What do planners do when you don't know what to plan for? We plan and prepare for what we think might happen. Then we wait to see what will change and how we will need to adjust. Pray that we will get to share the gospel all across the country this fall.  

The Events team that I am part of was already in the middle of 2 huge changes before 2020 decided to throw a new curve ball at everyone. We were working on and testing a new version of the Weekend to Remember. Changing not the Biblical content, but the flow of the weekend and the stage setup. That means we have been getting new equipment, staging and programs. Therefore, we have to learn how to setup and use everything, inventory it and pack it to be sent from one event to the next. 

Our typical rhythm is to gather as a team before the fall and spring season to learn whatever is new to prepare for the new season. This summer this preseason training plan (like everything else) was on, then off, then on again at the last minute. First, a group of us that have not moved yet gathered the last week of July to clean out (donate or throw away) things we will no longer be using. We also did some preparation for the training that happened the first week of August. 

So, our team gathered (in groups of 5-6 and on different floors of the building) to get as much done as possible to have everything ready for the fall events (if we get the green light to hold them). We unpacked items from our old setup that would no longer be used and repacked the sets with the new items. Then we had to update inventories, take pictures of the packing procedure and repack everything. In order for everything to fit in the shipping containers for each event, we have a very specific packing procedure. This is also very important so that everything is easily explainable to and repeatable by the many volunteers that help us onsite at our events. 

Now we wait and see what God has planned for us this fall. 

The pictures above are looking down inside the shipping containers as they are being packed layer by layer. We pack everything from screens, projectors, soundboard, computers, drapes, cables, spotlights, stage lights and even stage decorations. 

"The inspiration from a Weekend to Remember taught us the importance of understanding who God is in our life and the importance of him being the center of our marriage.

Since then, we have made a commitment to fight for marriages We have had multiple couples join our group and go through the Art of Marriage with us. Yasha and I just recently finished the Vertical marriage. FamilyLife has been an avenue that Yasha and I now use as daily maintenance through app, daily devotions, and marital books to keep God first and to keep their marriage strong. FamilyLife has completely changed our lives and marriage forever, we will always appreciate and support the ministry of FamilyLife."

• • • • • • Pray for Brandon as he starts his classes at UCA under unusual circumstances and mostly virtual classes. 

          • Pray for us as we adjust to the empty nest, even if it is only 5 days at a time. :-)

          • Pray for us as we decide if we take one or both of our last two Cru required classes this fall.

          • Pray for our FamilyLife leadership who is doing their best to make plans for FY2021.

          • Continue praying for peace and healing in our nation. Spiritual, relational and physical healing are all desperately needed at this time. 

The many fall events have all been postponed so text us before signing up for events below, use our group code thebarbers to save $100.

Weekend to Remember Getaways - click any below to register. 

• • • Dallas - Omni Mandalay Las Colinas - November 6 -8

    • San Antonio -  Hyatt Hill Country - November 20 - 22

    • Cambridge - Hyatt Regency - November 20 - 22

more fall events and more information at familylife.com/events.