This last week many kids were from Catholic High Schools such as Gonzaga Prep and Bellarmine in Tacoma. Because the schools are Catholic, they strongly request an optional mass be held for the Catholic students who come to Malibu. On Friday, Father Joe, a Chaplain from St. Joseph’s hospital flew in for mass. Having him in club made Jeff a little nervous. Jeff forgot to mention the names of Mary and Mary who saw the empty tomb! He certainly didn’t want to say anything to offend someone who made the long trip to help out.Jeff woke up early to attend the mass with the Catholic campers. With the back drop of the tall mountains and the inlet, Father Joe conducted the service for about 80 campers at Hamburger Point. During his homily, he referred many times to what Jeff had spoken of the night before. In front of all the kids, he said to Jeff, "You are GOOOOOD! You are REALLY good! You touched our hearts deeply last night with your message, including mine." Father Joe told Jeff. “You are a good man and
you are close to God, I can tell” he continued with words of blessing. Jeff has never been affirmed by a Catholic Priest before! That’s for sure. A really neat friendship developed between the two of them. Father Joe insisted on exchanging information so that he can meet up with Jeff when we get home.I have never known a Catholic Priest before. But this man was gentle, kind, bold and magnetic all at the same time. He preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ from Bible and love poured out of him as he walked around camp. He didn’t walk around in a robe, although he wore one for mass. What a godly guy! He expressed the desire for these kids to have a relationship with God. He told Jeff he’d pray for him during the remaining camps. And that when he’d pray, he’d thank God that it is Jeff speaking to kids at Malibu. For me, in praying for these Catholic kids, I am thanking God that there are priests like Father Joe with dynamic and authentic friendships with our living God.
5 comments:
That must have been a very interesting time! I'm so glad that you guys got to meet a man of God and that Jeff received that affirmation. I love that there are many who love Christ across all denominations - it's so amazing.
I can sure understand Jeff's anxiety with a priest listening in! But as a "summer Catholic" in Mexico I have come to believe that people are reaching out to God, and He to them, in many places. Jeff got a good pat on the head from God! My prayers continue for your family's work there and for the work at home as well. Tanya, thanks for the blog. Love you guys!!
Just got home from Hawaii and trying to catch up on everything - what a great time you are having! Glad to hear that God is moving - as he does at Malibu! Praying for all of you and that God continues to speak and guide.
Tell Jeff that we agree with Father Joe - he is a man after God!
So neat to read about everything going on for you all up at Malibu. Know that the Albriktsens are at home praying for your family and all of those kids up there. Keep up the GREAT work!!!!!
now that is awesome! What an encouragement!
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