We just got back from what was, for sure, the best camp experience we’ve had in quite a long time. The youth group from FBC Rockwall knows how to worship. For the first time in my life, I had the chance to fill up an entire setlist with Fike & Dana originals. It was an incredible thing to see what earlier in the week could only be classified as strangers closing their eyes to sing songs like “Make a sound”, “More than anything”, and “My savior Lord”… not to mention “I surrender”.

What a week!

There were two kids that stood out to me this week. One kid’s name is Lucas. He is a worshipper. I didn’t talk with him much, but all week long, as the music blasted, he worshipped. Eyes closed, head bobbing, hands clapping or raised, depending upon the mood of the room; he was totally engaged in what the Lord was doing at all times. Every time I wondered whether what we were doing was working, I would catch a glimpse of him and my heart would come alive. So, thanks, Lucas. You are the deal.

The other kid that Dana and I fell in love with was Sarah. Sarah’s how we hope our kids will be. Joyful, exuberant, unapologetically genuine, and not afraid to be thought of as a little bit weird. Which, by the way, she’s not. Sarah does not care what people think of her. She lives out loud. She cracked us up all week, calling me “Fickel” and staring us down during worship. We saw her cozying up to Warren, the speaker, as well. She just won us over. It was a joy to spend time with her.

Rockwall produces incredible student leaders. Sarah’s sister just enrolled in the Air Force Academy. We’re hoping we can reach out to her while she’s in our city.

Camp also marked a sad hallmark for our band. It was the last big event we may ever do with Scott Stevens. He is enlisting this week into the Marine Corp. This makes us sad, but proud of him. Scott’s a good man. We love him a lot.

August is going to be a big month for us, so please be praying for us. I have Vanguard Staff retreat, Digs Leadership Retreat, a state-wide Baptist Convention to lead worship for, and an Integrity Songwriter’s conference to prepare for. Dana and I covet your prayers.

Thanks again to the Rockwall kids. You guys rock!!! Here’s hoping we get to do it again real soon!