Awana Conference

I went to the Awana conference today. Had an awesome time. I was asked to do a workshop on our newsletters and general communication with homes and clubs, even used this blog as an example. However, the key note speaker (Bob Dobson) was the hight light of my day. He shared a little of his life over the last few years including the tragedy of losing his wife and mother in the same car accident.
While on a trip to Oregon for a time of respbite from pastoring, a young man fell asleep at the wheel and hit their van head on. Bob, his wife, mother, son in law, daugher and his fourteen month old granddaughter were all involved in the accident. Bob suffered numerous broken bones, traumatized neck and back, had his heart stop twice and almost died while in a drug induced coma. When he (Bob Dobson) woke up, he saw a team of nurses and doctors surrounding his be. They warned him that they had bad news, that being his wife and mother had not survived the accident.
It wasn't the tragedy of this man's life that gripped my heart, but his response to those doctors....."The LORD gives and the LORD takes away. Blessed be the name of the LORD."
After four years of dealing with this incredible situation, Bob has come out a stronger believer, who's faith has grown in depths which he said he could not imagine. He told me (Commander Bobby) that this event, as tragic as it was, proved to him (Bob Dobson) that God is faithful to His people, and that God is glorified in it, even if we don't understand how. He went on to say that this event has transformed his life into one that is deeply concerned for the eternal destinies of people. He finds himself constantly asking people, even strangers, "do you know where you'll be spending eternity?"
His hope during all this was the LORD Jesus. He gave him the strength to endure the greatest trial of life, surviving the loss of a loved one.
But Bob was quick to point out that the Christian never really says goodbye to other Christians, as in the case of his wife and mother, only "see you soon in our Father's house"
Incredibly, in this great tragedy, God's grace can be seen. Bob's grandaughter did not suffer one scratch. Now she's four years old and beginning Cubbies this month!
 How about you, are you concerned with your eternal destiny? Do you know where you'll be after the last breath of life leaves your body? Are you concerned with the eternal destinies of others?
Come to the cross today........bring some friends with you......because this could be your last day on earth.....

"Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I shall return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD."  Job 1:21

"My grace is sufficent for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9