Category: Article

by Justin Morton

This coming Monday is Labor Day. Did you know Oregon was the first state to pass a law recognizing Labor Day? This took place on February 21, 1887. It would be another 7 years, in June of 1894, before President Grover Cleveland would sign a law making the first Monday in September a legal holiday.[1]

I have always found this holiday interesting, especially given it’s name. For example, it’s called “Labor Day” and yet, many of us are given the day off from our day to day “labor.” It would seem the name of this holiday is misleading or simply just incorrect. But did you know, that Labor Day came about because workers “felt they were spending too many hours and days on the job?”[2]

Isn’t that interesting?  A Law was signed because workers were spending too much time working. And while we have a national holiday to remind us to take a break, many of us still struggle when it comes to taking time to rest. We go and go and push ourselves, sometimes past the point of exhaustion, because staying busy has become a badge of honor in our society.

From the beginning of the Bible, we see the importance of rest on display. God demonstrated such importance at the end of creation, after God saw that everything He had made was “very good” (Gen. 1:31). Moses records, “Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation” (Gen. 2:1-3).

When Moses was given the Law, we see the importance of rest demonstrated once again. The 4^th commandment of the 10 given was, “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates” (Exo. 20:8-10).

And then there is Jesus. Throughout His ministry we see Him demonstrating the importance of rest. It was not uncommon for Him to slow down, take time to be alone and rest (Mark 6:30-32). If Jesus, the divine Son of God needed to stop and rest, what makes us think we are any different?

Maybe you are running on empty and feel worn out and exhausted. If so, consider the teachings of scripture and the example of Jesus. It may be time to give yourself a break.

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[1] https://www.dol.gov/general/laborday/history

[2] https://www.usnews.com/opinion/articles/2023-09-01/have-we-forgotten-the-true-meaning-of-labor-day

by Justin Morton

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 702,880 people died from heart disease in 2022.[1] I do not know about you, but that number seems awfully high. While some of these individuals may have known they had problems with their heart, others may have been living unaware of such serious problems.

As unnerving as that might seem, more people may be living with a heart defect then we realize. While there may be nothing wrong with their physical heart, their spiritual heart is in a sad and very tragic condition. Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matt. 5:8). If the pure in heart shall see God, then what does that mean for those who are not pure in heart? I think you already know the answer. Those who are not pure in heart will not see God. In other words, those who have a spiritual heart problem, will not have the opportunity to be with God for all of eternity.

This begs the question, “How is your heart?” Each one of us needs to spend some time examining ourselves (2 Cor. 13:5). We need to make sure our hearts are right in the sight of God. One way to know what kind of heart we have is to look at our actions and the way we live before others. Do our lives produce the fruit of the spirit (Gal. 5:22-24)? If not, perhaps we have a problem with our heart. The wise man said, “As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects the man” (Prov. 27:19).

More than half of the people in the US do not know that heart disease is the leading cause of death in America according to a Harris Poll survey.[2] Can you imagine the difference it could make if more people were aware of this serious issue? Likewise, what kind of difference might it make if more people realized they had a spiritual heart issue that had eternal consequences? Perhaps more people would be able to experience eternal life instead of eternal condemnation.

No one around you can see the condition of your physical heart. The only way for that to happen is by means of special imaging done in medical facilities. But God knows your heart’s condition, physical and spiritual (I Sam. 16:7). And just like if you had a physical heart condition you would need to take action quickly, likewise, if you have a spiritual heart issue, action needs to be taken immediately. It is not just a matter of life and death, but it is a matter of eternity.  

When David discovered the condition of his heart before God, he prayed: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me” (Psa. 51:10). Maybe this is the prayer you need to be praying as well. Consider this: “Is your heart right with God?”

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[1] https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/data-research/facts-stats/index.html

[2] https://newsroom.heart.org/news/more-than-half-of-u-s-adults-dont-know-heart-disease-is-leading-cause-of-death-despite-100-year-reign

by Justin Morton

We are all a part of a physical family. Some of those families may be small, while other families may be rather large. I realize not everyone has had a great experience when it comes to their physical families, but many of us have grown up with families that we are thankful to be a part of. Like many of you, I love and appreciate my physical family very much. However, there is another family we should be just as grateful to be a part of.

