged for my son to go to
Eagle Village for a Camp Survival trip.
When we left him at Eagle Village for the trip, he was cruel and
cursed me as an evil $&##+. It was one of the worst moments of my life.
Two weeks later, after completing the Camp experience, he gave a
small speech (as all the boys did). He thanked me for making him take the trip
and spoke of all he had learned.
Today,
he is 43 years old and the City Manager of a small peaceful Village. He is
neither rich nor highly important, but he is honest and hard-working, a
terrific father, husband, brother and son. Thank you.” – Cindy, parent of a
former camper.
I close this
epistle today with Luke’s words that
have been the back bone of the Village ministry, “Give, and it will be given to you.
They will pour into your lap a good measure – pressed down, shaken
together, and running over. For by your
standard of measure it will be measured to you in return” (Luke 6:38).
Notice: By your standard of measure it will be
measured to you!
Blessings,
Gramps
PS: You can read
more stories like this at www.eaglevillage.org/50storiesfor50years
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