What Happens When a Church Invests in the Next Generation

This has been so fun. I haven't been to This has been so fun. I haven't been to camp in like 20 years. Uh they should camp in like 20 years. Uh they should camp in like 20 years. Uh they should charge they should charge the charge they should charge the charge they should charge the volunteers. Free is way too good of a volunteers. Free is way too good of a volunteers. Free is way too good of a value. We have a really cool kids value. We have a really cool kids value. We have a really cool kids program and they get to dive in for a program and they get to dive in for a program and they get to dive in for a few hours every week. This is a few few hours every week. This is a few few hours every week. This is a few days. And so I think that saturation days. And so I think that saturation days. And so I think that saturation they get over a long period of time, they get over a long period of time, they get over a long period of time, it's just awesome. You can't replicate it's just awesome. You can't replicate it's just awesome. You can't replicate it. You can't do it any other way. Um, it. You can't do it any other way. Um, it. You can't do it any other way. Um, camp is very unique. So it's really camp is very unique. So it's really camp is very unique. So it's really cool. cool. cool. >> 5 minutes. >> The goal here is just to bring these >> The goal here is just to bring these kids closer to God. I mean, and if we kids closer to God. I mean, and if we kids closer to God. I mean, and if we can do that through a little activity can do that through a little activity can do that through a little activity and a little fun, so be it, man. and a little fun, so be it, man. and a little fun, so be it, man. [cheering] [cheering] [cheering] >> The world hits you hard. Doesn't matter >> The world hits you hard. Doesn't matter >> The world hits you hard. Doesn't matter what age you're at. If you can't teach what age you're at. If you can't teach what age you're at. If you can't teach them young, good morality, good them young, good morality, good them young, good morality, good character, good faith, someone's going character, good faith, someone's going character, good faith, someone's going to teach them something different. And to teach them something different. And to teach them something different. And so I'd like to catch them first, if you so I'd like to catch them first, if you so I'd like to catch them first, if you know what I mean. know what I mean. know what I mean. >> I want this to be one of the greatest >> I want this to be one of the greatest >> I want this to be one of the greatest weeks of your life. But second, and more weeks of your life. But second, and more weeks of your life. But second, and more importantly, importantly, importantly, I want you to experience God in a way I want you to experience God in a way I want you to experience God in a way that you never have before.

that you never have before. that you never have before. Here's the main point for the entire Here's the main point for the entire Here's the main point for the entire week. God has a plan for me, week. God has a plan for me, week. God has a plan for me, for I know the plans I have for you. for I know the plans I have for you. for I know the plans I have for you. Everyone say, "Plans," Everyone say, "Plans," Everyone say, "Plans," >> declares the Lord. >> declares the Lord. >> declares the Lord. >> So far, Next Level Summer Camp has been >> So far, Next Level Summer Camp has been >> So far, Next Level Summer Camp has been amazing. the main point of worship last amazing. the main point of worship last amazing. the main point of worship last [music] night makes me feel stronger [music] night makes me feel stronger [music] night makes me feel stronger because um I'm really short even though because um I'm really short even though because um I'm really short even though I'm 10. [music] But um I keep on trying I'm 10. [music] But um I keep on trying I'm 10. [music] But um I keep on trying to do all the fun stuff like football, to do all the fun stuff like football, to do all the fun stuff like football, basketball, and all those sports where basketball, and all those sports where basketball, and all those sports where you kind of need to be tall for. So I you kind of need to be tall for. So I you kind of need to be tall for. So I just try to make the best of my just try to make the best of my just try to make the best of my shortness. shortness. shortness. I already know God has a plan for me I already know God has a plan for me I already know God has a plan for me because when I was super [music] young, because when I was super [music] young, because when I was super [music] young, I was really sad because my life wasn't I was really sad because my life wasn't I was really sad because my life wasn't really going the way how I wanted it to really going the way how I wanted it to really going the way how I wanted it to go. But my uh grandma, she said, "God go. But my uh grandma, she said, "God go. But my uh grandma, she said, "God has a plan for you." [music] I still has a plan for you." [music] I still has a plan for you." [music] I still remember that to this day, and it just remember that to this day, and it just remember that to this day, and it just really been helping me out through life.

