A Great Rejoicing
What a roller coaster of a month we’ve had at BVT. From the tragedy suffered at the end of April, to the incredible trip to the Texas Rangers Game, and to end with the Grand Opening Celebration of the three new homes. I’m not sure how much of a “high and low” one can feel in a month’s time, but this was probably about as close as it comes.
One of my favorite verses can be found in James 1:2-3, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind comes your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.”
Ironically, the theme for the Grand Opening Celebration earlier this month was “Come Watch Us Grow.” This theme was planned many months ago. As I sit here today to write this letter, I believe it is no coincidence that God led us to that tagline. Growing through campus expansion and construction of new buildings, of course, but how BVT has shown its true colors these last four weeks. Growing from trials, from obstacles, from times of pain and despair – it’s in the moments like we had on April 27th and the days following that not only did we see growth, we witnessed solidarity, grit, and perseverance.
One of the things I love to witness at BVT is the love and devotion that people show for other people. Too often humanity fails. But not here. Not this time. Not only did humanity not fail us, I can think of no greater expression of love that humanity could have displayed during our time of loss.
This community, this group of residents, this group of families, and this group of staff could not have pulled together tighter in such a critical time of need. And though I would never wish this to happen to anyone ever again, what an incredible display of love and compassion were we able to witness through the face of tragedy.
Sylvester was a loved man and he will be missed. His heart and passion for others was evident. All we can do now is remember the man he was, remember the lessons he taught, and carry on the same passion that he had for others…seeing them succeed, help someone else be their best self, love without boundaries, and sit back and watch them grow.
So as great as the celebration was on May 17th, as excited we are to grow with our new residents and new staff, let us be even more conscious of our personal growth. Growth that inspires us to help others, to lead others, to love others, but most importantly, to love with the same love that Christ has for us. And if we can do those things, not only will we grow, we will burst with a light that can never be dimmed.
And lastly, let us remember “We, too can rejoice when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” (Romans 5:3-5).
Until next time,
Steven Campbell
Executive Director