Star Wars & Steel Sabres: Sure Sounds Strangely Sweet

             
-Gather 20 parts high school kids.
              -Slowly mix sugar and lack of sleep together and let simmer for 4 days.
             
-Fold in light sabers, a pinch of steel, and a cup of Caleb who is a middle schooler trapped in a midpubesent high school boys body.
AND BAM… You got good times ready to happen.

Let me explain.

My job was simple; pick up trash, do security, and then if you have the energy hang out with kids.

It was the first day of the conference when I found myself sitting still for 5 minutes and becoming extremely board because our jobs were done for the moment. So naturally I looked for someone to play a game with. I found about 20 kids  doing nothing, convinced them to trust a funny looking American, and introduced them to the best game ever: 
STAR WARS.

This game involves two valiant and brave opponents who are willing
to test body, strength and more strength by hand to hand and saber to
saber contact. In reality, all you do is hold hands against each other
like you are arm wrestling standing up, and then point out your finger
and try and touch the other person with it.
The slashes were lethal, the stabs deadly, but we HAD A  BLAST!!!  And
everyone please give props to Tanna (a world racer who used to be a
strength coach at Baylor) who successfully destroyed 4 kids in battle.
Way to go Tanna. They were all half your age, but you showed no mercy,
and we are so proud of you.

Now the second part of the week. One of the leaders at the retreat
saw me stabbing his daughter with my imaginary light saber, and he came
to challenge me out of obligation to the family name. Tension builds,
and dramatic music rose in the background as I accepted his challenge 
with no hesitancy. Little did this old bloke know that I had 7 years of
light saber experience from camp.
HA but little did I know that this old bloke was also a WEAPONS MASTER.
And so when I beat him in the star wars, he challenged me to a fencing
match.

I immediately accepted.
The
steel clashed, the cries were heard, and alas…I WON the
battle….against his 11 year old daughter. Then I actually battled
the Master.

While playing these games I can’t help but think of Ephesians 6 where we are told to put on the whole armor of God. We need the belt of TRUTH. Breastplate of RIGHTEOUSNESS. Shield of FAITH. and the SWORD OF THE SPIRIT.

 

God has prepared us for a lifestyle fit for a warrior. We are no longer depending on steel and sabers, but have things more powerful than weapons, we have the POWER OF GOD if we choose to accept HIS gifts.

 

So my friends and family. I pray that you examine your life. 

1ST question:  We will all die someday, and when we do, what is going to happen?  Where you will go? Are you ready? Are you right before God?

2ND question:  If you are right with God, are you living a life full of God? Are we warriors, are we fighting for Him in His strength and power?

 

I am learning a lot this year, and it has only been two weeks. I am excited for the journey that God is taking me on, but more than anything else I am realizing that God wants us to depend on HIM for HIS strength in our lives, which HE gives generously to all who believe and ask.

 

I am excited for what is going on. So please keep me in your prayers, as you guys are in mine.

God bless, and go play a game of STAR WARS. 

Your crazy missionary,

Caleb

Ps. check out 9 of us squeesing into a port a loo. We are still having fun amidst sweet life lessons.