A TASTE OF HEAVEN

     When it comes to doing ministry, I love what I do. During the pandemic last year I was starting to wonder if I would ever do it again. If you cut me open, I will always bleed kids ministry. In 2020 I only had 2 opportunities to minister. One was at a local Christian school and the other was at Ocean Grove, NJ. Many churches weren't even open for services so the thought of bringing a guy in to do any kind of ministry was far fetched. I was so happy that West Sayville Christian School invited me back to speak at their chapel. It had been 13 months since I spoke at any event indoors and 7 months since I did any type of ministry whatsoever. Eight days after speaking at chapel I was asked to officiate a wedding ceremony. The bride is a young lady I had in my ministry when she was a little girl. She asked me to officiate her wedding last fall. We met for 12 weeks as I did a Marriage Enhancement class for them. The wedding took place on Saturday, April 24 at Sunken Meadow State Park. Raul and Dominique are now husband and wife. For many people a taste of heaven would probably be a trip to Bermuda or going on a cruise. For me it was eight glorious days of doing what I love. Doing ministry! It felt so good standing in front of an entire student body sharing God's word in a creative way. I was able to use my characters Grandpa Lou and Shelton the Shark as well as introduce a new one...Rocky (a rock puppet I made during the pandemic.) I also did some gospel illusions and used my house illustration to share the story of the Wise and Foolish builders. It felt like 10 years ago for me and truthfully I felt very comfortable. Eight days later I was privileged to officiate the wedding ceremony and saw some of my friends from my previous church. Many of them told me I looked so comfortable and that I was definitely "in my element." I know there is a calling on my life. I know one day I will be back doing what I love. Every morning I wake up thanking God for a new day and praising Him for being faithful to me. Each day has a new adventure and I always want to be prepared to tackle all the obstacles and rejoice with the victories. For me it's not about looking back but looking forward. There will be more "tastes of heaven" down the road. West Sayville Christian school invited me back on May 21st and I know there will be more down the road. It was nice to have a "taste of heaven" for eight days!!