YF Lake Thursday, May 28, 2009

We thought we were there for a day of yard work on the VGR property, but for those who were willing and able to volunteer their time, there was a little surprise waiting and a blessing in store. Brother Joseph told the approximate 30 young people to pile in the vans for a little ride down the road.

The entire trip we rode in suspense, wondering where he was taking us. About twenty minutes later and twenty miles out in the country, we pulled down a long gravel road and up to a beautiful, 23 acre lake. The lake rested in a quiet setting in the woods of Southern Indiana, surrounded by acres of God’s natural beauty. Still a bit puzzled, we stepped out of the vans and gathered around Brother Joseph by the waters edge. “This belongs to you all,” he said. We were shocked and in awe!

Brother Joseph continued to tell the burden on his heart to provide a little retreat for the young believers of today. "Brother Branham said, “If you want to serve God, serve His people. That's how you serve. As we love one another, we love God.” And that’s the burden on my heart, is to serve you all, the Bride of Christ.” With all the stress and burdens of the world, what better place can the youth go to get away from the cares and worries of life, than in the still of God’s creation. There is fishing, hiking, peace and quiet, and a place of solitude to get alone with God.

Not only this, but he told the youth the exciting plans he had in store for the new YF youth retreat. He talked about the many facilities to be built in the near future, such as showers and restrooms, a chapel on the shore of the lake, a place to hold youth services, and many other possibilities as the Lord leads and supplies over time. There was also talk about dredging (cleaning) the shoreline, netting off swimming areas, water trampolines, rope swings, ATV’s, fishing areas, camping areas, and many more exciting thoughts and ideas. It will be a place designed for God’s children to come and take retreat from the world.

"Before going any further, there's one very important detail we have to perform; we have to talk to Him,” Brother Joseph said. Each one bowed their heads, and he humbly dedicated the grounds to our Lord Jesus, and asked Him to make this place a special place of refuge that would bless every young believer that stepped foot through the gates. There was a look of humility and gratitude on each face as they thanked God for supplying them with this blessing, and thanked Brother Joseph for his love and compassion.

Now it was time to get down to business. We had set out that morning to do some yard clean-up, and there was A LOT to be done. We split up in groups and did everything from weed-eating, mowing, tree cutting, burning, bull dozing and back-hoeing, and a lot of other things. It was a blast for everyone! By time we were starting to wear out, the dinner bells rang, and we headed out of the woods to enjoy some bison dogs and cool refreshments.

Word was quick to get out about the big surprise, and it wasn't long before those present spread the exciting news to the ones who couldn't be there. The Lord really blessed each one who was able to come that day, and we are looking forward to the many more blessings that are to come through our new facility. The possibilities are endless! Please be in prayer with us as we seek His perfect will in the continuation of this project..