When I pastored
in New York City,
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it was my privilege
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to chair the board
of Northeastern Academy.
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It's an urban
academy, a day academy.
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And we tried to
encourage our young people
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to really step out for the Lord.
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I can recall we took a
couple of Maranatha trips,
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one to Panama, one to
the Dominican Republic.
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And I saw the young
people throw themselves
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into the work of God.
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I saw the energy,
the love for the Lord,
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and even those who were lukewarm
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as the trip began.
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By the time we
are on the way home
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they had found a
new love for the Lord
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and a new dedication to
His will and to His way.
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And that is why we're so pleased
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to see the kinds of
things that are being done
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at schools like Ouachita Hills.
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Take our young
people to motivate them,
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to give them a sense of calling,
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a sense of mission.
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And then have them
to walk in that calling
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and into that mission,
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really gives
them a boost in life
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and focuses them
on the things of God.
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We had a young woman,
young girl some years ago,
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who actually went
and did a mission trip
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and we found out on the way back
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that she had a tumor.
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And the doctor said,
"How could she function
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with this tumor in her brain
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and she
functions so beautifully."
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And we believe was
the power of the Lord.
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Well, God does
mighty things for us
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when we seek to do
mighty things for Him.
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These young people at Ouachita
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have gotten and
will get an experience
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that cannot be duplicated.
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And I will dare say to you,
parents, who may be watching,
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you got young people
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who are not sure
of their calling,
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not sure of where they're going.
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Send them on a mission trip,
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or send them to
one of these schools
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that helps them put
their faith in the action.
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And their faith
will grow stronger.
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Well, our time is
fast slipped to eternity.
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Allow me in closing to
wish you both grace and peace
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through our Lord
and Savior Jesus Christ.
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We'll see you again
soon. Bye-bye, and God bless.
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