When Paul was writing to the saints in Ephesus, he explained what their lives were like before knowing Christ (Eph. 2:1-3) and by the grace of God, what their lives were like after they came to know Christ (Eph. 2:4-22). During his discussion on this new life in Christ, he mentioned, “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God” (Eph. 2:19).

When we obey the Gospel and are redeemed by the precious blood of the Lamb, we become citizens of the kingdom of heaven (Phil. 3:20) and “members of the household of God” (Eph. 2:19). I just love that thought. While being a part of a physical family is special, being a part of the “household” or family of God is extra special. One of the reasons is because of where the household of God will spend eternity—in heaven with God the Father and Jesus the Son. And while we wait for that glorious day, being a part of the family of God today brings many blessings. My family and I are experiencing some of those very benefits during this time in our lives.

When we first learned of Miranda’s health diagnosis, we were devastated. Sitting in different doctor’s offices and listening to them talk about what lay ahead, was unsettling. We had so many different thoughts running through our minds about what we were going to do, how we were going to do it and what things would look like moving forward for our family. In total honesty, it was incredibly overwhelming.

Paul told the church at Corinth, “If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together” (I Cor. 12:26). Since the announcement was made publicly, we have felt all the love and support of God’s family here at Walter Hill. You all have provided so much encouragement and strength in a time when our family greatly needed it. Over the last couple of weeks, I have often remembered the words of Paul when he said, “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10). What a blessing it is to be a part of the family of God!

             Many schools started a new school year this week.  It seems like the summer breaks for our school age children and those who work in our educational systems gets shorter each year.  Please continue to pray for our students, teachers and administrators as they begin a new school year.  Hopefully, you have made time to spend with your family over the summer.  Spending time together will build memories that will last forever.  Even when it may seem our children aren’t paying attention or are not interested, years later the memories will come back to them of a time well spent together.  As our family has occasions to be together, we recall events and tell stories of events that happened when we were growing up together.  The best times together were spent worshipping.

We grew up in a small town in a rural area and had a close bond with all the families who worshipped together.  We spent a lot of time together even outside of worship.  We had two gospel meetings each year.  Each one would be a full week.  The minister who had been invited to speak would spend the week with some of the members of the church visiting people in the community, studying with them, and inviting them to the gospel meeting.  Each night of the meeting, our building would be full.  We would have to pull out folding chairs to put in the isles and everywhere we could find a space to put them to have enough places for people to sit.  We heard sermons that were focused on the goodness of God and the eternal blessings through Christ and His church.  We also heard sermons on the terror of being lost eternally.  When the Lord’s invitation was given, people responded.

This same thing would happen at all the congregations around us.  Many times, it would be the same men preaching that had just preached in our meeting.  We would attend all those meetings as well, many times hearing the same sermons but it never got old.  We just concluded our gospel meeting at Walter Hill with Allen Webster.  I couldn’t help but to think back on the days of my childhood and the gospel meetings with a church building full of people hungry to hear the gospel preached.  The best family time together is spent worshipping together. 

Consider Psalm 122:1, I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go into the house of the Lord.”

by Justin Morton

Over the course of our lives, some words become easier for us to say. Many children do not struggle to say words like, “That’s mine. Give it to me”. As we get older, we find ourselves saying things like, “I’m too busy” or “There’s just not enough hours in the day.” But other phrases seem to be much harder for us. In fact, some of the hardest words to say in the English language are, “I’m sorry. Please forgive me.” So short and simple. And although all the words are pretty easy for us to pronounce, this phrases seems to be difficult.

One of the reasons this phrase is so difficult is because we often have a hard time admitting we are wrong. When we mess up, our gut reaction is to think of a justification for our actions. “I did this” or “I said that” because… Fill in the blank with our reason for justifying such actions. Only when we realize we have no way to justify our wrongs do we finally own up and say, “I’m sorry. Please forgive me.”

