Last week, I was at a conference. I enjoyed a week of very little internet. Unplugging was an added bonus to an already great week.
I was there as part of the youth ministry team- a group of teens representing youth from churches all over the state. They chose to spend the beginning of their summer vacation talking about church business, God, and what the church should be doing. So, that should give you an idea of how awesome they are.
The theme of the conference was an outwardly focused church. So, that gave us a lot to think about and talk about. But, even more to do! A worship time designed to be open to the community, both business people, families, and homeless, as well as conference attendees, both from our conference and others at the convention center, was an exciting event! Music, food, activities for all, and balloons showered the street! When I looked at all the pictures I took, I noticed balloons everwhere and it made me smile. Some of the youth were at times a little squirrelly. But, when it came time to hand out postcards and balloons to welcome and invite people, they were so excited! They loved being able to share God with others. Sometimes, we share God by talking about Him, sometimes by service, and then, by being welcoming, accepting, and loving to all. So, those red balloons represented God's love to all.
One girl was experiencing her first conference, maybe even her first youth event. When it was time for her to eat, tears welled in her eyes. Yes, she was hungry. But, she saw others who were probably so much hungrier. She couldn't help but be pulled to help. She gave up her lunch to give to someone who would have otherwise been hungry. I think that was a lesson God had planned for both of them. She needed that experience to help her understand the compassion and love for another, and the other person probably didn't expect someone so young to be the one to help him that day. I think we all can learn some things from both perspectives of this story.
One of the youth volunteered to be a prayer person. I think that's pretty awesome considering there are even a lot of adults who would not be very comfortable having random people come up to you for prayers.
Another group went around passing out postcard invitations to the community. While walking, they had conversations with some homeless people and ended up taking them for lunch. The youth had an experience I doubt they will ever forget. One of the youth shared with me that she now realized that the homeless have stories to tell, they have lives and reasons why they are there. And, homelessness became real to her, the people became real to her. This valuable lessen will shape the way these girls treat people from now on.
The people along the street had a chance to engage in conversations with friends and strangers, listen to Christian music, and have a great time in a positive Christian environment. The weather was beautiful. There was an abundance of food options. And, most importantly, God was there!
So, where was God today? Without a doubt, He was loving worship on Georgia Street.
blessings,
Jennifer
I was there as part of the youth ministry team- a group of teens representing youth from churches all over the state. They chose to spend the beginning of their summer vacation talking about church business, God, and what the church should be doing. So, that should give you an idea of how awesome they are.
The theme of the conference was an outwardly focused church. So, that gave us a lot to think about and talk about. But, even more to do! A worship time designed to be open to the community, both business people, families, and homeless, as well as conference attendees, both from our conference and others at the convention center, was an exciting event! Music, food, activities for all, and balloons showered the street! When I looked at all the pictures I took, I noticed balloons everwhere and it made me smile. Some of the youth were at times a little squirrelly. But, when it came time to hand out postcards and balloons to welcome and invite people, they were so excited! They loved being able to share God with others. Sometimes, we share God by talking about Him, sometimes by service, and then, by being welcoming, accepting, and loving to all. So, those red balloons represented God's love to all.
One girl was experiencing her first conference, maybe even her first youth event. When it was time for her to eat, tears welled in her eyes. Yes, she was hungry. But, she saw others who were probably so much hungrier. She couldn't help but be pulled to help. She gave up her lunch to give to someone who would have otherwise been hungry. I think that was a lesson God had planned for both of them. She needed that experience to help her understand the compassion and love for another, and the other person probably didn't expect someone so young to be the one to help him that day. I think we all can learn some things from both perspectives of this story.
One of the youth volunteered to be a prayer person. I think that's pretty awesome considering there are even a lot of adults who would not be very comfortable having random people come up to you for prayers.
Another group went around passing out postcard invitations to the community. While walking, they had conversations with some homeless people and ended up taking them for lunch. The youth had an experience I doubt they will ever forget. One of the youth shared with me that she now realized that the homeless have stories to tell, they have lives and reasons why they are there. And, homelessness became real to her, the people became real to her. This valuable lessen will shape the way these girls treat people from now on.
The people along the street had a chance to engage in conversations with friends and strangers, listen to Christian music, and have a great time in a positive Christian environment. The weather was beautiful. There was an abundance of food options. And, most importantly, God was there!
So, where was God today? Without a doubt, He was loving worship on Georgia Street.
blessings,
Jennifer
No comments:
Post a Comment