VBS has been like a great experience for VBS has been like a great experience for me because I get to help out with the me because I get to help out with the me because I get to help out with the younger kids that are still learning younger kids that are still learning younger kids that are still learning about God. about God. about God. >> I like that it's like a place where you >> I like that it's like a place where you >> I like that it's like a place where you can worship and like have fun [music] at can worship and like have fun [music] at can worship and like have fun [music] at the same time. I like it because we get the same time. I like it because we get the same time. I like it because we get to learn more about Jesus and like it's to learn more about Jesus and like it's to learn more about Jesus and like it's a great time to worship and we get to a great time to worship and we get to a great time to worship and we get to play a lot of fun games and yeah, we can play a lot of fun games and yeah, we can play a lot of fun games and yeah, we can also make a lot of new friends. also make a lot of new friends. also make a lot of new friends. >> What I like about it is probably >> What I like about it is probably >> What I like about it is probably um the worship and the games that they um the worship and the games that they um the worship and the games that they do and just my group how fun it is. do and just my group how fun it is. do and just my group how fun it is. >> I don't know. I just like all of it. >> I don't know. I just like all of it. >> I don't know. I just like all of it. We've been learning like we were made We've been learning like we were made We've been learning like we were made perfectly in his [music] image and that perfectly in his [music] image and that perfectly in his [music] image and that he died for our sins and he wasn't like he died for our sins and he wasn't like he died for our sins and he wasn't like ghine I'll do it. He was like willingly ghine I'll do it. He was like willingly ghine I'll do it. He was like willingly did it. did it. did it. >> I did give my [music] life to Christ >> I did give my [music] life to Christ >> I did give my [music] life to Christ because he's helped me through harder because he's helped me through harder because he's helped me through harder times. I still wanted to stand up and times. I still wanted to stand up and times. I still wanted to stand up and show people not to be afraid. I want to show people not to be afraid. I want to show people not to be afraid. I want to get baptized because I just kind of want get baptized because I just kind of want get baptized because I just kind of want to like accept Jesus into my heart and to like accept Jesus into my heart and to like accept Jesus into my heart and have a better relationship with him.