As difficult as it is for us to admit we mess up and need forgiveness from others in our lives, it seems even more challenging to do this when we have sinned before God. Every one of us sins each day (Rom. 3:23). Messing up is not the problem. The problem for many of us is fessing up after messing up.

Remember the story of David and Bathsheba (2 Sam. 11)? After David messed up, he could have confessed his sins and sought the forgiveness of Bathsheba, Uriah and God. But that is not what David did. Instead, he tried to cover up his sins on multiple occasions. When that did not work, David stooped to the lowest level imaginable; he had Uriah killed while he was out fighting on behalf of David and the people of Israel (2 Sam. 11:14-17). He did all of this simply because he could not admit he had done wrong.

The Bible teaches the importance of owning up to our mistakes and shortcomings. James said, “Therefore, confess you sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed” (Jam. 5:16). Friends, as difficult as it is, we should own up to our failures. We should be willing to come clean about our mistakes. Only then can we find peace and mercy. The wise man said, “Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy” (Prov. 28:13). The apostle John said, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I Jn. 1:9). Is it time for you to come clean before God and say, “I’m sorry. Please forgive me”?

by Allen Webster

A Christian faithful to attend all services will hear about 215 sermons/classes a year, including gospel meetings and VBS. In a lifetime of 75 years, that approaches 16,000 sermons and 8,000 hours. Anything one invests that much of life in should be taken seriously. James gives a time sequence approach to best utilizing sermons (James 1:21-22).

Before a Sermon: “Lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness” (1:21).[1] A field is prepared to receive seed by removing trees, brush, roots, rocks, and weeds. It is plowed to soften it, so the seed has a place to germinate and an opportunity to grow. The human heart (mind) must be prepared to receive the seed of the word (Luke 8:11; 1 Samuel 7:3; 2 Chronicles 12:14; 19:3; 20:33; 30:19). Preaching is as a shower from heaven. It cannot penetrate hard hearts but is as water running of a slab of marble. A heart is prepared by removing the sins that fill it (Genesis 6:3) and block the word from entering, or having entered, from growing (Matthew 13:1-9). Once a mind is cleared, it can soak up verses like a sponge and become saturated with thoughts from God like Gideon’s fleece (Judges 6:38). With ploughed ground, the seed quickly grows to maximum fruit (John 15:5, 8).

During a Sermon: “Receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls” (1:22). It is always wise to put ourselves under the influence of God’s powerful word (Romans 1:16). A sick man should live near a hospital[2] (Isaiah 1:6; Romans 3:23). Even if one did not intend to obey it, it still has the potential to work. Once as Jesus preached, officers were sent to arrest Him. Instead, they returned to their superiors with the message, “Never man spake like this man” (James 7:46). In ancient times spies listened to preachers, took notes of what was said, to accuse them of false doctrine. In a few cases, they were converted.

What is our responsibility while the word is preached? “Receive” it. God’s word is a feast; a banquet is not meant to be watched but eaten. A medicine cannot heal until it is taken. Reception is the door through which God’s grace enters our lives so throw open the windows of your soul for blessings (cf. Malachi 3:10).

How are we to receive the word? “With meekness.” Many miss the gospel because they do not have a teachable spirit (James 3:17). “Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3). The door of blessings opens when one sits at Jesus’ feet (Luke 10:39). It is to be received in its entirety. A meek person does not pick and choose or cut and carve the divine word. The Word’s odds and ends, corners, and fragments are valuable—every word is precious (Psalm 139:17). A sermon may step on our toes, but it must be accepted if it is God’s will for our lives. If the preacher speaks truth, we must not sit in judgment upon it (Jeremiah 36:23). We cannot say this belongs and this is unessential. To doubt Jesus is treason.

What is to be received with meekness? “The engrafted[3] word.” As botanists join two species of trees by grafting, so Jesus the Vine joins sinners to Himself to provide them sustenance and make them fruitful (John 15:1-7). Since God’s words are living (Hebrews 4:12), they can be grafted into living hearts.

