High School Winter Retreat - Part 2

Good Morning from Tennessee!

We had an amazing Sunday here at the Strength to Stand Conference.  We started the morning with worship led by Matt Papa.  Students had to learn a few songs (Matt writes most of the music and lyrics that he sings) but it wasn't long before they were in full swing worshipping Jesus Christ.  The morning session was led by Joey Hill.  He challenged our students with a good illustration: If your life was a computer link that immediately redirected people to what you are all about, what would they find if they clicked the link?

Yesterday afternoon we spent some time in Gatlinburg, walking through shops and interacting with some of the other students who were in town for the multiple conferences that are happening in this area.  We left it time to get to the hotel and catch the first half of the Falcons game.  Not the most spiritual part of our weekend, but important nonetheless... :-)

In our evening sessions we were again led by Matt Papa who challenged our students to consider giving God the praise that He deserves because of his life, death, and resurrection.  We heard from speaker Brent Crowe, who is vice-president of Student Leadership University.  He posed the question, "What would you attempt for the glory of God if you knew that you could not fail?"

After a brief intermission, there was concert by rap artist Trip Lee whose lyrics create a unique worship experience.  Then David Nassar brought a message on Psalm 1:6, in which he challenged students to consider that the people they know and love are heading for the real eternal destinations the Bible describes: heaven or hell.  This reality should cause us to live differently.

During our church debrief time it was clear that God is moving in the hearts and lives of our students.  Students shared taking specific steps in living for the Lord with greater passion when they come home. We talked about not be a youth group that is a high-school-aged babysitting service, or a youth ministry that solely ministers to ourselves, but reaching out as students on mission to see lives changed by the Gospel.  Students broke into groups and prayed for specific people they could share their faith with when they arrive home.

We have had an incredible weekend so far.  As we head into the last day of our retreat pray that the commitments students are making would stick once they arrive home.  Pray for our safety and wise decisions as we head out to the slopes.  Pray for safe travels as we come home tonight!

We will see you all around 9:30pm tonight!

Steve