UGA VI

UGA VI, the famous University of Georgia mascot, died last Friday and was buried alongside his ancestors at Sanford Stadium today. As I talked to other Georgia fans about the events of the weekend, the question on everyone's mind was whether or not there was a successor. While I'm sure the Seiler family was grieving over the death of their family pet, Georgia fans everywhere were more worried about the succession of the UGA line. By the way, the Seilers were quick to assure the Bulldog Nation that the lineage was intact. Now I'm as big a Dawg fan as the next UGA graduate, but I have to admit, sometimes we worry about such trivial things!

I wonder how many of those same people have worried about whether or not their friends or relatives know Christ. I wonder if they have taken the time to talk to these same friends and relatives about the sacrifice Christ made for each one of them. And I wonder if tears have been shed for the burden of knowing that some of our friends and relatives have died not knowing Christ because of our failure to share that wonderful message of salvation with them.

UGA VI sacrificed the life of a "normal" dog to represent the University of Georgia as its mascot and we admired him for it. But Christ sacrificed His life for our sins so that one day, when we leave this earth, we can be reunited with God for eternity. Doesn't that deserve our admiration even more? It's time we put our admiration for Christ into action! Share Christ today!

Dominican Republic Family Mission Project

Fourteen folks from our church recently returned from a family mission project to Santiago, Dominican Republic. Our mission was to assist the New Life Church in whatever way necessary to minister to the community. We painted and decorated their facility, distributed Frisbees with an invitation to their Vacation Bible School, helped with a youth fellowship, and on our last night there, helped with a family night of activities. The people of Santiago and the New Life Church are always smiling and eager to share their faith with family and friends. The missionaries we assisted, John & Kelly and Trey & Laura, were gracious hosts and real go-getters in their mission to plant a church in that city. It was a great trip and we all look forward to returning to continue the work that needs to be done. I hope you enjoy the pictures from our trip!

"Outrigger Island" - Vacation Bible School

We started Vacation Bible School this morning with 551 children and workers present! Our theme this year is Lifeway's "Outrigger Island." We had a few glitches as is usual for a VBS first day, but it was great! Some folks dread VBS because it is a lot of work with a lot of children from various backgrounds, which can be challenging at times, but I love it! What better way to share the love of Jesus and the message of salvation with so many children at one time?

This year's VBS is our eleventh since being called to First Baptist Church, and I've watched our adult leaders as they have worked with the children day in and day out. Even though the names and people change, they are always loving and caring and work very hard to provide a quality time of Bible study, missions study, crafts, and recreation. I have come to the conclusion that they are some of the best workers I have ever had the opportunity to work with.

Wherever you may live, if you are asked to work in your church's VBS, accept the challenge. The work is hard, the hours of preparation may be long, but the benefits to you and the children are out of this world! As the words to one of this year's songs encourage, "Say Yes to VBS!"

My Grandson, Brandon

When my daughter, April, married Eric two years ago, I became an instant grandfather. Brandon is 10 years old and all boy! By coincidence, he is redheaded, just like me. I have enjoyed watching him play ball for the past few months. He plays third base, is a crackerjack fielder and a good, consistent hitter. I have included a few pictures with this post.

Speaking of baseball, my Georgia Dawgs won the 2008 SEC Regular Season Baseball Championship. Also, the Men's Tennis Team and the Women's Gymnastics Team each pulled the repeat by winning the 2008 National Championship in their respective sports. It's been a great spring! GO DAWGS! SIC 'EM! WOOF, WOOF, WOOF!

The Rippers at the Cherry Blossom Festival

Music has always been a big part of the Allen Clan. My two younger brothers play the guitar and my older brother plays the drums. I went the more traditional route and played the clarinet in elementary school. Now, I primarily play the radio!

A few weeks ago I attended the Cherry Blossom Festival in my hometown of Macon, Georgia. My youngest brother, Andy, is in a band called The Rippers and they had the privilege of playing on one of the stages at the festival. They are primarily rock, but also play popular 60's & 70's songs, with a little "extra" mixed in. They were real good too! I added a picture of several of the band members. Andy is the one on the left.

It's always good to get back home once in a while and see many of the folks I knew while growing up. As they say in the community news columns of small town papers, "A good time was had by all!"