BBQ

The BBQ is over (for this week, anyway!) and the "outcome" was different that I think any of us thought. David has a theory as to why we didn't have a single person come as a result of the flier ... agree mostly with his thoughts. I also am feeling badly, because I think I was maybe arrogant in my attitude towards the BBQ ... so sure that because of all the interest we had from people at the garage sale, from students at the info fair, from people living in the area around the ministry center, that there would be no place to put all of the people. I sometimes fear, as I think about it, that I was somehow to blame for this. I didn't let God be God, I was sure we had figured out the "formula." Then ... I re-read David's post and think about all the positive things that happened. We were able to have lots of one-on-one conversations with individual new people, and hear their stories. I watched the Random 1 video for last week -- David's obsession has grabbed me too! -- and there was a quote in there (I took notes, even!) that said, "Until we see where a person is living, you cannot understand the depth of their desperation" (or something like that ... my notes are downstairs right now). How did we expect to start relationships with 5000 people, when we only have about 25 "regulars" to circulate? That is simply ridiculous! Jesus fed 5000+ people at one time, and could do it again. I guess I'm just glad we didn't have to call on him to do so this week! We are more ready than we realize, but I also think God uses times like this to prepare us for the next time. AND, we did notice several car loads of student-looking individuals drive by, but think that with the scant crowd of 15 people in the front yard, did not want to be #16, 17, and 18. However, they saw our banner, and maybe will come another time ... after a while, the cafeteria food wears on you enough that the thought of free home-cooked food might be more exciting than the first week of school or, their spiritual hunger might direct them our way too. The freshmen all have our flier in their hands, in their room, so there is a point of contact, PLUS we have a whole bucket full of names that requested more info about UC at the info fair on Tuesday night -- that's a celebration in itself. We want to use this week to contact them and reconnect, one more step in the direction to a relationship!

Also, Sean and Rachel and I sat at the indoor info fair in the Kansas Union yesterday. We didn't get any more names, but we did visit with a few students who may attend our meal next week -- I can think of four that Rachel and I visited with who specifically asked for more specific directions to the event, and asked what we did. Again, it was only a one-time encounter, but we were able to actually visit with them since there were so few people.

This is where we turn things over to our Almighty Father, who is probably giggling at our bunbling attempts, but blessing our actions because our hearts are full of His Kingdom, and bringing glory to His name. Please continue to pray for us as we joyfully seek out those who are hurting and those who are seeking Him (even if they don't know it yet!). On to Sunday worship ... on to book club discussion ... on to Girls' Night ... on to next Phat Thursday ... and whatever God puts in our path between now and then!

As for this random ramble, it's done for now :)