I’ve spent the last three days with some really wonderful people in Richmond, VA. I have been speaking at a convention to a couple hundred youth workers and students from all across the state. The gathering is called the Virginia State Youth Convention (Church of God).

A youth pastor by the name of Adam Shepherd from near Virgina Beach, VA, led the convention and did a fine job. I really appreciated his spirit and his laid-back style.

While the speaking schedule has been semi-demanding the interaction with the youth workers and students here has made it feel more like a respite in many ways. It has been a long time since I have been invited in and welcomed at an event like I have this past weekend. I led a communion service this morning along with the worship band called, Universal Royalty. They (a large family of all brothers) are good artists but GREAT people…

My daughter Megan came with me this weekend. Her company has also made the trip very special. She is a very bright, observant, reflective and insightful young girl so her interactions with the students here opened up some great conversations between her and I. I am really looking forward to getting back home tomorrow to see my wife, Gina and my two sons — Drew and Luke.

Some interesting comments/conversations from over the weekend…

“You are going to do an altar call aren’t you?”

“Sonlife… That is an auto-insurance company isn’t it?”

“I’d like to buy some of your books”. “Why?”, I asked. “Because I am in to song writing” he replied.

“Marko seems really cool. What is he really like?”

“Is your Sonlife training from the bible or is it just about loving kids and making disciples?”

All in all it has been a great weekend. The people were fantastic and the response from the youth workers and students was overwhelmingly positive. I am privileged to have had the chance to help shape the lives of so many people…