Autumn Outbreak!

A number of years ago I served as a youth director at a church in Auburn, NY. I took on the position between schooling and was thrilled to do so.

I recall one of our fall season activities I called “Autumn Outbreak.” It was staged in a large barn filled with bales of straw. The youth group and I decided to create a maze using the bales as our building blocks. We constructed tunnels that you needed to crawl through on your hands and knees, passageways where you could stand and enter rooms made from the bales. In each room was a setting of a jail, operating room, and funeral parlor (in keeping with the season).

I had written a letter, no email or social media in those days, to churches all over the area and invited them to enjoy the October gathering, hayride, and bonfire. As a good number of young people gathered around the fire, I opened my Bible and shared a salvation message. I don’t really remember how many raised their hands in response to the invitation, but each invited church had the responsibility to “follow up” on those who made decisions.

At the end of the evening, I must admit, I was exhausted and sick. The straw dust did a number on my sinuses, the smoke from the bonfire was fierce, and I shouted my message out to be heard by all.

When I look back at the event, I have to laugh at all that the youth and I did to make the night a special one. We worked hard. And I also have to rejoice in knowing that event gave me a platform to share the gospel.

It truly was an “Autumn Outbreak” of fun, of message, and, oh yes, of allergies!

And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.

John 17:3