|
|
|
|
|
|
Youth Retreat at Quaker Lake
December Newsletter:
A group of youth traveled to Quaker Lake this past weekend for a weekend retreat. We looked up Bible verses, participated in group discussions, and we listened to a video about materialism and how we don’t need to base our lives on “things.” Instead, we can try to load our lives with Godly actions and giving to others. Later that evening, we, of course, involved ourselves in a crazy, disgusting, and very messy game with food, which undoubtedly, turned into a full fledged food fight! (the game was initially expected to take place outside of the old lodge, but I suppose that part of the plan was misinterpreted!) I couldn’t help but sit back and notice how much fun everyone was having together. I watched the youth laugh and give each other encouragement. They were making plans to “get” somebody with a plate full of whipped cream. They were telling secrets, giggling, and having fun together. (How could I stop the craziness when they were having so much fun?!) At the end of the fight, we had tator tots and whipped cream everywhere! After a few minutes, all the youth looked at the mess, then at me, and said, “we’ll clean up.” Five minutes later, all the youth had found a broom, and they began working together to clean. They started wiping up whipped cream, sweeping up tator tots, and washing the dishes we had used during dinner. The group participated in the cleaning jobs together, and it was exciting for me to see how much they cared about the lodge, each other, and me.
I sat in church on Sunday and listened to the service, and the service completed the most perfect message to end the youth retreat weekend. Katie spoke about giving to the less fortunate, practicing Godly actions, and using our lives to bring others’ to Jesus. This message confirmed the youth retreat message to not allow our lives to be based on “material things.” Katie’s message, Ray’s sermon, Belinda’s sermon, and the shoebox dedication ceremony flowed together in the most perfect way…. God sure does work in amazing ways! |
|
|
|
|
|
|