The "Meeting of a Celebrity" Story

It was an ordinary day. "The Shack" Day. It was held at Lancaster Bible College and was sponsored by the Parish Resource Center. My wife, Carol, works at the Parish Resource Center in Lancaster, PA. The PRC is a subscription-based, non-sectarian, not-for-profit educational institution that provides trained consultants who provide professional guidance and support at the center, online, or by phone. They also feature professionally led seminars and workshops by national church leaders and have a comprehensive library of cutting edge resource materials. Building is really neat with a very modern design to it. For 18 months she has been working for this day. William Paul Young, the author of the best seller "The Shack" is talking about his book and his life. And the PRC is sponsoring the event as a means to raise money to help it continue their mission. And, to keep Carol working. Carol designed the tri-fold color program for the evening's program, sold tickets, sent out emails, etc. to help with the event. Over 780 people showed up for the program this evening. Carol's boss, Dave L., asked if I would take photos of the evening. I was pleased to have the opportunity to take photos of the gathering before the program as well as the program itself. I got to meet and talk to Paul and have my photo taken with him. During his presentation I shot more than 100 photos of him and the audience. The audience sat for an hour listening to Paul's life journey and his adventures of faith lived one day at a time. After his story came an hour long question and answer session and then a book signing. I think that about a third of the people in the audience got in line to have their book signed and share a hug and storywith Paul. "The Shack" was a storywritten for his six children, with no thought or intention to publish it. How he had it published and how it became a best seller is indeed a very interesting and humorous story. Which makes me believe that there may still be hope for "Extraordinary Stories From An Ordinary Guy." It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy. PS - Photos from top are: Copy of "The Shack" at the gathering at supper, Paul enjoying the meal, Paul and me, audience at the Lancaster Bible College, Paul making a point during his talk, and the line during the book signing at the end of the evening. PPS - Make sure you read tomorrow's story to see how the evening really ended!!