"Your Christmas assignment is to write and retell a Biblical story from your point of view," Mrs. Lalerste, our Bible study leader, assigned. "Because we are on break take your time and have fun with this assignment. You will present your stories next month when we meet again."
"Yes, ma'am," the class responded as we were dismissed.
Strolling and chatting down the spacious church halls, students gathered in the youth chapel as we eagerly anticipated the weekend ahead. As we convened, Mr. Augustus, our youth director spoke a few words about what would be occurring on our upcoming trip. Our church, located in Golden Colorado, is simply called First Baptist Church of Golden. Because we had raised over $900 for missions in June, the church had planned a weekend camping trip for the students in the high school Bible study.
Since it was my first camping trip, I was thrilled. I grew even more exited as Mr. Augustus overviewed the weekend. However, that Saturday evening, my life, the ordinary life of Phillip Alsterade, was changed forever.