Remembering My Youth...

In 1963 I drove my Yellow Volkswagon through the gates of Southern Bible College at 10950 Beaumont Hwy. in Houston, Texas. For the next 9 years, I was engulfed and surrounded by an incredible group of people who nurtured and mentored my life.  I dreamed, failed, overcame and found a foundation for my youthful Faith that has never been destroyed.

This past weekend, there was a reunion of over 150 fellow SBC students in Carthage, MO.  For many years, a couple in North Houston hosted a New Year get-to-gather for those who could come to the Houston area.

Do you know what I found?  It just doesn't matter the amount of time that has elapsed - the bond goes deep and memories rise fast and often when we come together.  Time stands still and the events of 50 years drop away to the wonderful time we were young and just knew that God was speaking directly to our minds and hearts.  We were His Ambassadors.  We heard the "call" and came to learn and find His direction.

There have been many choices made over the past 50 years.  Some were exactly what He wanted me to do.  Others, I did what I wanted and missed His plan entirely.  But, there was a foundation laid that hasn't been destroyed whatever the circumstance. Friendships have lasted like the Pyramids of Egypt.  The nose may be gone from the Sphinx, but it still stands!

I know that God directed this child to that place. I was exposed to ministers who were ethical. They were who they said they were and lived what they preached.  Their lives live on in the ministries that were founded and flourished because of their example.  I miss them.

At times, I am once again 18 and excited about the future.  At other times, I am a mature alumni from a small college tucked away in east Houston, TX.

The site is now a half-way house.  Clark Hall is gone now, but the residents who lived there were convinced it was "haunted."  The Holy Spirit visited that building often during the time SBC lived there.  They were Oh So Right!

(A big thanks to Mark Pendergrass for the photos he found and posted on Facebook.)