So, as you may already know, we've been in and out of town all month long on our first real stretch of non-stop travelling. It's been a blast! Just thought we'd write a little bit about what God has been up to and keep you all up to date with our journey.
Two weeks ago we were blessed to be able to travel out to a little itty bitty church in West Union, WV. In many ways, I was very unsure that churches of this nature actually existed...you see them in movies and such but never really know where they are. Well let me tell you...they're in West Virginia. Little white square shaped building with a steeple. A creek rushing underneath a wooden bridge outside the front door. Big enough to fit two columns of wooden pews that each sat about 5 people in them. There were 45 people there. The reason I love my job is because of places like this. It's obvious that this little church is in the middle of nowhere. But in what other circumstance would I have ever gotten to meet these wonderful farming people of West Union? And you know what, in so many ways was my heart encouraged by their generosity and full hearted care for one another. They treated us as if we were members of the family, and allowed us to feel at home.
Main lesson learned? Seems so redundant, but it's always true...don't judge a book by its cover. Rather, don't judge a church by its attendance, for the Spirit of God is huge in many more ways than can be fathomed, and to those who let Him lead their lives, it becomes all the more evident. This tiny church of 45 was spiritually bigger than some of the largest churches I've ever been to. We were so glad to have been a part of their Sunday.
After that trip, we were home for two days and then we departed for the greatest state in all of America (sorry I'm a bit biased...) MICHIGAN!!!!
This trip, let me tell you, was a learning experience for sure! We played 5 times in 3 days. There was tons of driving and a good amount of packing and unpacking, chaos lurking at every sound board, last minute changes to plans of course, and never enough time to put my make up on just right, but ya know what? It was stinkin' awesome! I felt like at the beginning of the trip I was a towel sopping wet with water, super stoked to be travelling and pumped to see my family. By the end of the trip, the last hour on the road back to Lynchburg I thought to myself "wow, I am so darn tired." But it's amazing how God uses the little things to keep your towel wet.
A lady came to our table Sunday night (probably at the height of our exhaustion, as we played three times that day) and said how thankful she was that we were able to come and play some music for their church. With tears in her eyes she told us that it was just the encouragement she needed for her week. THAT is what it's all about! I will gladly squeeze every last ounce of energy out for as long as I live if whatever I'm doing can be used by God to reach people like her.
Needless to say, we have learned so much already and have been delighted to meet all of you in WV and MI! This weekend we are off to Richmond for a few days, and then back to Lynchburg for a few home shows to end off the year before the holidays! We can't wait to come play at your church! Keep us in your prayers and please, let us know how we can pray for you!