Two wounds are required to make a graft. A branch is cut from one tree, but it cannot simply be taped or tied to the stump of the host tree. The host tree must be cut to receive the graft. The graft must be taken inside. Jesus was wounded on the cross; a sinner’s wound comes in the form of a broken heart (Joel 2:13; Psalm 34:18; 51:17; Matthew 5:3-4). Our hearts receive the word into that gash. Christ lives in us; we abide in Him (Galatians 2:20; 1 John 2:6).

Vance Havner said, “God uses broken things. It takes broken soil to produce a crop, broken clouds to give rain, broken grain to give bread, broken bread to give strength. It is the broken alabaster box that gives forth perfume—it is Peter, weeping bitterly, who returns to greater power than ever.”[4]

After a Sermon: “Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves” (1:23).  James states the same truth positively and negatively. Positively, he says, “Be ye doers of the word” (James 1:25; 4:17; Matthew 7:21-27; 12:50; 28:20; Luke 6:46-48; 11:28; 12:47-48; John 13:17; 14:15, 22-23). This imperative tense means, “Let this be your constant pursuit—your main purpose in life.” The word “poet” comes from the word for “doers” here. A faithful Christian’s life is a perpetual poem, exhibiting beauty and symmetry.

Knowledge without action is of little benefit. A businessman who knows how to make money remains poor unless he opens a shop. The doctor who can cure the sick heals none if he has no practice. A capable teacher helps no child if she takes no students. Practice is the harvest; knowledge is but ploughing and sowing.

Letters usually end with a phrase that English teachers call the complimentary close, such as “Sincerely.”[5] In the late 1700s and 1800s, it was common to use “Yours truly.” A century before, it was commonly, “Your obedient servant.” Our lives and prayers should close with that thought (Deuteronomy 26:16; Joshua 1:8-9; 1 Samuel 15:22; Ezekiel 33:31-32).

Negatively, James says, “not hearers only.” This does not refer to a person who listens with little interest. To the contrary, it denotes one who listens closely but makes no effort to live by it. In early centuries, hearers designated those attending lectures who listened but never became disciples (cf. Acts 17:21)—like auditors, today. They hear the same lectures and may be received with the same interest, but when graduation they will not receive a diploma.

There are two parts to obeying the Gospel: believing and behaving (Romans 2:13; Colossians 3:17; 1 John 2:3-4; 3:7; 3 John 1:11; Revelation 22:7). It is not talking, but walking, that brings one to heaven. It is not enough to hear; we must heed. What is heard in the holy place must be lived in the marketplace. One who listens to a doctor but does not take the medicine will not be cured (cf. John 8:31-32). Hearers only are the greatest prodigals because they waste the greatest gift, God’s precious word. The better that which one hears, the more guilty if he neglects it; the plainer the gospel is taught, the more inexcusable its rejection. “When I have a more convenient season, I will send for thee” (Acts 24:25; Revelation 3:20).

Most people will not come to hear Sunday’s sermons. They will not read the Bible, but they read Christians. Paul wrote, “Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men” (2 Corinthians 3:2).

The text closes with this solemn statement: “deceiving your own selves.” Bishop Brownrigg (1592–1659) said, “To deceive is bad, to deceive yourselves is worse, to deceive yourselves about your souls is worst of all” (Isaiah 44:20; Obadiah 1:3; 1 Corinthians 3:18; 6:9; 15:33; Galatians 6:3, 7; 2 Timothy 3:13; Titus 3:3; 2 Peter 2:13; 1 John 1:8; Revelation 12:9).

This phrase literally means “to reckon sideways and then cheat” (as in a foot race). A person who assumes he can benefit from only listening cheats himself. To be able to quote the New Testament but not practice it, would ultimately be useless (2 Peter 2:21). If we heard a sermon every day, preached by an angel, it would never bring us to heaven if we only heard.[6]

When a husband returned home sooner from worship than usual, his wife asked, “Is the sermon done already?” “No,” he said, “it is all said, but it is just beginning to be done.”

