Every good action and every perfect gift is from God. These good gifts come down from the Creator of the sun, moon, and stars, who does not change like their shifting shadows. – James 1:17

This week I felt like Peter promising that he would never deny the Savior, only to do it three times just hours later. I must confess, I messed up several times this week when I used the word “random” to describe what has transpired. I gave “chance” the credit vs Jesus, and that was wrong. For those I spoke with, I am sorry. Please remember Jesus, not chance, is the giver of good things.

So now for those good things that highlight the love of Jesus:

Story #1

I have made many calls this last week getting the word out for the help needed. I have a friend at church who is very involved with Texas Baptist Disaster Relief. The morning I talked with him, he had the organization send out a message informing of our need. He came back saying that most people are already working to help their local communities. I would be too! Although we need the help, I don’t want to take away from a family’s more urgent need than a retreat center. Yet, God led a couple in Pennsylvania to call this organization. They said they raised some funds, bought some plumbing supplies, and were headed to Texas and ready to assist those who need help. Since our notice was just sent out, they heard of our need and arrived Monday and started to help. They will be with us for 2-3 days until their next site is ready. God is not random, he gave them a vision, the funds, the time and the connection to Tejas. They too, are setting the stage for Jesus to transform lives.

Story #2

Central Texas Christian School was planning a leadership retreat with their students and desired to do a 2 hour service project with us. The plan was for them to repaint our front fence to help with the curb appeal of Tejas as guests drive up. Instead, they joyfully switched to demo/cleanup of the water damage in our Colt bunkhouse. This was amazing and quick work. What is even more providential is that the couple above were able to arrive and get right to repairing the water lines because the area had been cleared of debris, allowing for them to be efficient with their talents. Those students set the stage for Jesus to transform lives.

Story #3

Friends of Tejas in Florida, South Carolina, Oregon and Michigan heard of our difficulty in finding plumbing fittings in that first week after the storm and stepped up to go to their local hardware stores to purchase and ship us fittings. As soon as they arrived, we were ready to begin fixing pipes. Because of the availability, we had what we needed to begin repairs. Yesterday, we were able to get 2 buildings back up and running and today we will hopefully get a few more online as well. These donors set the stage for Jesus to transform lives.

We are more than a retreat facility who aims to set the stage for Jesus to transform lives. It is about the people who are a part of our community, who understand the important kingdom work that happens when people go to camp or go on a retreat. It is the separation from day to day life, to renew their relationship with Jesus and others, that changes the world. Jesus is at work and the need at Tejas is still great.

This last weekend, among the repair work being done, we were able to host 200 guests. This weekend 250 guests are coming expecting renewal and to be a part of Jesus’ story of transformation!

We are planning another Volunteer day March 13. Please join us. If you can’t make it that day but still want to help, we can still use you. Let me know and we will work it out!

If you can’t come, will you please consider giving? We still need funds to help us with the utility bills from the storm, supplies for repair, and we are still hurting from the downturn we have faced due to COVID-19.