>> It's been amazing. >> It's been amazing. Uh, Creek Greek Week has been amazing Uh, Creek Greek Week has been amazing Uh, Creek Greek Week has been amazing for me because like um I've built so for me because like um I've built so for me because like um I've built so many friendships [music] and I feel more many friendships [music] and I feel more many friendships [music] and I feel more alive ever since I've got the alive ever since I've got the alive ever since I've got the opportunity to read my Bible and do opportunity to read my Bible and do opportunity to read my Bible and do silent sounds in during worship. silent sounds in during worship. silent sounds in during worship. >> Well, it's just really, really fun. >> Well, it's just really, really fun. >> Well, it's just really, really fun. You're worshiping the Lord and having You're worshiping the Lord and having You're worshiping the Lord and having fun at the same time. It's just a really fun at the same time. It's just a really fun at the same time. It's just a really fun camp. I feel like I've made a lot of fun camp. I feel like I've made a lot of fun camp. I feel like I've made a lot of new friends and I would love to be able new friends and I would love to be able new friends and I would love to be able to stay close to them, but also I've to stay close to them, but also I've to stay close to them, but also I've learned a lot and I want to be able to learned a lot and I want to be able to learned a lot and I want to be able to like dive deeper into it when I get like dive deeper into it when I get like dive deeper into it when I get home. Silent Silence [music] has home. Silent Silence [music] has home. Silent Silence [music] has affected me in my walk because it's like affected me in my walk because it's like affected me in my walk because it's like we're going through like the book of we're going through like the book of we're going through like the book of Ephesians and it's like telling us Ephesians and it's like telling us Ephesians and it's like telling us [music] how to like pray constantly. And [music] how to like pray constantly. And [music] how to like pray constantly. And in verse four, it says even as he chose in verse four, it says even as he chose in verse four, it says even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the us in him before the foundation of the us in him before the foundation of the world. It's like crazy for me to think world. It's like crazy for me to think world. It's like crazy for me to think like even before the world was created, like even before the world was created, like even before the world was created, he chose me and who I was going to be. We're talking about Peter right now and We're talking about Peter right now and how we should be on the water cuz Peter how we should be on the water cuz Peter how we should be on the water cuz Peter walked on the water with Jesus and we're walked on the water with Jesus and we're walked on the water with Jesus and we're just talking about how we shouldn't stay just talking about how we shouldn't stay just talking about how we shouldn't stay back on the boat in fear and we should back on the boat in fear and we should back on the boat in fear and we should go in Jesus [music] even though it's go in Jesus [music] even though it's go in Jesus [music] even though it's going to be hard sometimes. I just am so going to be hard sometimes. I just am so going to be hard sometimes. I just am so empowered now and I can take that empowered now and I can take that empowered now and I can take that [music] with me and I can tell people [music] with me and I can tell people [music] with me and I can tell people that this road is hard. It's hard. But that this road is hard. It's hard. But that this road is hard. It's hard. But you know what? With Jesus, he gives us you know what? With Jesus, he gives us you know what? With Jesus, he gives us the strength to move forward and to the strength to move forward and to the strength to move forward and to bring other people to us. We have to bring other people to us. We have to bring other people to us. We have to tell other people. We have to [music] tell other people. We have to [music] tell other people. We have to [music] know Jesus and make him known.

know Jesus and make him known. know Jesus and make him known. >> I think it's really um important to be >> I think it's really um important to be >> I think it's really um important to be like followers of Christ in a community like followers of Christ in a community like followers of Christ in a community instead of just being alone because it's instead of just being alone because it's instead of just being alone because it's scary but you can still do it. I think scary but you can still do it. I think scary but you can still do it. I think it's like very [music] powerful. Sort of it's like very [music] powerful. Sort of it's like very [music] powerful. Sort of like a community of friends and they're like a community of friends and they're like a community of friends and they're all worshiping the same thing that you all worshiping the same thing that you all worshiping the same thing that you are. When I had a one-on-one with my are. When I had a one-on-one with my are. When I had a one-on-one with my leader, he asked me the question, "Do leader, he asked me the question, "Do leader, he asked me the question, "Do you think your faith is individualized?" you think your faith is individualized?" you think your faith is individualized?" and he told me that I should try my best and he told me that I should try my best and he told me that I should try my best to make it my own. Like during that to make it my own. Like during that to make it my own. Like during that message, I really felt the Holy Spirit message, I really felt the Holy Spirit message, I really felt the Holy Spirit like come to me. He said that Jesus was like come to me. He said that Jesus was like come to me. He said that Jesus was the only way. It was just me like the only way. It was just me like the only way. It was just me like realizing that my faith wasn't very realizing that my faith wasn't very realizing that my faith wasn't very individualized at all. That I was just individualized at all. That I was just individualized at all. That I was just more of a subscriber to Jesus than a more of a subscriber to Jesus than a more of a subscriber to Jesus than a surrenderer. I [music] feel like he's surrenderer. I [music] feel like he's surrenderer. I [music] feel like he's actually the shepherd. actually the shepherd. actually the shepherd. I know him better because of this camp.