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[1] This material is adapted from Charles Spurgeon: https://www.spurgeon.org/resource-library/sermons/before-sermon-at-sermon-and-after-sermon#flipbook/

[2] Spurgeon

[3] Implanted

[4] http://christian-quotes.ochristian.com/Vance-Havner-Quotes/

[5] Robert C. Shannon, 1000 Windows, (Cincinnati, Ohio: Standard Publishing Company, 1997)

[6] Matthew Henry

Walter Hill has been blessed to have many evangelists come to preach in our gospel meetings over the years.  This year Allen Webster will be with us to bring a series of lessons to help us grow spiritually.  Allen works with Heart to Heart, the newsletter that is mailed to many homes in Rutherford County and throughout the U.S.  The shepherds at Walter Hill are encouraging each of you to make plans to be here July 26-28.  Please mark it on your calendars!

The theme for Walter Hill this year is Equip.  In our Wednesday evening Bible classes, the adult study has been based on this idea of Equipping the Saints.  If you have gotten out of the habit of attending Wednesday evenings, please think about being here on Wednesdays for the remainder of the summer.

Jesus was the master equipper.  He chose men, who for the most part, did not fit the profile to be leaders.  Yet those twelve men, minus Judas, laid the foundation of the church, which was built upon the chief cornerstone, Jesus Christ.

It must have been amazing for those disciples following Jesus day after day around Palestine, listening to the words he spoke, observing the miracles he performed, and witnessing the life he lived!

Even with all they saw and heard, many of Jesus’ disciples did not grasp who it was walking before them.  They obviously knew they were in the presence of someone special, even someone sent from God, but they did not fully understand the mission and purpose of Jesus at the time.

After Jesus was crucified and was resurrected, the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles, and they began to preach the whole gospel of Jesus.  Men inspired by the Holy Spirit wrote books and letters about the life of Jesus and His church.  These books and letters became the New Testament as we have it today.

Since we have access to the New Testament, we can know who Jesus is, what He has done for us, and what His plan is for us.  His plan is to equip us “for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” Ephesians 4:12.  Jesus, the master equipper, still provides us with the necessary tools to serve in His church.  The whole counsel of God has been given to us and may each of us be diligent in reading and studying that precious book. 

by Justin Morton

It’s hard to believe we are already in July and, much to the dismay of our teachers and students, the summer is half way over. We have already had many wonderful opportunities to study God’s Word, worship the Lord and fellowship with one another. But the great news is that we still have plenty more chances for these very things. Let’s highlight a few upcoming opportunities we have during the month of July to engage in the study of God’s Word.

NEW SERMON SERIES

This Sunday we are kicking off a new sermon series called “People of Prayer.” We are going to spend the month of July looking at this important spiritual discipline. While we are aware of the importance of prayer in our lives, many of us struggle to pray consistently or feel we don’t know what to say. In this series, we will look at the privilege, priority, pattern, power and the problems of prayer, so we can EQUIP ourselves to be “People of Prayer.”

GOSPEL MEETING

Our annual Gospel meeting with guest speaker Allen Webster is only three weeks away: Friday, July 26th to Sunday, July 28th. For many years Brother Webster was the preacher for the Church of Christ in Jacksonville, AL. Presently, he teaches for the Memphis School of Preaching and the Georgia School of Theology. While you may not recognize his name, many of you are very familiar with Allen and his work. He is the editor and featured contributor of the publication, House to House, Heart to Heart, which is mailed monthly to many communities nationwide, including our own. The theme for our series of lessons is “Reigniting the Fire.” We will meet on Friday and Saturday nights @7PM and on Sunday @9AM, 10:30AM and 1PM, with a potluck fellowship meal between Bible class and the afternoon service. Please invite your friends and neighbors for this series of lessons!

CONNECT CONFERENCE

While this opportunity is not hosted here at Walter Hill, the Connect Conference provides various classes to strengthen our faith and encourage us to evangelize. This conference takes place at the Crieve Hall Church of Christ in Nashville, July 24-26, and is well worth your time, even if you can only drive over for a few classes one day. You can find a flier in the educational lobby with more information or visit www.connectcon.org.

