God continues to expand the circle around the FREEDOM TOUR.
When we started this crazy idea two summers ago we believed He would bring the right people into the circle. The process hasn’t always gone according to MY plan, but looking back it’s amazing to trace His faithfulness. He’s consistently brought people and partners who have enriched the experience and helped us develop the tour in a variety of directions.
Last weekend we met a new partner, River Of Life Fellowship Church in Ordway, Colorado. After a somewhat convoluted set of connections, the folks at River Of Life offered to host us for one night of the tour. So last weekend Becky and I, with our friends Jeff and Rala, accepted Pastor Jeb Brown’s invitation to share the FREEDOM TOUR story. We were prepared to visit. I don’t think we were prepared for the overwhelming generosity we encountered.
Compared to most of our church hosts, River Of Life is a relatively small congregation. But there was nothing small about the welcome we received.
The folks in Ordway are mostly farmers and ranchers (Pastor Jeb described himself as full-time pastor and full-time cattle-rancher). The past few years have been tough due to prolonged drought, but you wouldn’t know that by the incredible generosity we experienced. These folks couldn’t wait to support the kids at the HOME OF HOPE. In addition, they purchased almost all of the products we brought along from our friends at U COUNT Campaign. These beautiful products are hand-made by women in India who have been rescued from human trafficking. The proceeds are returned directly to the women, giving them a viable, sustainable income.
That kind of generosity comes from a heart place that’s difficult to understand unless you listen to these folks talk about following Jesus. They don’t seem to think about what they don’t have. Instead, they talk together more about how God’s blessed them…in the poorest county in Colorado.
Every time I tell the story of the FREEDOM TOUR I’m reminded of my weakness. I bring to this my brokenness. Whatever happens is a gift.
A River Of Life…indeed!
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