- This past week was not typical for the Singleton family. The of us traveled to up state New York and the beautiful Adirondack mountains to the place where my own life was forever changed—Word of Life Island, Schroon Lake, New York. Two years ago I traveled there just to return to the ginormous evergreen where I knelt before the Lord and prayed into the night for Him to tell me what He wanted me to do with my life. I was just 16 years old. One hour into that prayer the Holy Spirit showed up and the trajectory of my life was changed forever! Two years ago when I returned there, I was thrilled just to see that the tree was still alive and well. This time was no different—even though I was there to preach to hundreds of young people, the tree was my first destination! It may be just to tree everyone else, but it’s sacred to me!
- The week began rough as we sat for 3 hours on the runway at Charlotte Douglas international Airport waiting for a thunder storm to pass. My wife Michele got a call from her mother about an hour into our wait and her entire countenance changed. However, when I asked her if everything was okay, she said she would talk about it later—I now know why. Michelle didn’t want Juliana or Nathan to hear about plane crashes right before our thunderstorm delayed jetliner took off. She’s a wise one—that wife of mine! Well, later that night, through tears of sorrow, Michelle shared with the rest of us that her uncle had been killed in a plane crash as he flew by himself to an air show up North. Ron Murphy was a very experienced pilot, and no one really knows what happened, but we do know this—He’s now home with Jesus and so many others who placed their trust in the savior during their time here on earth. Ron was a strong believer, and he will be greatly missed.
- A few days into our stay—and with three of my talks to the students under my belt—we decided to hike Pharaoh Mountain. The good news was that it was a beautiful day and a spectacular view from the top. The bad news was that on the way down, and with over three miles still to go—Michelle slipped off the side of a wet, mossy rock and snapped her ankle. Not to gross out my readers, but we all knew right away that the ankle was broken—we heard it! Two snaps like the sound you make when you step on a twig (only there were no twigs—only ankle bones) Ouch! But can you believe she insisted on hiking out the rest of the way?! Seriously, did I merry Wonder Woman or what? After x-rays and so forth we are waiting to see if there are actually multiple fractures. Feel like praying? We wouldn’t mind.
- Yes, there were a lot of challenges during our time in New York—perhaps the evil one just didn’t want us there—at least in hind-sight that makes the most sense because hundreds of teenagers were forever changed as they made commitments to Jesus Christ that went far beyond the simple hand raising, isle walking variety. These teens were challenged to give Christ everything and hold nothing back. The objective could not have been more clear yet they came and kept right on coming—never seen anything like it except maybe at a Billy Graham crusade! Pray that these young people will stay the course as the mountain top experience has ended and they return to the valley. I expect great things from this group!
- The week wasn’t all blood, sweat and tears. We got to have fun too. I especially loved jet skiing all around Schroon Lake. From the vantage point of the Seadoo, I got to see some very special places like never before. My wife and I also got to see Anthony Evans (from last season on, The Voice) in concert and talk to him about coming to our church. That one’s not set, but I’m working on it. Here are some pictures with captions to explain what hey are. Enjoy!
Best way to see the Lake as far as I’m concerned!
The founder of Word of Life, Jack Wrytzen used to live here. If that name means nothing to you–consider this. They (WOL) are in over 65 countries today, have a Bible Institute in many of those countries AND, wait for it…saw over 170,000 people come to Christ last year alone!! Read that twice. That’s not over 100 years, that’s LAST YEAR ALONE!! This perhaps makes Word of Life the single most effective evangelistic organization on the face of the planet!
Old Word of Life Headquarters. Now they bought out an entire school and use every inch of it for office space.
Anthony Evans from, The Voice–but more importantly, a fired up and fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ!!
Wednesday evenings “All In”! campfire service. Truly incredible!
The “People Mover” has to be used when the three pontoon fairies aren’t enough to transport hundreds and hundreds of students. The pontoon boats only hold 12 (although there are 3 of them going at all times) but the people mover holds close to a hundred!
Sad faces all around as one of the best weeks of their lives comes to an end.
Thrilled now that I old them that I’m already scheduled to speak the second week in July of 2013! See you all then!
So long for now, WOL. See you next summer!
- Please pray for me as I continue my sabbatical time and seek the Lord for not only what His plans are for Southbrook the rest of this, “Year of Discipleship,” but also for the years ahead. I’m sure He will speak because His Word makes it clear that those who seek Him with all their heart can expect Him to show up! I’m not only expecting Him to show up, I’m expecting huge things for His Bride known as Southbrook Church! Hope you are too!