Today we had an AWESOME (totally amazing, power of God, wonderful) church service, and after lunch, Stephen and Scott squared off in a ping pong match. I guess I shouldn’t say who won, but it was close, there was a lot of spinning and slamming going on, and they both had enough fun to work up a sweat. They played with the garage door open and a few of the shots rolled far enough that I called them “mailbox shots!”
Scott then took them to the bus station in Springfield for their ride to the training center in Kansas City, where they and other Chinese hours church leaders will be taught and equipped for two months.
We had a lot of great adventures in their three days here.
They were able to meet with quite a few of our local Mission China partners – in Springfield, in Nixa, and at Scott’s work. When Stephen saw Larry’s guns, he shared that he has had a dream since childhood to shoot a gun. It is illegal for citizens to have guns in China. That dream set Scott’s wheels turning, and he borrowed one of Larry’s guns and some ammo, wit the intent of finding somewhere Stephen could shoot.
Friday afternoon, we were blessed with several tickets to “Joseph” at Sight and Sound, and we were all deeply touched by that production. Of course, being Sight and Sound, everything is top-notch, and it was an outstanding performance. Stephen and Sarah were amazed that there’s a CHRISTIAN theater that does the same CHRISTIAN show daily for six months at a time. That evening, we played pool, and Stephen, Andrew, and I narrowly defeated Sarah and Scott.
Saturday, our life group went for a hike at Lost Valley, a place that’s always beautiful and a big hit with everyone. As we drove in rain almost the whole way there, we visited the Elk center first (very interesting), and when we came out, the rain had stopped. We began our hike, the rain resumed, and we trudged on. As you know, Roberts never turn back. We found big dry overhang to eat our lunch under, and then the rain really did finally stop. We explored tunnels, waterfalls, and the rest of them went into the cave at the end of the trail. I, having been in the cave once before and having not handled the claustrophobic environs very well, always stay out with the gear.
Leaving Lost Valley, we took them to see the Reunion Rendezvous and then to the home ogf our friend, J.R., who had graciously agreed to let Stephen do some shooting. He had four or five different pistols, rifles, and semi-automatic weapons, and Stephen was an incredible shot! I wish you could have seen the smile on his face. He was truly thrilled to have that opportunity. In fact, I think he was still grinning several hours later!
We went out to eat at our favorite Chinese restaurant. It was, of course, American Chinese food, but they seemed to enjoy it.
So, all in all, we were blessed and they were blessed and Jesus was lifted up, and a good time was had by all.