>> At the turn of the 21st century, a >> At the turn of the 21st century, a European sociologist by the name of European sociologist by the name of European sociologist by the name of Ziggman Balman tried to Ziggman Balman tried to Ziggman Balman tried to come up with a phrase that would come up with a phrase that would come up with a phrase that would describe describe describe the world in which we live in today. And the world in which we live in today. And the world in which we live in today. And he came up with an interesting phrase, he came up with an interesting phrase, he came up with an interesting phrase, an interesting two words to describe it. an interesting two words to describe it. an interesting two words to describe it. And he called it liquid And he called it liquid And he called it liquid modernity. modernity. modernity. He said we're living in liquid He said we're living in liquid He said we're living in liquid modernity. In other words, the modern modernity. In other words, the modern modernity. In other words, the modern world was a place where we had a sense world was a place where we had a sense world was a place where we had a sense of self. We had a sense of traditional of self. We had a sense of traditional of self. We had a sense of traditional norms, traditional values. But he said norms, traditional values. But he said norms, traditional values. But he said now all of that seems to be changing. now all of that seems to be changing. now all of that seems to be changing. It's flux. It's fluid. It's flux. It's fluid. It's flux. It's fluid. From marriage to families to sexuality From marriage to families to sexuality From marriage to families to sexuality to identity, nothing feels solid to identity, nothing feels solid to identity, nothing feels solid anymore. anymore. anymore. We're swimming, if you would. Sometimes We're swimming, if you would. Sometimes We're swimming, if you would. Sometimes we feel like we're drowning we feel like we're drowning we feel like we're drowning in this sense of uncertainty in this sense of uncertainty in this sense of uncertainty and restlessness.

and restlessness. and restlessness. Balman argued early on that liquid Balman argued early on that liquid Balman argued early on that liquid modernity, this culture we live in modernity, this culture we live in modernity, this culture we live in today, may give us more freedom today, may give us more freedom today, may give us more freedom but less certainty. but less certainty. but less certainty. It gives us more choices It gives us more choices It gives us more choices but less meaning. It gives us more but less meaning. It gives us more but less meaning. It gives us more connections but less belonging. but less belonging. And we all need And we all need And we all need belonging. We all need community. We all belonging. We all need community. We all belonging. We all need community. We all need something solid, need something solid, need something solid, rock solid, the rock of ages, if you rock solid, the rock of ages, if you rock solid, the rock of ages, if you would, to ground us in this world would, to ground us in this world would, to ground us in this world where it seems like everything is moving where it seems like everything is moving where it seems like everything is moving and changing and melting around us. and changing and melting around us. and changing and melting around us. That is why it's so vital that we That is why it's so vital that we That is why it's so vital that we understand and put into practice what understand and put into practice what understand and put into practice what we've been talking about this summer we've been talking about this summer we've been talking about this summer months and that is these practices of months and that is these practices of months and that is these practices of spiritual formation.

spiritual formation. spiritual formation. Spiritual formation teaches us a lot of Spiritual formation teaches us a lot of Spiritual formation teaches us a lot of things. It helps us build a solid things. It helps us build a solid things. It helps us build a solid foundation in the everchanging liquid foundation in the everchanging liquid foundation in the everchanging liquid world. But spiritual formation, I think, world. But spiritual formation, I think, world. But spiritual formation, I think, primarily teaches us primarily teaches us primarily teaches us how to become more intentional in our how to become more intentional in our how to become more intentional in our relationship relationship relationship with God. with God. with God. A good definition of spiritual formation A good definition of spiritual formation A good definition of spiritual formation comes from author Robert Mullholland and comes from author Robert Mullholland and comes from author Robert Mullholland and he says that spiritual formation is the he says that spiritual formation is the he says that spiritual formation is the process of being formed into the image process of being formed into the image process of being formed into the image of Christ for others. of Christ for others. of Christ for others. If you have made a decision to trust in If you have made a decision to trust in If you have made a decision to trust in Christ, if you have been baptized, then Christ, if you have been baptized, then Christ, if you have been baptized, then you begin the process of being conformed you begin the process of being conformed you begin the process of being conformed to the image of Christ. And in that to the image of Christ. And in that to the image of Christ. And in that process, process, process, we need to engage in these ancient yet we need to engage in these ancient yet we need to engage in these ancient yet modern spiritual practices of spiritual modern spiritual practices of spiritual modern spiritual practices of spiritual formation. Our key verse for this series formation. Our key verse for this series formation. Our key verse for this series is 1 Timothy 4:8 and it says that physical training is of and it says that physical training is of some value but godliness has value for some value but godliness has value for some value but godliness has value for all things holding promise for both the all things holding promise for both the all things holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

