“You do not have, because you do not ask.” These powerful words written by God through the Apostle James were evidenced during the Secondary Tall Timber Retreat a few weeks ago. All students in grades 7-12 had to enter the lunch room at the Tall Timber facility 30 minutes before eating due to the air quality index reaching about 450. Although I’ve only been in Wenatchee around 3 months, most people I asked said this high number is rarely seen. We had already pulled students inside for the previous hour or so and were worried we’d have to remain inside—or worse, leave the beautiful Tall Timber Ranch (see photos below, taken before the worst of the smoke rolled in).
After consulting a few parents and key staff members, I decided everyone would drive to Lake Wenatchee, where the air quality was “safe” and hope that by early evening the levels would be healthy. The director of the camp said that although it was unlikely the levels would drop 300 points in 5 hours, it was possible.
In the hustle and bustle of working through this situation, a faithful parent reminded me that we need to pray sooner rather than later. At that very moment, I addressed the group of 15 or so parents and staff and led them in prayer that God would immediately improve the air quality and allow TRA to stay at Tall timber. (Yet not our will, but the Lord’s will be done.)
The lunch was served to the energetic and thrilled secondary students. The meal concluded with the challenging announcement that we may not be able to stay at Tall Timber for the reminder of the week. Although the students were visibly upset, they all understood that God’s word commands our “yes to be yes and our no to be no,” and if we told parents who we partner with that students would not go outside in dangerous air quality levels, then we can not stay at Tall Timber.
Slightly deflated students entered chapel time to sing praises to God and here Pastor David faithfully challenged everyone present from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. As the truths of God’s word rang clear in our listening ears, moving our hearts, an F16 flew over us, shaking our bodies. (The US armed forces have flying practice in the Tall Timber area.)
It was like the difference between night and day. This photo was taken after lunch at Tall Timber.
After chapel ended, Mrs. Koempel had the pleasure of making the announcement that in just under two hours, the air quality index dropped over 300 points and was now safe to be outside and continue the Tall Timber team-building experience. Cheers of joy flooded the room, easily competing with the earlier aircraft rattle.
We asked for a miracle of healthy air quality in such a short time, and God answered. Praise God!
Do you, as parents, want to approach the throne of God with boldness regarding needs at TRA? Do you know of grandparents who want to do the same?
The 2nd and 4th Tuesday and Wednesday of each month from 8am-9am will be a time for parents and grandparents to meet at TRA to pray. (Ladies Tuesday and men on Wednesday starting 10/10 & 10/11 - this will also be on the school calendar linked in RenWeb) Two grandparents of alumni and of current grandchildren at TRA will be leading this time. I plead with you to consider joining this “Sweet Hour of Prayer,” that God may continue to bless TRA.
Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
thy wings shall my petition bear
to him whose truth and faithfulness
engage the waiting soul to bless.
And since he bids me seek his face,
believe his word, and trust his grace,
I'll cast on him my every care,
and wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!
~W.W. Walford
-In Christ,
Mike Picciottoli, TRA Head of School
