I hadn’t planned this last night, but the bishop’s temptation was too strong.  With all those Dutch ovens cooking in the hot coals, I couldn’t resist.  Food is a great allurement.  For some Baptists it is the central siren call.  So it ended up being the “Baptist preacher joins the Stake Youth Conference Evening Cookout.”

My intention had been only to explore Cove Fort, twenty-four miles north of Beaver (near the junction of I-15 and I-70).  It’s unique.  “Many historians believe the Cove Fort Historic Site is the most perfectly preserved pioneer fort in the West; it’s the only remaining 19^th-century fort built by Mormons.”

But upon entering the grassy area in front of the fort, I stopped to listen to the LDS stake president, amplified by a microphone, exhorting the many young people and their sponsors.  President Pace (sp?) challenged the kids to stand firm even when their faith is ridiculed in the media.  In closing, he encouraged the teens to keep searching and studying the scriptures, to keep serving, and to keep praying.

Everyone sported a colored, rubber bracelet on their wrist.  Each bracelet, though maybe different in color, carried the same message:  “Stand As A Witness To Be Like Him”.

Bishop Jim Hill (sp?) invited me to join in the meal after the message.  So I did.  Who could pass up such a feast?  Dutch oven potatoes.  Grilled chicken.  Green beans.  Hot scones and honey butter.  Dutch oven cobbler and ice cream.  Doesn’t this just make your mouth water?

Among many things we talked about family, missions, John’s Gospel, Isaiah, building projects, and Mitt Romney.  Jim made an interesting point on polygamy and politics (I am paraphrasing):  “The media might give us a bad time about polygamy.  But look who has the one wife among the leading presidential candidates?”  I smiled and agreed.

Jim asked me, “How are the relations between me and LDS in Idaho?”  I smiled again and told him, “I love to discuss doctrine.”  My chief concern would be how well our relationship with God is.  May God glorify Himself among all those young people.

I enjoyed the night.  To all the adults and teens that were kind to me, I say thanks.  And of course, I always have to hand the friendly LDS leaders a business card with the HI4LDS website.

Yesterday, it had been a good day of engagement with LDS friends.  This morning, I look at the wristband given to me.  In a biblical sense as seen in John 4, the message on this wristband must be exactly my heart’s desire.  The Spirit of John 4 has been pricking and prodding me. 

Today, I am literally headed for a little place called Samaria, just off I-15.  I am as excited as the Samaritan woman, bursting to tell others of Christ.