Wow, when I woke up this morning and peered out the bus window, I thought I was staring at a flying saucer! The University of Illinois’ arena is really unique… looks like it was built in the late sixties and has the appearance of an old 1950’s sci-fi thriller UFO! Did you know that it is a perfect circle? Usually arenas are ovals, so the U of I arena is really special. But what makes this arena special to me is not the make up of the structure, but history it holds for my family. Let me explain. My parents grew up in Illinois and my Dad was an all-American wrestler. In both his Junior and Senior years in high school, he won back-to-back state championships and, as it would happen, this arena is the very same arena those championships were held in! So, for my dad, it’s pretty cool to be back here again, 30 years later… only this time, cheering me on! (btw, he says the place hasn’t changed a bit. Lol.) Another awesome thing about being in Champaign is that I got to spend the entire day with my cousin, Jamie, who attends the U of I. He was kind of blown away with Winter Jam in general and couldn’t believe that a Christian concert could fill an arena this size. (If he only knew how many arenas we’ve had to turn people away because of capacity!) He was totally cheering me on and I’m so glad that he came because he isn’t saved and as cool as it was for me to have my cousin see my set, I was way more pumped about him hearing the gospel. See, at Winter Jam the gospel is clearly given every night by our speaker, Tony Nolan. I mean, Tony doesn’t hold out. It’s all about Christ! I’m just praying that the Lord would soften my cousin’s heart and show him his need for repentance through the acts and testimonies tonight.
Earlier today the Tenth Avenue North guys and I got talking. We are trying to figure out a way that we can get some friendly, basketball competition going. Whaaaaaa-haaaaa-haaaaa. (That’s my evil laugh…) They obviously haven’t thought through the fact that I’m 10 years younger than they are! So in the future, you may be hearing here about some big b-ball games. Anyway, tonight went fantastic. I had so much fun. Everyone on the tour is great. There’s a lot of unity developing with everyone.
I’ll talk to y’all tomorrow and I’ll let you know how Jam Church goes! Oh, and by the way, did you know that the king of hearts is the only king without a mustache?
Robert
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