The Gathering 2011

When you work year-round for Mountain T.O.P., it's easy to get lost in the menial tasks, sometimes leading to fast-paced days with little or no time for reflection.  I found Saturday night to be just that.  A time to reflect on 35 years of ministry.  A time to share, laugh, sing, pray, and maybe even tear up a little, with the people who love this ministry.  Like Ed said, the 60 people in that room Saturday night were just the tip of the iceburg.  Meaning, so many others all around the country (and even a few outside of it!), share a heart for the people of Appalachia, the service of Mountain T.O.P., and a love for God.

It was special to have George Bass, founder of Mountain T.O.P., begin worship with his thoughts on 35 years of ministry.  His main point was this: keep your eye on the ball.  Keep your eye on the ball and you'll be just fine... What is this ministry about?  What is our mission?  ...

With that thought, I was reminded of an e-mail Ed shared with us earlier this year.  It simply asked, "Do you love your mission more than you love Jesus?"  ...  In other words, "Do you love Mountain T.O.P. more than you love Jesus?" .. (insert your mission here) ... and maybe that's when we have a problem.. when lose focus, when the ball bounces out of bounds, when we lose sight of WHO exactly we are working for ...

Keep your eyes on Jesus and you'll be just fine.

Other thoughts:

• The music was absolutely incredible!  Big shout out to Triple J Showdown (Jay Koelbl on the stand-up bass, Jen Whitson on the guitar, and John Robinson on the banjo/drums)  Check-out the inspiration behind the Love Offering song ... Live at the Banks House ... (we're hoping it spreads like WILDFIRE this summer!!!)
• We concluded worship by ushering in the 35th hour of prayer "for new beginnings" .. thanks for your support and participation! 
• We had a huge cake from The Cake Lady (a local vendor ... she's real summer staff!)
• Mary Margaret made a beautiful ambiance with mirrors and spray-painted centerpieces.
• Kim made an outstanding reflection space full of pictures, banners and memorabilia from years past.

... AND thanks to you we received $445 as a love offering for the night!!!

Check-out the pictures ... Gathering Pictures