I know we are all busy this summer. But these upcoming events present us the opportunity to study God’s Word and fellowship together. I hope you will make plans to join us as we strive together to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).

by Chris Elrod

             This summer has been a reminder of the goodness of God and His people.  We had more attend this year’s VBS than we have had attend since 2014.  God blessed us with opportunities to plant the seed of His Word in the lives of several from our community (Luke 8:11).  I am always so encouraged by all the children who are eager to sing songs and learn about God, but I am also encouraged by all those who are eager to serve during VBS.  So many were eager to jump to work in a wide variety of ways, understanding the impact VBS can have on the faith of our children and in reaching the lost of our community.  Thank you for all your hard work, support, and for inviting loved ones and friends to VBS!

Camp was also a huge success despite some being injured and the extreme heat.  Camp was a success because God’s Word was taught and is at work within the lives of so many young people.  We had more register for camp (110) than ever before.  Our teens know camp is one of my favorite weeks of the year.  It’s always so great to see so many from other congregations.  It’s such a blessing.  Yet, I am always so encouraged by our group, both our adults and youth.  The adults who come to camp with us demonstrate in a special way what it means to be a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1).  Camp is hot, the mattresses are at best mediocre, and vacation time is required for most to be in attendance.  Yet, they go to help nurture the spiritual growth of our youth.  I have such a deep appreciation for them!  The Walter Hill Youth encourage me in the ways they lead at camp, grow closer to one another, and seek the Lord through worship and Bible study.

We had five baptisms at camp this year.  Four were from Walter Hill.  We are so proud of all those who were baptized into Christ.  So far, we have had eleven baptisms in our youth ministry in 2024.  The coolest part is that most of them occurred in conjunction with a teen leading or taking part in a Bible study with another teen.  Our teens understand and are living out Jesus’s command to make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20) and are setting an example for us adults to follow.  Imagine the growth we would experience if we as adults were as evangelistic and eager to invite our friends to Bible study.  While we strive to set an example for our youth, they too set an example for us!  Let’s seek to make disciples.

by Justin Morton

I love church camp! I grew up attending several different church camps, and as an adult I still spend 3 weeks of my summer serving our amazing young people at camps across Tennessee. This year several local congregations joined in with Walter Hill at Camp Joy, and we had over 100 campers and staff members. Despite the heat, we had an unforgettable week of fun and food, studying and singing.

Many of you may have some special memories from your time at church camp. But perhaps some of you have never had the opportunity to attend church camp. Listen to what some of our Walter Hill young people love about church camp:

I love camp because you get to learn more about God, Jesus and the Bible while playing games with old and new friends. – McKenna Davidson

I love camp because of the people. From getting to learn new lesson and points of view from people to interacting with some of the kindest, funniest and competitive people I’ve met. Also, learning more and more about the Bible and God each day. – Wrigley Phillips

Camp is one of my favorite weeks out of the summer. I love being a part of the devos and singing! – Tyler Lancaster

I love camp because I love being around people I know and the singing. It’s all fun! – Braden McNabb

Camp is a fun place to socialize and learn more about God as well as about each other. – Martin Nance.

I love Ooga Booga – Cade Bailey

I love being at camp and getting to “baptize” people in the creek. – Josh Miller

Camp is a great place to learn more about God. – Caden Morton

Camp is the most influential week of the year. – Will Cooper

Camp is a good time to worship and get to know each other and build a relationship while growing in the Lord (Phil. 4:4). – Emma Dickerson

I love camp because I get to see friends I haven’t seen all year. –Ella Mitchell

I love camp because I get to worship God and hang out with my friends and I really love the singing and all the games we get to play. –Savannah McNabb

I love Bible camp because I can worship God. –Izzy Jernigan

As you can see from the lips of some of our very own, church camp is a special place. If your child or grandchild has never attended Camp Joy, please considering joining us next summer for this life changing experience.