present life and the life to come. present life and the life to come. Working out is good. Walking is great. Working out is good. Walking is great. Working out is good. Walking is great. Swimming is good. Doing something Swimming is good. Doing something Swimming is good. Doing something physical is great. God made us to do physical is great. God made us to do physical is great. God made us to do that. At the same time, that. At the same time, that. At the same time, if we're going to engage in a practice if we're going to engage in a practice if we're going to engage in a practice that has value now, right now, as well that has value now, right now, as well that has value now, right now, as well as for eternity, then we have to start as for eternity, then we have to start as for eternity, then we have to start engaging in these practices engaging in these practices engaging in these practices of spiritual formation. of spiritual formation. of spiritual formation. It's how we're formed into the image of It's how we're formed into the image of It's how we're formed into the image of Christ. And so, Christ. And so, Christ. And so, the key word I think that I keep coming the key word I think that I keep coming the key word I think that I keep coming back to time and time again is that word back to time and time again is that word back to time and time again is that word intentional. intentional. intentional. And all of the different practices we've And all of the different practices we've And all of the different practices we've looked at so far, the four different looked at so far, the four different looked at so far, the four different practices are about really pursuing a practices are about really pursuing a practices are about really pursuing a deep connection deep connection deep connection with our creator. with our creator. with our creator. A deep connection with our creator. A deep connection with our creator. A deep connection with our creator. I've been meditating this summer uh on a I've been meditating this summer uh on a I've been meditating this summer uh on a passage uh in Acts chapter 17. In Acts passage uh in Acts chapter 17. In Acts passage uh in Acts chapter 17. In Acts chapter 17, it says this. It says the chapter 17, it says this. It says the chapter 17, it says this. It says the God made the entire world and everything God made the entire world and everything God made the entire world and everything in it. And that this God is the one who in it. And that this God is the one who in it. And that this God is the one who gives everyone life and breath and gives everyone life and breath and gives everyone life and breath and everything else.

everything else. everything else. And this God is who we live and move and And this God is who we live and move and And this God is who we live and move and have our being. And he is not far away have our being. And he is not far away have our being. And he is not far away from any one of us. from any one of us. from any one of us. God has made it that way so that we God has made it that way so that we God has made it that way so that we would seek him, perhaps reach out for would seek him, perhaps reach out for would seek him, perhaps reach out for him and find him. him and find him. him and find him. So as we continue our lives, as you So as we continue our lives, as you So as we continue our lives, as you continue this journey with God, we have continue this journey with God, we have continue this journey with God, we have to be intentionable intentional about to be intentionable intentional about to be intentionable intentional about pursuing pursuing pursuing a deep connection with our creator God a deep connection with our creator God a deep connection with our creator God in Christ. We've looked at four in Christ. We've looked at four in Christ. We've looked at four intentional practices this summer. intentional practices this summer. intentional practices this summer. Silence and solitude, meditation, Silence and solitude, meditation, Silence and solitude, meditation, fasting, prayer, and today we'll look at fasting, prayer, and today we'll look at fasting, prayer, and today we'll look at that fifth. that fifth. that fifth. And we'll say final And we'll say final And we'll say final spiritual practice and spiritual spiritual practice and spiritual spiritual practice and spiritual formation.

