Tears of joy flowed last night as many students found new freedom in their personal walks with God. It really is amazing to see the journey on a daily basis.
We let the students sleep in until 6:30 am this morning! I know parents are laughing, and can't imagine how this would be a treat. But, it was! We were all grateful for the rest.
This morning we walked through what forgiveness looks like. We focused on the truth of deep heart forgiveness that begins with a journey of restitution. We gave the students opportunities to contact people they needed to repair relationships with and many of them made calls. Over the years, we have learned that this is an important part of preparing hearts for service.
The afternoon flew by as we practiced skills groups one last time and started dinner prep. You know it's meal time when you hear the cook crews yelling “hot pot” as they carry a pots to the cook areas. It's really a sight to behold.
Tonight they were singing “How Great is Our God” so loud that you could hear it almost a mile away. (I know, we were driving with our windows open!!!) Isn't that fun? Voices lifted up and students from across the country crying out to God for more.
One thing missing from my posts is the deep life change stories. Believe me, they are happening. I was sharing with a staff member that it can be hard to craft these posts in a way that captures how BIG God's footprints are while still protecting the sacred journey of the students. And, I've arrived at this conclusion…..most of the students here are walking with the Lord and ready to get on the plane and start serving right now. They are solid in their faith, they have come to peace with any life issues that are present and they want to make an impact in the world for Christ. They are ready for missions!
The remaining students are hurting and processing very deep and personal life experiences and wrestling with God. It is good, deep, rich processing. And, it's not my story…..so, I will allow them to share their story, in their time and in their own voice. Many of those students are the ones that email me years later and share about how that summer in a tent fighting it out with God radically changed their life. I can wait for that story. Can you?
Each year there is a “flavor”. This year…it's a thick mix of worship, prayer and anticipation. We sense God preparing these students for very special opportunities overseas. We don't know who they will meet or what situations they will encounter, but, we know it will be life changing.
Saturday, June 27, 2009….Open House…see you there….we're waiting for you!!!
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