Happy Monday Wednesday!

The snow is gone and both plants and buildings are sprouting up. One of my favorite "sprouts" is a young pine seedling, because if it survives, it can live over 500 years; it can see eras and centuries long after I am gone. (One particular ponderosa pine lived 1,047 years!)

The expansion projects and buildings that are sprouting up will also bring new life, by allowing thousands of young people to hear the Gospel over the coming years. The young people, too, will live long after I am gone. It reminds me of the quote: "Children are living messengers that we leave behind to a generation we will never see."

The Meadow Ranch expansion will allow 1,200 more campers this summer alone. But to get ready for that, there is a lot of construction, set up, and preparation for June 11th, the first day of summer camp. Our staff is working long and hard to get everything ready. I've attached a picture of some of our staff, one who is actually smiling!

Still, we can sometimes find a few minutes to enjoy the surroundings. Eugenie, and I got a chance to go kayaking on the lake. It was a great time to catch up and relax, even if just for a few moments.

While out on the lake, we found an American Coot that appeared to be walking on water. He was actually standing on a rock just below the surface. This last weekend a woman from our Couple's Conference received Christ and was actually put under water! (More on her story.) She, too, has now found a rock; the Rock, and new life!

By the way, the American Coot also voted bird of the month in Texas for July of 2001! (I think Texans have too much time on their hands.)

Kept,

Jeff Lilley
Executive Director
jlilley@humelake.org