Last Sunday, we were in Columbia Falls, MT driving out from Glacier, and came across a pleasant surprise along the main road. Over twenty faith-based billboards were visible to us, boldly proclaiming Jesus and the truth of God’s Word. Of course, we couldn’t just drive by without checking it out, so we pulled into the 10 Commandment Park and were greeted by Scott Troske, the man in charge of the park. Looking for all the world like a real Montana cowboy in his boots, jeans and hat, he interrupted his flower-watering to greet us warmly. Inquiring about this fascinating park, we learned that it was started many years ago by a Christian couple who love the Lord and want to reach others for Christ. They personally funded the building of the park, all the signs, the welcome center, the merchandise, etc…
Mr. Troske took us into the park’s welcome center. We were in awe of all the car magnets, shirts, baseball caps, beanies and so much more contained in that one small building. In one room, there is a replica of the Ark of the Covenant, and if a child can remember what the Israelites kept inside the Ark, they earn a free magnet. Our little boys each earned a magnet this way…although, to be honest, Mr. Troske kindly gave them some clues and allowed big people to help them. Those of us in the family who are drivers had fun picking out some magnets for our cars back home (or the car we haven’t yet bought, in my case). Many of our magnets currently decorate the front of good ol’ Kram-A-Lot Inn, until we get back home and can distribute them to our respective vehicles.
Collectively, we also grabbed some beanies, baseball caps, and t-shirts while at the 10 Commandment Park. We are excited to be able to proclaim Jesus wherever we go. (Extra reader points to anyone who can find the t-shirts when they show up in a future post…they won’t be obvious at all [please note the intended sarcasm, LOL]) As a hat-girl, I’ve been loving the newest additions to my wardrobe, particularly as none of my other hats have any special meaning to them the way these do.
We also picked up Mr. Troske’s book that he wrote called Waiting. He shared with us that he has a very difficult background, which included many years in prison. He became a Christian though, and completed a seminary degree while in prison. He went on to become a missionary and traveling preacher for many years, before settling into Montana and working at the Ten Commandment Park. The book is about his life and conversion to Christ. It’s up next for evening family read-aloud time (at least for the parents and older four) after we finish the “God’s Cowboy” book we were gifted in Medora by Pastor Jules.
Since it was Sunday morning when we visited the Ten Commandment Park, Mr. Troske was heading to church. He invited us to follow he and his wife, Dianna, to their little country Baptist church for worship service. We walked in a few minutes late, and needless to say, you can’t sneak a family our size into a church that size…so everyone knew we had arrived...Ugh. The sermon was wonderful and very convicting. Here’s a few key phrases that stuck with me, along with my thoughts on them:
1.) We are called to be soldier’s, not negotiators. Soldiers don’t argue with their captains or try to find a compromise. They hear their orders, and they obey. We are called to hear God’s orders and obey…immediately. How easy it is to forget this or ignore it when God tells us (in His Word or through prayer) to do something we don’t want to do or feel comfortable doing.
2.) Jesus always fights the hardest, messiest part of the battle. As God’s soldiers, we will be involved in many battles, but in every single one, Jesus will be there fighting the worst of it. In fact, he has already fought and won the hardest battle of all, over sin and death.
3.) Our body is a great servant, but a terrible master. We can do great things when our flesh is subjected to the Holy Spirit, but when our flesh rules, things won’t go well. “For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” (Galatians 6:8) “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.” Romans 8:5
To view and purchase magnets and/or banners from this wonderful ministry, click here
Until next time, God bless!
Whoa, that looks awesome! What a fun way to minister---and I love the sermon notes too! (And I totally feel you about sneaking a large family into church XD)