We started off by meeting back at the church around 8AM. Everyone
reported an amazing night with amazing hosts, the believers definitely spoiled
all of us. Brother Doug Baker, the pastor of the church in Tucson, was our tour
guide for the day. The kids adored him and listened intently to the stories he
had to tell. Sabino Canyon was on the agenda and we stocked lots of water and
(most of us) applied lots of sunscreen. The hike was amazing as Brother Doug
pointed out the sights of Brother Branham. The eagle written in rock, the
sword, the formations of the four creatures, and pulpit rock was all something
the kids just thought amazing. To go through the bus and ask everyone what they
enjoyed about Sabino canyon took hours it seemed: for everyone it was like a
step in it all being more real. For some to walk where Brother Branham walked,
and see what he saw, and to be where he was. And as Israel would way “It was all
like a little confirmation, very very very nice.” The views off of pulpit rock
were spectacular and hearings of “Wow our God is awesome…” was heard throughout
the whole day. Some of the girls, namely Rachel and Victoria, got a brutal
sunburn, yet smiled through it all anyways J Joseph
Hildebrandt and Nathan Naber got quite the burn on their necks, which happened
to be the only place they HAD put sunscreen. The weather was definitely
something the kids weren’t used to. Sister Sally broke her phone (which was
updating the parents regularly) and a few people got some friendly hugs from
the cactuses. As we piled back into the bus, they all conked out for the 30
minute drive to Brother Branham’s den. Brother Branham’s grandson was an
awesome tour guide and answered all the questions the kids had. The kids
couldn’t put their cameras down or keep their mouths from continuously gaping
open. As one student said, “It was crazy to see THE VERY CARIBOU that had the
story that involved OUR pastor.” Brother Doug reminded us through the whole day
that this all was about each one of us, and yes, it did involve Brother
Branham’s life but it does have a special meaning personally for the people the
prophet were sent to, which was US! The ultimate statement after visiting the
den was, “It’s so cool to finally see all the things we have heard stories
about.” For the evening, it was planned to have a banquet with some of the
youth from the Tucson church. The anticipation was high and the kids couldn’t
wait! The evening couldn’t have been more perfect. The young people all blended
every well and later on in the evening a few of CBW young men were able to
share their testimonies to encourage. Brother Ale Peterson, who had been in
Brother Branham’s meetings, gave his testimony of when his wife went through
the prayer line. He had everyone’s attention and kept the young people laughing
seemed the whole time. He spoke highly of Brother Byskal and the young people
agreed “He was totally awesome.” Lots of pictures and goodbyes, another late
night, till we meet again. The believers in Tucson definitely have a special
place in our hearts.