The girls and I spent the weekend at the GBS camp meeting. What a blessing it was!! Bro. Rollin Mitchell preached the services. We were exhorted on patience, unity, the goodness and mercy of God and other timeless truths. We were led into worship with the excellent GBS choir and orchestra and several other singing groups. Bro. Larry Smith guided us through a deep and reverent time of communion.
On Sunday afternoon, there were several students chosen to give their testimonies. Wonderful to hear how God led them to GBS. An adopted young man who didn't think he was worth anything because his birth mother was a prostitute. He shared how he almost failed school at GBS, but a professor took him under his wing, offered to do his homework with him, counseled him when he was discouraged and never made him feel like he wasn't good enough. There was a young man who had been on drugs before Jesus saved him - he had tattoes winding up his arms. His pastor dropped him off at GBS with a wink and a smile...Richard was shocked by the lifestyle there, but he has been helped greatly. A Japanese girl testified of the great encouragement she has received at GBS - she is a pastor's daughter who questioned the Lord not too long ago.
In other services, we heard the testimony of a Romanian girl who lost her mother to an illness a few years back and of an Ethiopian girl who has been 'caught' walking out of the GBS prayer chapel at 5am in the morning on a regular basis.
Another thing that struck me has to do with Bro. Mitchell sharing how sometimes pastors, parents or college leaders have to 'say no' sometimes or to correct things. He shared the example of how he would get his young men into his office every once in awhile and tell them that they had better treat the girls in the church right and if they didn't, they would answer personally to him. He called it 'the talk'. He said it bore good fruit. This word made me realize that one thing I appreciate about GBS is that they are willing to have 'a talk' at times with the students individually or collectively. Mikah has told me of several chapel services where the boom was lowered, the altar was filled, confessions were made and victory was gained. How great is that? May God spare us from 'overdoing' it on saying, "We'll keep our mouths shut and let the Holy Spirit work with them". Yes, I understand we need the Spirit's help in leadership, but when we are afraid to speak what needs to be said, there are problems.
How many parents are afraid to have 'the talk' with their children about their immodest attire or entertainment choices? There is the excuse that the children are old enough to have their own convictions, etc., but when they are living in our homes, what is this compromise saying to them loud and clear? It's saying that we don't think it's that important. It's saying what we believe and stand for is totally optional as far as we're concerned and as far as God is concerned for that matter. If they want to dress in a way that causes temptation while under our care....who are we to say they can't?? This is a totally wrong mentality. I don't understand it. Yes, I was raised in a home where there were strong convictions that were not optional....and I have chosen to do the same. No regrets there.
GBS has over 400 students who adhere to a generally modest dress code which is also professional in nature. No, I can't say every student likes it, but I can say that it is a good thing for those who are watching from the outside, and it is a good thing for those who are practicing it. It is about more than a dress code though and it is more than about modesty. It is about principal and it is about not compromising just because everyone else is or everyone else is expecting you to because the way of 'the talk' is just too hard and too uncomfortable. We underestimate what standard others can be lifted to if we trust God to help us lead properly.
