HOME FROM CHIC
The plane carrying our people from CHIC arrived at the San Franciso Airport at about midnight. I picked up a crew so I didn't get home until about 2:30 a.m. this morning. Everyone I've talked with, although tired, still conveyed lots of enthusiasm for the week they had just experienced.

Lloyd Ahlem was one of the eight adults from our church (we had 27 students) who went along. He taught several seminars and was a part of the senior citizen contingent. He also wrote up almost daily reports on what he experienced. He sent the following to me last night.

We are home tonight, having spent the day on the airplane from Knoxville to Modesto. All went well. Bob Stromberg was outstanding, clear and impressive. He usually does some guitar and comedy stuff, but last night was a straightforward message about the abundant life in Christ. It was followed by great singing in quieter tones and devotional mood. Then a loud series of songs of praise followed by a benediction we sang to each other. Service closed at 11 PM. We began at 8:30.

Kids raised $68,000 in cash for World Relief in Congo. The change weighed in at 213 pounds of coins. Most will go for the hospital in Imeloko. I have been there and it has barely survived the tumult of the last few years but has been quiet and been staffed recently. Desperate need for medicines and equipment. It was a proud moment to see kids donate about $10 per person the last night of camp. We came away happy and satisfied that we had been blessed beyond our expectations for the conference. A big black campus policeman met me as I was going out. We had chatted a bit each night and now he came to meet me, hands outstretched, thanking us for the conference he had witnessed through the back stage curtains. "God bless you, you have made our time worth while. Blessings on your way home," he said. I saw two other U. of Tenn. police carrying Bibles as they monitored the scene from the rear of the arena.

U. of T. people were most helpful and complimentary of our kids. Problems were minimal for such a large group. One uncooperative girl was put on a bus home Monday. Several others were in a serious spiritual battle and I don't know what came of their experience. A lone girl, not from one of our churches, 17 years old and 7 1/2 months pregnant went into false labor in a hotel. She had no Covenant connection, just came on her own. She will need our prayers as she returns home. One youngster manifested symptoms of a bad case of mono but seemed to get through the last couple of days. Some scuffed knees and a few crutches popped up.

Dates have been reserved for another CHIC three years from now at U. of Tenn., but no firm financial commitments made yet. I learned that several large subsidies were given to bring in the top musical groups. One group had 26 people flying in from Texas, one nights lodging and a special meal. Didn't cost CHIC a dime. I guessed the cost was about 40 grand for their appearance. Stage lighting was the latest and most modern, all donated by a company. Would have cost many thousands to duplicate the system they provided. I counted six large consoles for instruments and lighting control.

The impact was tremendous on all who attended. It was without pressure or manipulation. The focus from beginning to end was on Jesus and his lordship of our lives. Worship dominated the musical presentations totally. It's rare I sit through a whole conference and not put mental correctives on what is happening in the program. This one had me brushing away many tears as the call to follow Christ was given.

I enjoyed my own seminars. Found myself returning a bit to the teenage mind. First seminar was a little stiff but kids were attentive. The last one was punctuated with wonderful hilarity as we hit if off well with each other. The seminar on family systems and conflict turned up a couple of very tough situations that kids wanted to talk about privately. Had a room with 47 chairs. Never less than 75 crowded in and sat in semi circles in the hall. Many others couldn't get in at all. Had a some choice conversations with several afterwards.

In three more years I may have recovered enough to try it again.