It is the last full day of camp. Any ending of an emotional, spiritual week is hard to grasp. How do we go from being surrounded by people who love us and love God to going out in the real world? I kept hearing that they didn't want the week to end. So, I challenged them not to end it; to go home changed and hold on to that change.
This morning, I went to the 2nd part of the workshop that I had led yesterday. When I got there the room was dark. I went to find out what was going on and learned that it was going to be in the afternoon instead. As people started showing up, I explained to them that it was later in the day but if they wanted to chat about their calling, I would stick around. It was mostly youth from my group so most went back to the other workshops, knowing they could chat with me anytime. On Wednesday, I felt it had gone really well. The one thing I thought about was that there were several that I wanted to talk more with. I thought they were definitely experiencing a call for ministry and I wanted to talk 1 on 1 with them. So, when the teen walked in that said he felt called to be in youth ministry, I knew it was God's answer to my prayer for him. We talked for about an hour about his life, why he feels called, and what he thinks he wants to do. He started out by describing himself the exact same way I would describe my son. We had a great conversation! As we were nearing the time to leave for morning worship, the person leading the workshop later in the day came in. He was able to talk with the teen, too, and answer some questions I couldn't. Later, after evening worship, I talked to him about being on the youth ministry team. He immediately took me to his youth leader to introduce me to him and ask him if it was ok with him. I am excited that I can continue to connect with this young person as he grows and explores his call.
Tonight's worship was powerful! People were weeping with both joy and sadness- happy for God coming in to their lives and sad for friends leaving their daily lives. It was truly amazing to see so many youth singing and praising God, worshiping together with everything they had.
I never thought lights would bring tears to my eyes. But, this week, watching the worship, I realized what an impact the lights had on the whole worship experience. And, I was so proud that my son was a part of that! He was amazing! I kept hearing from his coworkers how impressed they were with his talent. Thinking back to the beginning of the summer and of how he didn't know what to do, I am in awe of what he has created!
After worship, we went back to our lodge to talk about our week. We asked the youth where they saw God, what surprised them and impacted them. Then we asked what they were going to do differently because of their week there. Hearing their answers was a beautiful thing! By the end of our group time, they were exhausted. They fell asleep quickly.
I was out in the common area sitting in the dark just enjoying the silence and making sure they were all going to bed. Throughout the week, the late night talks with the other adults after the youth went to bed has been a great time of sharing. Tonight was no different. The other church youth leader came out and we spent a long time talking about youth ministry, life, and the week. It has been such a blessing working with people who partnered with me, supported me, and led with me this week. I am grateful for them in my life.
So, where was God today? He was in every moment of it!
Blessings,
Jennifer
This morning, I went to the 2nd part of the workshop that I had led yesterday. When I got there the room was dark. I went to find out what was going on and learned that it was going to be in the afternoon instead. As people started showing up, I explained to them that it was later in the day but if they wanted to chat about their calling, I would stick around. It was mostly youth from my group so most went back to the other workshops, knowing they could chat with me anytime. On Wednesday, I felt it had gone really well. The one thing I thought about was that there were several that I wanted to talk more with. I thought they were definitely experiencing a call for ministry and I wanted to talk 1 on 1 with them. So, when the teen walked in that said he felt called to be in youth ministry, I knew it was God's answer to my prayer for him. We talked for about an hour about his life, why he feels called, and what he thinks he wants to do. He started out by describing himself the exact same way I would describe my son. We had a great conversation! As we were nearing the time to leave for morning worship, the person leading the workshop later in the day came in. He was able to talk with the teen, too, and answer some questions I couldn't. Later, after evening worship, I talked to him about being on the youth ministry team. He immediately took me to his youth leader to introduce me to him and ask him if it was ok with him. I am excited that I can continue to connect with this young person as he grows and explores his call.
Tonight's worship was powerful! People were weeping with both joy and sadness- happy for God coming in to their lives and sad for friends leaving their daily lives. It was truly amazing to see so many youth singing and praising God, worshiping together with everything they had.
I never thought lights would bring tears to my eyes. But, this week, watching the worship, I realized what an impact the lights had on the whole worship experience. And, I was so proud that my son was a part of that! He was amazing! I kept hearing from his coworkers how impressed they were with his talent. Thinking back to the beginning of the summer and of how he didn't know what to do, I am in awe of what he has created!
After worship, we went back to our lodge to talk about our week. We asked the youth where they saw God, what surprised them and impacted them. Then we asked what they were going to do differently because of their week there. Hearing their answers was a beautiful thing! By the end of our group time, they were exhausted. They fell asleep quickly.
I was out in the common area sitting in the dark just enjoying the silence and making sure they were all going to bed. Throughout the week, the late night talks with the other adults after the youth went to bed has been a great time of sharing. Tonight was no different. The other church youth leader came out and we spent a long time talking about youth ministry, life, and the week. It has been such a blessing working with people who partnered with me, supported me, and led with me this week. I am grateful for them in my life.
So, where was God today? He was in every moment of it!
Blessings,
Jennifer
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