formation. formation. But every day But every day But every day we have to pursue we have to pursue we have to pursue the God the God the God who knows us, who created us, and who who knows us, who created us, and who who knows us, who created us, and who loves us. And that is an ongoing loves us. And that is an ongoing loves us. And that is an ongoing daily pursuit. daily pursuit. daily pursuit. And these practices And these practices And these practices of silence and meditation, of silence and meditation, of silence and meditation, prayer, and fasting will help us in do prayer, and fasting will help us in do prayer, and fasting will help us in do that. By the way, I just got to say that. By the way, I just got to say that. By the way, I just got to say this. When I spoke on fasting a couple this. When I spoke on fasting a couple this. When I spoke on fasting a couple of weeks ago, I got so many texts as I of weeks ago, I got so many texts as I of weeks ago, I got so many texts as I was leaving church and said, "Your was leaving church and said, "Your was leaving church and said, "Your message on fasting, I kid you not, made message on fasting, I kid you not, made message on fasting, I kid you not, made me so hungry me so hungry me so hungry that I went out. It it did the opposite. that I went out. It it did the opposite. that I went out. It it did the opposite. It was so encouraging." So, it may It was so encouraging." So, it may It was so encouraging." So, it may change my whole methodology on change my whole methodology on change my whole methodology on preaching. But anyway, preaching. But anyway, preaching. But anyway, these practices really do help us these practices really do help us these practices really do help us instead of just kind of, you know, instead of just kind of, you know, instead of just kind of, you know, expecting us to grow through osmosis or expecting us to grow through osmosis or expecting us to grow through osmosis or expecting us to grow through coming to expecting us to grow through coming to expecting us to grow through coming to church once a week, which is great. We church once a week, which is great. We church once a week, which is great. We need to continually engage in these need to continually engage in these need to continually engage in these spiritual practices. So, what is the spiritual practices. So, what is the spiritual practices. So, what is the fifth and final one?

fifth and final one? fifth and final one? Here it is. Here it is. Here it is. We pursue a deep connection with our We pursue a deep connection with our We pursue a deep connection with our creator creator creator and we also pursue a deep connection and we also pursue a deep connection and we also pursue a deep connection with his community and his community is with his community and his community is with his community and his community is the local the local the local church. church. church. The local church is the hope of the The local church is the hope of the The local church is the hope of the world. Christ came. He lived. He died. world. Christ came. He lived. He died. world. Christ came. He lived. He died. He rose again for the local church. The He rose again for the local church. The He rose again for the local church. The gates of hell will not prevail against gates of hell will not prevail against gates of hell will not prevail against the church of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ the church of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ the church of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ Jesus Christ is the head of the body of Jesus Christ is the head of the body of Jesus Christ is the head of the body of Christ. He is the head of the church, the local church. So when you are the local church. So when you are baptized, baptized, baptized, baptized, you are being baptized into baptized, you are being baptized into baptized, you are being baptized into the life, death, burial, and the life, death, burial, and the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. You're being resurrection of Christ. You're being resurrection of Christ. You're being baptized in the into the community of baptized in the into the community of baptized in the into the community of believers known as the local church of believers known as the local church of believers known as the local church of Jesus Christ. And that is where we build Jesus Christ. And that is where we build Jesus Christ. And that is where we build and engage in this deep connection and engage in this deep connection and engage in this deep connection through community.

through community. through community. community. community. community. My entire life, My entire life, My entire life, the the growth that I've experienced the the growth that I've experienced the the growth that I've experienced through spiritual practices and through spiritual practices and through spiritual practices and spiritual formation, all of that has spiritual formation, all of that has spiritual formation, all of that has happened within the community of the happened within the community of the happened within the community of the church, whether it was vacation bible church, whether it was vacation bible church, whether it was vacation bible school when I was a little kid, whether school when I was a little kid, whether school when I was a little kid, whether it was in uh the youth group that I had it was in uh the youth group that I had it was in uh the youth group that I had back in the day here at Second about 30 back in the day here at Second about 30 back in the day here at Second about 30 people in it. and the volunteers, the people in it. and the volunteers, the people in it. and the volunteers, the men and women, the young people, the men and women, the young people, the men and women, the young people, the couples who invested in us and taught us couples who invested in us and taught us couples who invested in us and taught us about God's word. In college, I went to about God's word. In college, I went to about God's word. In college, I went to a church and in that church, I learned a church and in that church, I learned a church and in that church, I learned the importance of worship and how to the importance of worship and how to the importance of worship and how to engage in worship and what it means to engage in worship and what it means to engage in worship and what it means to find your identity in Christ. find your identity in Christ. find your identity in Christ. And then I've been a part of other And then I've been a part of other And then I've been a part of other churches in different parts of the churches in different parts of the churches in different parts of the world. uh whether it's in Mexico or world. uh whether it's in Mexico or world. uh whether it's in Mexico or Holland or Brazil, all my life, all my Holland or Brazil, all my life, all my Holland or Brazil, all my life, all my growth has been a part and associated growth has been a part and associated growth has been a part and associated with the local church. I've been a part with the local church. I've been a part with the local church. I've been a part of very very small churches. I've been a of very very small churches. I've been a of very very small churches. I've been a part of medium-sized churches. I've been part of medium-sized churches. I've been part of medium-sized churches. I've been a part of large churches. I've been a a part of large churches. I've been a a part of large churches. I've been a part of churches that celebrate and part of churches that celebrate and part of churches that celebrate and worship in a worship center like this.

