Daytona

The day didn't start off as we had planned!

Heading out to the beach, we found ourselves in mid 40 degree weather and what seemed like hurricane force winds (okay, maybe not hurricane force, but certainly a mighty wind)...we found ourselves at the park trying to put up the tent, and figure out a way to light the charcoal. As we looked around the empty beach, we figured that today would be a slow day...we hoped we would get a chance to talk to a few people...but didn't have high hopes. God had some other plans...

As our team spread out and began talking to the few brave beach walkers...we watched as three white vans pulled up on the beach by our tent...and out of the vans came 30 guys who happened to be on their once-a-week break from a rehab center in Orlando. What an incredible time we had talking with these guys....some of them shared long conversations with our team, while others simply ate burgers, drank soda and played a rousing game of volleyball. And while we spent time with these men, the sun began to peak out, the wind died down and people began showing up. Some of the people that the team had met the night before showed up and engaged in further conversations...It was amazing...if you stood by the tent and looked all around, in every direction you would see people engaged in serious conversations with members of the team. Real connections happening, Bibles and tracts being handed out and friendships being made.

And as we returned to our hotel for dinner and for worship....we began to pray for the individuals we met...and as the stories were shared, we sensed God doing an incredible work in us and through us...and a growing excitement for the week.

Please pray for the people we met tonight...that the seeds planted will find fertile ground....and that, if possible, they will be led back to our tent tomorrow, giving us another opportunity to share God's amazing love and the hope He can bring into their shattered lives.

 P.S. If you want to get another great view on the trip, read Timmy's Blog at  http://timothe.us/blog/category/daytona/ He also has some great pictures you can check out http://flickr.com/photos/thatkidwithacamera/sets/72157604160826832/