Whew! The birthday bash is now over, and I can take a moment to report to you that we celebrated Robert’s 40th in grand, and totally tubular 1980’s style! I had prayed about this party for months – asking that it would be fun, encouraging to Robert, and a recognition of his faithfulness in ministry all these years. It was all that and more. The Lord completely exceeded my hopes and expectations with this very special evening!

My sister, Melinda came up with my dad to help us celebrate – and also to celebrate my dad’s 70th. (see below) Here we are with Kayla in our 80’s attire – mini-skirts, legwarmers, leggings, and jellies.

Billy Idol showed up at the party (yes, Jonah truly bleached his hair for the occasion) -as well as Garth from Wayne’s World, a few mulletmen in athletic gear, and this adorable cassette tape couple below – sweet friends Dan and Sarah.

Another highlight of the evening was watching Kayla and Cooper each perform a song on stage. They have been planning this for months, but I was skeptical about whether or not they would follow through in front of a crowd. They were FEARLESS! We forgot to load Kayla’s song – Veggie Tales, “His Cheeseburger” on the computer, so she opted for a capella! (It happens to be Robert’s favorite Veggie Tales song, which is not surprising since it is a spoof of an 80’s love ballad.) She didn’t miss a beat, and got a standing ovation.

Cooper performed “The Eye of the Tiger” on his electric guitar, and got much encouragement from the crowd – singing along and clapping. They truly amazed us, and it also made us realize how much they consider our church their family and support system. What a blessing.

The grand finale of the evening was a performance of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” dance. A small group from church took it upon themselves to learn the dance and perform it along with the video as a special birthday surprise. They did an awesome job – so awesome that Robert had them perform it again after our church service on Sunday morning so more folks could enjoy their hard work!

Patrick brought the house down with his monologue/skit – “Robert Krumrey, Age 80.” He wore Robert’s clothes, and imitated Robert’s preaching by talking about Lord of the Rings, being from Texas, and his vision of multiplying church plants here in our area. He also pulled some similar sermon stunts like bashing a radio to demonstrate our brokenness, and throwing fall leaves around the room as an illustration of death. It was very funny, and a tribute all at the same time. And others also shared their thanks and encouragement with Robert at the microphone and around the room – a really wonderful time, and very thoughtful comments by all.

And then Ethan and Eric played “Happy Birthday” for Robert on guitar – 80’s style. Ethan was actually playing the gift guitar and handed it to Robert after I shared about the many people who had been a part of the gift. Then Robert led us in singing “Let Everything That Has Breath Praise the Lord.”

So many of you helped make this an amazing evening with your gifts, your prayers, your crazy costumes, cards, and encouraging words. Robert and I had dinner out last night, and he just kept expressing an amazement over the what the party meant to him and the way the Lord has blessed him and us through our many friends, and church family. He was humbled by the guitar and has been enjoying it as much as he can. I thank the Lord for this outpouring of generosity and love – and His answered prayers for a true celebration of the godly life of one of His own. Even in all of its silliness, the body of Christ was experienced in such a joyous way!

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