worship in a worship center like this. worship in a worship center like this. I've been a part of a church that I've been a part of a church that I've been a part of a church that worship where there's a mud floor, but worship where there's a mud floor, but worship where there's a mud floor, but the church is still the church. It's the the church is still the church. It's the the church is still the church. It's the gathered people of God in Christ. And no gathered people of God in Christ. And no gathered people of God in Christ. And no matter who you are, where you live, matter who you are, where you live, matter who you are, where you live, where you're from, what language you where you're from, what language you where you're from, what language you have, if you're engaging and walking have, if you're engaging and walking have, if you're engaging and walking with Christ, then you have to be a part with Christ, then you have to be a part with Christ, then you have to be a part an active member of the local church of an active member of the local church of an active member of the local church of Jesus Christ. That's how it is. It's how Jesus Christ. That's how it is. It's how Jesus Christ. That's how it is. It's how God designed it. Paul uses the analogy God designed it. Paul uses the analogy God designed it. Paul uses the analogy of the body, doesn't it? That we're all of the body, doesn't it? That we're all of the body, doesn't it? That we're all a part of the body. We all have a part of the body. We all have a part of the body. We all have different functions. Feet, hands, hair, different functions. Feet, hands, hair, different functions. Feet, hands, hair, eye, eyebrows, everything. eye, eyebrows, everything. eye, eyebrows, everything. everything that allows the body of everything that allows the body of everything that allows the body of Christ to function. It's when we use and Christ to function. It's when we use and Christ to function. It's when we use and know who we are. There's always that know who we are. There's always that know who we are. There's always that that balance in our life in these that balance in our life in these that balance in our life in these spiritual practices. spiritual practices. spiritual practices. There are the intentional practices, There are the intentional practices, There are the intentional practices, silent solitude, meditation, fasting, silent solitude, meditation, fasting, silent solitude, meditation, fasting, prayer, and then there's that communal prayer, and then there's that communal prayer, and then there's that communal aspect aspect aspect of doing life with brothers and sisters of doing life with brothers and sisters of doing life with brothers and sisters in Christ and the family of God. And in Christ and the family of God. And in Christ and the family of God. And that's what we're celebrating really that's what we're celebrating really that's what we're celebrating really here today.

