Worship in the Corn Field

Damien invited us to an event with his church.  We would have a cook-out and a service outdoors and Damien would be playing the drums with his band.  It sounded like fun.  I always love hearing my son play.  He has such natural talent and has never had a lesson in his life.  And I love that he is using his gift to worship the Lord and inspire others also.

Tents were set up on the blacktop of the church parking lot.  It was a HOT, HOT day!  Because of the angle of the sun, even under the tent we had to arrange ourselves carefully to claim a scrap of shade.  And Damien!  He'd arrived hours earlier to set-up, working with the sun bearing down on him.  Still, he was grilling meat and serving us all.  Despite the heat we enjoyed good family time together.  The kids were sweaty but no one complained. Gretchen had refreshing salads, and with beach chairs and cold drinks, what more could we want?  I only wish all my kids were here.  These girls so much enjoy their family.  I love this picture of Arielle, listening to her brothers discuss serious topics--as always. 

 

 

After we ate, we moved to the former corn field for music and worship.  The sun had shifted and shadows protected us from the brutal sun.  Families arranged their chairs and spread out blankets.  Kids played on the swings behind us.  Liana with her camera, as usual, recorded the event.  The beat of Damien's drums pounded in our chests, rising to the sky.  Our hearts were lifted in praise.
 

 

 

 

We unwind.  The heat passes away along with the concerns of the day.  Fred takes my hand and we close our eyes out here in the middle of the corn field and we let the music wash over us.  Peace descends.  We are grateful for it all.  Baptisms in a hot tub begin in front of the stage.  Some people had planned to be baptized, but anyone is invited.  We all walk up closer to watch what God has done.  Everyone cheers and celebrates the ones who have chosen to follow Jesus.  Young and old and everyone in between.  The music plays on, Damien working hard on the drums, wiping the sweat from his face between songs.  Fred says, "Did you ever imagine your son doing this?"  Changed lives, the real miracles of our time.

 

Deep dusk envelops us and lights come on the stage.  We hug our beloved people good-bye and head home, reflecting on the day.  This worship was so different from ours, yet we felt quite at home.  Jesus is building his church with all kinds of people.  He said, "The gates of hell shall not prevail against it."