Dalton's Sermon

Today is the Fine Arts Festival for the Northwest District of the Assemblies of God. Fine Arts is a national program where junior and senior high students demonstrate their talents before three judges. If they get a Superior rating with invitation they are invited to go to the National competition.

Last night we had a Fine Arts Premier for the youth of our church. It was a chance for the young people to practice for an audience before the big day. I was blown away by the human videos, musical numbers and sermons these young adults presented. I was very proud of all of them and grateful to our youth pastors for the way they have supported and helped our young people build on their God given gifts.

My 14 yr. old grandson, Dalton, gave a sermon he wrote himself. This was his first time of participating and I have to admit I wasn't prepared for the depth of his comments and use of Scripture. He really did a great job. Today I was anxiously waiting to hear how he did at the festival. We finally received a text from the youth Pastor that said, "Dalton rocked, standing ovation."

A few minutes ago Valerie called and said Dalton just found out he received a Superior with invitation rating and is invited to go to the National competition. That is unusual for a first time, junior high age student. We are "busting our buttons" in gratefulness for this young man that received a call on his life to ministry this past summer at camp. It has completely turned his life around and given him new priorities.

When Dalton was young, he was very stubborn and difficult to handle. It took much discipline and patience to get him passed having to have his own way. His stubbornness has turned into a good quality in his teen years. He loves God and has made a commitment to witness to his friends and invite them to church although it is not always received in kindness.

Recently a young man at school came up to Dalton and purposely poured Taco Sauce over Dalton's white shorts. This wasn't the first time meanness has come from a fellow student. Of course Dalton is not the only one who has been the recipient of cruel actions at school but it hurts his family to see him being mistreated.

Valerie recently asked Dalton if he would prefer to be home schooled next year. He responded,"I would love to do my work at home but I have too many friends at school that could die without Jesus."

Dalton has taken seriously I John 3:18. "Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth."