Tired is in the air. And it means something BIG and GREAT!

The title of this post is a quote from my teammate, Bob. We had our team meeting this morning and we all said we felt quite tired.

We weren't saying this because we felt sorry for ourselves or because we wanted someone to pity us, it's reflecting the reality in which we live and work. We're tired because there is so much happening. And, it is exciting.

This last weekend, actually beginning May 1st, we went full blast. That afternoon we opened up our youth café. 46 kids showed up, with a host of parents, too. It was a lot of fun. A lot of noise, too. The next day, Friday, we had 32 show up and stay until closing time at 11PM when we finally kicked them out. Then Saturday rolls around and there is music practice, youth group meetings and then the café again, with 36 kids wanting to hang around, visit and play.

Then there was Sunday, May 4. The first Sunday of May is our church's anniversary Sunday. El Camino is now 7 years old. 21 people came up to the front of the church and by placing a candle in the cake up front indicated that during the last 12 months they had made a decision to put their faith in Jesus Christ. Looking at the group I saw more than faces, I saw changed lives, saved marriages and restored relationships.

Sunday evening was our monthly prayer meeting. It was so much fun to share our experiences as a church over the last 7 years. Some people in the meeting had been with us since the beginning. Others had only started attending a few weeks ago. Nevertheless, one got the feeling that we were part of something much bigger than ourselves and much better than anything this world has to offer us.

After a week-end like that were we tired? You bet! But what a way to get "worn down." Celebrating God's power and goodness and being with people you love deeply.

You don't have to be a pastor or missionary to experience this: you can do it within your own circle of friends, contacts and your church. But it begins with your relationship with God. Is God big enough to meet your needs, or do you think you can do it. Trust me, we can't. Also, do you think life is "fun" and "adventure-filled" with your own ideas of entertainment. Try stepping out and doing what God wants for your life. It'll blow your mind and change you forever.

If you want to see the pictures just head to this address: http://picasaweb.google.ca/qsinperu

God bless,
Brad, Lori, Kayla, Brandon and Elizabeth Quiring