I’m calling it a night for day four.

This has been another awesome day.

We started the morning off by talking about how to sustain and support our faith…thereby producing the strength and courage needed to let our lights shine. I spoke about the need to get plugged into a Christian community that will help build us up and spur us on. We focused on Acts 2:42-47. This passage bears light on the things the early church found vitally crucial to life, health, and survival. I challenged the students to make commitments to build these things into their lives.

This evening, we had a powerful session that started with a beautiful song and a video that had statistics about world hunger and poverty. We then went into a pilgrimage where the students went to different stations to hear about injustice, oppression, and genocide around the globe. We returned to the auditorium and I focused on how one person can truly make a difference in the world…that if one person fed one hungry person they will have made a major difference. We looked at Hebrews 11-12:3 as examples of how God can use one person to bring about significant change.

Then, I stirred up a bit of controlled-chaotic-praise. I asked the students if they would become filled with a “holy roar” that says “enough is enough…no more.” I asked if they would let their lights shine? They apathetically said “yes.” So, I encouraged them to say it like they meant it…and they did. But, that still wasn’t enough. I told them I expected loud cheers, high-fives, and chest bumps. And, they went crazy.

Then I pulled them back and said, “You know, that’s great. But, the thing is, if our passion dies out when we get home we’ve missed the point. If we get home and don’t do any thing to help bring about change in our world, then we have wasted our week.”

That was followed with a powerful time of worship through song.

Tomorrow is our last day of services and we’ll return home on Friday. I’m excited about what tomorrow may bring!

I know that we’re already in the midst of day four, but…due to a slow wi-fi connection it has been difficult to post anything.
Yesterday was a pretty incredible day. Our general sessions went well. I felt pretty good about things (feeling good isn’t the point…but it is nice confirmation).
We had a powerful light-bearing element to end our evening session. I spoke about letting our lights shine in the way we care for others. We then challenged the students to let their lights shine and invited them to light a candle if they desired to declare “I want to let my light shine.” There were a lot of candles burning. It was powerful.
I joined our students for their evening prayer and share. It was cool to hear what God is doing in the lives of some of the students attending That Thing. God is good and really is working and moving in the lives of the students gathered here.

Well, day two has come to a close. I’m calling it a night a bit earlier this evening.

The morning session felt pretty good. Got to spend time running around camp, visiting folks, and hanging out with friends this afternoon.

This evening felt a bit awkward, but I think it ended well. The band talked about feeling a bit of disconnect from the kids. I felt that too. But, in the end, God moved and worked in the lives of the students.

I was asked to extend an altar call this evening. In doing this, I felt a need to be sensitive and not try and force or manipulate any kind of desired response. I didn’t want to give a “do step one, step two, step three, and then you’re saved, recommitted, or just fine.” I wanted to create a time where students could just get honest with God…whether they came forward, stayed in their seats, or went to a prayer station. That may have been confusing for some…but, in the end, I think it all worked out.

We followed the altar call with communion. Now, this was weird for me. Students and leaders were prayring…as I walked out to move us towards communion a couple of kids came forward with their leader…and I just felt odd trying to close out the moment in order to move forward. So, a little of improvisation allowed us a bit more time…we ended up serving communion as some were still praying…and ended with a time of worship through song. I’ll probably suggest that they shift the order of communion and the altar call.

I’m looking forward to day three!

Well, it’s 11:57pm and I’m calling it a night!

Day one of That Thing is over.

Overall, I think it went okay. It was pretty nerve-racking. Those who know me could easily read the nerves. But, now that I have one general session under my belt, I’m feeling better about the whole thing…more relaxed.

Going into this evenings session, I had no idea what to expect. Let me just say that the media and atmosphere is pretty incredible. The worship band is great. There are lots of elements that make the worship experience truly unique.

I’m thrilled to have Emily and Sammie here with me. Sammie wanted out of the auditorium as soon as the band started. Too dark and too loud for her little three year old ears. Emily had to rush her out as she was screaming at the top of her lungs.

Hopefully we can work her into the session after the music is finished.

Keep praying for me!

Sunday at 8pm will be my first general session of That Thing. I’m pumped! I feel about as prepared as I can…going into something new like this! The week will be an incredible journey of helping people experience, accept, grow in, and live out the love of God.

For those of you who are the praying type, I invite you to pray for me throughout the week. We will have general sessions at 9:30am and 8pm each day (Thursday evenings general session will start at 7pm). I’d ask that you would pray for me each day at 9:30am and 8pm (7pm on Thursday). I’d ask that you pray that I would be sensitive to the guidance and leading of the Spirit. I ask that you pray that I would speak boldly when necessary and speak with grace when needed. I ask that you pray that I would have a clear focus in my speaking…that I would have clarity of mind, heart, soul, and strength. I ask that you would pray that I have the strength and energy needed.

I also ask that you would pray for the students, leaders, and staff who will be joining us for our general sessions. Pray that the students, leaders, and staff would experience an outpouring of God’s love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, peace, hope, and joy. Pray that the students, leaders, and staff would experience an undeniable move of the Holy Spirit. Pray that the students, leaders, and staff would have open minds and open hearts. Pray that those who tend to take on a negative attitude would be filled with positivity and get on board with the program. Pray that those things that might distract all of us from experiencing what God desires would just fall aside.

Especially pray for Monday’s general sessions. Monday evening will be a service of communion and commitment. This will be an opportunity for students, leaders, and staff to say, “Yes, Lord, I am yours”…whether for the first time or in order to restore relationships with God.

Also pray that all of the events of That Thing (cabin interactions and devotions, daily activities and events) would help draw students, leaders, and staff closer to God and one another.

Thank you for your prayers!