When's the last time you went rollar skating?

Skate Night in Hamilton City, CA

by Carol M.

photo by Adam Mansfield

It was a great way to end the first month of 2014. We, as Youth With A Mission, rented the North Valley Hockey Rink in Hamilton City and invited the town for a free family night of skating, hot dogs, fun and fellowship. We didn’t head out there with any sort of agenda. We just wanted to show the families of Hamilton City the love of Jesus.

The owner remarked that the crowd was double what he has ever seen there on a Friday. So many families with kids from 1 – 99 showed up, waited patiently in line to state their shoe size and don a pair of retro quad skates or inline hockey style skates. The sound of laughter quickly filled the air as the crowd in the rink grew.

D.J. Daniel was the man on the mic telling the crowd in English and Spanish it was time to limbo. That’s always a source of good entertainment as people see how low they can go.

photo by Dai Sup Han

photo by Adam Mansfield

The grill just outside the garage door filled the atmosphere with a mini bonfire as Carlos and Dan roasted hundreds of hot dogs for hungry skaters. God had a divine appointment arranged for Carlos on Friday night. He met a man who had recently been released from prison and wanted very much to reunite and heal his hurting family. Carlos prayed with him and encouraged him and lovingly told him that he needs Jesus to make this endeavor work. He told him that alone he will strive and work hard, but it will be a difficult road that must be walked with The Savior in order to be successful. The man asked Carlos to recommend some churches. Sunday morning, the man and his family walked the through the doors of New Beginnings Fellowship. What the enemy intends for evil, God can and will use for His good. Please keep in your prayers this man and others who are sincerely trying to turn their lives around, that they will humble themselves and allow Jesus to direct their steps.

I myself was taking a break from skating and enjoying watching my young boys go around and around with huge smiles of satisfaction on their faces when I noticed a young lady of about 13. She colorfully shared the details of big kids picking on little kids and how she was trying to stop it and it turned into a mess. I asked if I could pray with her. At first she said no but soon changed her mind, and said, ok. The countenance of this young lady quickly changed. She softened and even smiled and said thanks. This gal and her friend soon were saying hi to me every time they skated past and stopped to meet my kids and say what a good time they had.

photo by Dai Sup Han

Shawn and Ginger and Robin handed out skates most of the night and blessed all the recipients with their sincere smiles and heart felt joy. Many members of YWAM joined in the skating fun and brought a lot of joy and proof that Christians know how to have good, clean fun.

As we continue to pray for Hamilton City, let’s also keep asking God for more creative ways to participate in and bring Jesus into the community.