Just getting back to life after a weekend retreat with our high school students. The weekend was based on John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. It is always amazing to me how God works through a weekend devoted to Him. Our students grew closer to Him through scheduled program kind of stuff. But some of the most significant growth came during informal times playing basketball and hanging out in our cabins; relationships grew, some were reconciled. Pete, Nicole and Patrick did an awesome job being there for the kids and serving them. What an amazing gift those three are to me. Pete's musical gifts and his cool gentle spirit that totally disarms kids so they can be real, Nicole's heart to see kids grow closer to God and Patrick's servant heart and can-do attitude make this ministry.
We tried something new for our group. We don't usually use written prayers in church or in our youth ministry programs. But I found a couple that really fit well with the weekend. In our time together on Sunday morning we also used one of the confessional prayers from the Episcopal Book of Common prayer. It will be interesting to hear the kids feedback on using "canned" prayers.
Our challenge now is to follow with kids and help them apply whatever it is they learned on the weekend to real life. Lord, help us to be there for them.
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my reflections, ramblings, and somewhat deep thoughts
