Now Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest, and asked for letters from him to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, both men and women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. As he was traveling, it happened that he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him; ' 'and he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” Acts 9:1-4

Do you have a favorite drive? Or maybe a favorite place to go? Since 1991 my favorite drive would take me to my favorite place, NOSOCA Pines Ranch.

NOSOCA is our church camp for the Carolina Conference. It is strategically located between Columbia SC and Charlotte NC. I worked there four summers as a Camp Counselor and eight months as a Task Force Camp Ranger.

I have done the drive so often, even now in my mind, I see those familiar landmarks which dictated my route. Miles of red dirt, twists, and turns, the landscape dotted with houses and farms until you finally make a right turn at the little Liberty Hill Post Office onto Singleton Creek Road. This turn marks the last five miles. Just thinking about the drive makes me smile even now.

Acts Chapter 9 unfolds for us the experience Saul has with Christ on the road to
Damascus. Hit with a blinding light knocked to the ground, Saul hears the voice of Jesus and he knows this is for real. Saul will never be the same.

Like my drive to camp, I believe Saul and those with him that day could never again walk the road to Damascus and not feel something special. God gives us these moments and places as anchors to our relationship with Him. We may not be knocked to the ground but encountering Jesus is always life changing.

Remember those moments and those places which anchor you to Jesus.

—Pastor Jackie