Friday morning we had a lot to do in order to be ready to leave River Springs Camp in McKenzie, Alabama and roll toward Richton. We used Bro. Sullivan's truck to move the trailer and then loaded the car into the trailer. Next we cranked the BoggsMobile, "unwired" from the electric panel and moved the bus into position. Once the trailer was hooked up, we turned south toward Mobile.
About four hours later we were pulling into Richton Recreation Park in Richton, Mississippi and reversed the whole process.
We enjoyed a tremendous meal with Bro. Scott and Sis. Kim and loved spending some un-rushed time with them before going back to the park and laying out and marking the stake line for the tent. As you can see, below, I almost waited until it was too dark.
At 6:30 Saturday morning I took this picture of the tent site.
This is from the same place Saturday afternoon.
The tent set up went great. I was ready for everyone when they arrived about 8:00. Bro. Scott and a couple of his men were there early and began driving stakes about 7:50. By 8:45 the side poles were up and we were pushing up the center poles.
The tent was tightened, the banners were hung, the chairs were in place, the lights were up and all of the sound equipment cords were ready to go in a couple of hours more. Like I said, it was a really good set up.
This first picture is also an early morning picture.
We rested Saturday afternoon and then spent some time with the Morris family Saturday evening enjoying their company and great desserts that Sis. Kim prepared especially for our family.
Soon we were settling in for the night. I was restless overnight, which unfortunately is not unusual for me when the tent is up, but I spent a good portion of the time with God's Word ministering to my soul, so the night was definitely not wasted.
I mention this for my own sake. I need Mile Markers like this to remind me there is no time wasted calling on Jesus, even if I would rather be sleeping. God is my rest and I am extremely thankful for that. His Word is a lamp to my feet and a light unto my path. Praise God for His guidance.
The service Sunday morning was inside the church a few miles away from the tent site. Pastor Scott Morris graciously suggested we arrive at 11:00 so that we would not have to be away from the tent for more time than necessary.
We enjoy the Sunday School at First Assembly and I hated to miss, but I appreciate Bro. Scott's thoughtfulness. He knows better than most how awkward it makes me feel to leave the tent even in the relative safety of the Richton Recreation Park.
The Sunday morning service was really good.
Better preaching would have made the service better, but it is my policy not to pick on the preacher. The preacher Sunday morning had much room for improvement, if he does not mind my saying so.
It is OK, go ahead and say it. 'Tis true.
The weather guessers had been calling for big rain chances Sunday afternoon and that had me worried. By the time church was over Sunday morning, the chances were down to 15-20%. I can handle that.
Church under the tent was scheduled for 6:00 so we went out about 3:00 to begin setting up the sound equipment. Setting up three hours early is not usual for us, but the first night, earlier is better. I hate dealing with last minute sound problems as people are coming in when I could have solved them with a little more time. Better safe than sorry, I guess.
A great crowd gathered under the tent for the first service Sunday night. I was thrilled with the attendance and the response to the singing and the preaching. It was an awesome first night.
Odie snapped a few pictures.
That brought another super great weekend to a close. It is good to be back in Richton under the Blue and White Gospel Tent.
Thank you for riding along with us this weekend. See you tomorrow.