LiD TOUR UPDATES

* June 26-29, 2007 ... Salida, CO

When Satan tries to knock us down, God returns with a knock out.

We've seen this so often during the Lay iT Down Tours -- especially in the area of vehicle problems. Our Enemy tried once again to stop us during the competition day in Salida, Colorado. That morning I arrived at the truck for the two hour drive from Colorado Springs, but was greeted by a police officer explaining there had been multiple break-ins nearby during the previous night. At first glance it looked like the truck holding the skate park had been spared.

As I tried to enter, my key would not go in. A broken off drill bit was ground into the door lock. I then found a way into the cab through the other side. But when I tried to start the truck, there was complete silence -- not even the slightest click. While probing around the truck, I could see the vandal tried breaking into the cab and jammed the door open just enough to trigger the dome light. This completely drained the battery. After several hours of jumping the battery with my car, a portable charger, and a tow truck, it still didn't turn over.

Meanwhile in Salida, many people were making plans to ride our park that afternoon. They heard about the event from our team and youth group members in several skate parks throughout the week. Others found out through the radio as Brett was invited to do an interview with a local station and even asked to share his testimony. At noon I called the team with the bad news and need for them to begin putting together another plan for the competition. Their first response was, "OK, then we'll gather up the churches and begin praying."

Within a half hour after that call, the truck roared to a start with two tow trucks linking up for an extra powerful charge. As I paid for their service, I learned the company was called Manna Gift. Yes, like the white stuff from heaven! The driver and I shared our belief and praise of God as the truck purred ready for delivery.

My anticipation built with excitement as I called the team with the good news and drove in their direction. I arrived at the city park in Salida to find about 75 skaters and bikers hanging with our team and waiting for the park to arrive. With large eyes they watched as we unloaded and set up the banks and rails on the local basketball court. Many others from the community gathered as we opened up the Lay iT Down Park.

Over 200 people attended the competition on a beautiful night in the mountain basin. Brett again shared during the awards how God rescued him from gangs and violence. Evan closed the evening by further explaining Christ's offer for us to follow him and led a prayer of thanks for all he had done through the day.

- Pete Kirchhoff