Waterproof
Passion and Power In The Pool
At the end of every episode of the A Team TV series, BA Baracas would say, "I love it when a plan comes together". The disciples with their meager fish and loaves must have been in a huge state of panic when they were asked by Jesus to feed the crowd. Afterwards, the disciples must have rubbed their hands together in delight and said "We love it when a plan comes together" or "high five". Jesus threw them in at the deep end - and they had survived!
Likewise on a hot September day, volunteers for the Fall WaterProof swim program looked at the pool boiling with lively children and thought how can we make a difference? It seemed as if God was saying "nothing is impossible". I will give you everything you need: more sunny days to keep the pool temperature up, more safety (so a young Kiawah lifeguard was provided), more volunteer instructors (doubled with more male participation), more improvement in swimming abilities up from 25% passage last year to 51% this year, more finance to run a spring 2011 program for 178 children. Highlights for the team included "the joy of the children remembering my name", said Bob. "I knew then they were interested in the program." "Seeing my child from last year who would not let go of the side of the pool actually swim under water and enjoy it", said Joan Reed. When the kids found out due to a teacher's work day that swimming was cancelled, more than one said, "It's OK you don't work for the school, my mom will bring me to the pool for lessons."
Jesus said with faith as small as a mustard seed you can move mountains. Nothing will be impossible for you. That seems to be the on going effect when we combine peoples' passion with God's power. As we put the swim program WaterProof to bed for this year, so much more is in the works.
THANKS TO ALL THE VOLUNTEERS:
Linda Clarkson, Beverly Baird, Trey Bellah, Dot Bostock, Jeff Bostock, Frank Cassera, Stan Dawson, Sue Jackson, Julie Lanzone, Milissa Mills, Robin Redman, Steve Redman, Joan Reed, Monroe Rhodes, Bob Yeager.