Church Retreat

Awesome worship. Inspiring messages. Rappin' to the beats. Bonfires. Testimonies. Lives being changed. Good laughs and conversations. Being crazy. Late nights. Thank you Jesus for an amazing weekend! Let me just say...I love the youth at our church. They are so much fun and bring joy to my life :)

One of the most memorable times was during worship...I saw one of the youth with her hands covering her face and asked if I could pray with her. She's had a rough time with forgiveness and accepting God's love, but praise the LORD she re-committed her life to Christ. Reminds me of the parable of the lost son..."For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found. So they began to celebrate." -Luke 17:24. I bet they were throwing a party in Heaven!

We performed at the All Saint's Got Talent show too...singing "Light of the World" in different languages (Japanese, Welsh, German, French, Mandarin) and our Girls 4 God Band performing "Your Love Never Fails" with guitar, drums, and keyboard. So proud of them! Paul and Simon (Pastors of our church), Jonny, Jonatan, and Tom were brilliant serenading us...reminded me of Backstreet Boys.

Kev, our speaker was so encouraging and inspiring! He's a Northern Ireland rapper from 29th chapter...Christian rap! Reflections/questions to think about...

1. There is a power in STORYTELLING.

• Jesus told stories and parables.
• It's not our own life...we are apart of God's BIG story.
• As the moon reflects the sun's light, we need to reflect Jesus' light and love to the world.
• When I'm 60 years old, what do I want my life to look like? I want to live a life of love, pour into youth, have a family, and travel the world.
• Do I care too much what people think of me? GOD>people

2. Agent of Peace

• Let's be peace makers.
• Jesus looks people in the eye, carries people, and touches people. He lives a life of LOVE.
• We are called to be His hands, feet, and walk where He walked.
  
• We need to give him the keys to our cars...let Him drive and take you places. Even when we don't want to go somewhere, He knows what's best for us.
  

3. You are LOVED.

• Psalm 139...the hairs on our head are counted by Him.
• Seek SHALOM: wholeness, peace, hope
• Church is not something we go to...I AM THE CHURCH.
• We need to love people God puts in our life...we should not feel pressured to convert them.
• Jesus makes BEAUTY in brokenness.