here today. here today. We're celebrating what God has done We're celebrating what God has done We're celebrating what God has done through the body of Christ, through our through the body of Christ, through our through the body of Christ, through our young people, through their lives, young people, through their lives, young people, through their lives, through our volunteers who have poured through our volunteers who have poured through our volunteers who have poured themselves into their lives during the themselves into their lives during the themselves into their lives during the summer and will continue to during the summer and will continue to during the summer and will continue to during the fall season. I love what Dietri fall season. I love what Dietri fall season. I love what Dietri Bonhaofer said about this balance. Bonhaofer said about this balance. Bonhaofer said about this balance. Bonhaofer in his classic book life Bonhaofer in his classic book life Bonhaofer in his classic book life together said this. He said, "Let him together said this. He said, "Let him together said this. He said, "Let him who cannot be alone beware of community. who cannot be alone beware of community. who cannot be alone beware of community. Let whom is not in community beware of Let whom is not in community beware of Let whom is not in community beware of being alone. Each by itself has profound being alone. Each by itself has profound being alone. Each by itself has profound perils and pitfalls. One who wants perils and pitfalls. One who wants perils and pitfalls. One who wants fellowship, community without solitude fellowship, community without solitude fellowship, community without solitude plunges into the void of words and plunges into the void of words and plunges into the void of words and feelings. And the one who seeks solitude feelings. And the one who seeks solitude feelings. And the one who seeks solitude without fellowship or community perishes without fellowship or community perishes without fellowship or community perishes in the abyss of vanity, in the abyss of vanity, in the abyss of vanity, self-infatuation, self-infatuation, self-infatuation, and despair. and solitude, and solitude, meditation, meditation, meditation, fasting, prayer, fasting, prayer, fasting, prayer, community, community, community, days alone, days alone, days alone, days in worship and the church.

days in worship and the church. days in worship and the church. Life change Life change Life change happens happens happens in in in the local church. We learn to build a We learn to build a solid rock foundation solid rock foundation solid rock foundation for our own lives, for our vocation, for for our own lives, for our vocation, for for our own lives, for our vocation, for our families, for our friendships, our families, for our friendships, our families, for our friendships, as well as for our community in the as well as for our community in the as well as for our community in the local church. Few weekends ago, I was here on Saturday Few weekends ago, I was here on Saturday afternoon. afternoon. afternoon. Parking lot was empty and I went outside Parking lot was empty and I went outside Parking lot was empty and I went outside of my office and I was walking. I saw a of my office and I was walking. I saw a of my office and I was walking. I saw a car pull up. And I've seen this happen car pull up. And I've seen this happen car pull up. And I've seen this happen so many times over the years. A car pull so many times over the years. A car pull so many times over the years. A car pull up, parked in the parking lot, up, parked in the parking lot, up, parked in the parking lot, the mom gets out, walks over to the the mom gets out, walks over to the the mom gets out, walks over to the passenger side, the kid gets out, passenger side, the kid gets out, passenger side, the kid gets out, teenager, and walks over to the driver's teenager, and walks over to the driver's teenager, and walks over to the driver's side. And I know what's going on. side. And I know what's going on. side. And I know what's going on. We all do. And I've seen that happen so We all do. And I've seen that happen so We all do. And I've seen that happen so many times. So many people have learned many times. So many people have learned many times. So many people have learned how to drive or not how to drive or not how to drive or not in that parking lot to your left.

in that parking lot to your left. in that parking lot to your left. I thought about my I thought about my I thought about my oldest daughter when she was a little oldest daughter when she was a little oldest daughter when she was a little kid. She was riding a bicycle with kid. She was riding a bicycle with kid. She was riding a bicycle with training wheels. I brought her up here training wheels. I brought her up here training wheels. I brought her up here and she learned how to ride a bike in and she learned how to ride a bike in and she learned how to ride a bike in that parking lot. that parking lot. that parking lot. I thought about people on the athletic I thought about people on the athletic I thought about people on the athletic fields and soccer teams when they were fields and soccer teams when they were fields and soccer teams when they were kids and baseball and football and kids and baseball and football and kids and baseball and football and basketball. All the things that kids basketball. All the things that kids basketball. All the things that kids have learned and coaches and parents have learned and coaches and parents have learned and coaches and parents we've been a part of that about the we've been a part of that about the we've been a part of that about the worship center that's right here and how worship center that's right here and how worship center that's right here and how many people over the years, thousands many people over the years, thousands many people over the years, thousands and thousands of people over the years and thousands of people over the years and thousands of people over the years from all over the world and all over our from all over the world and all over our from all over the world and all over our city of course have heard the city of course have heard the city of course have heard the lifechanging news of the gospel of Jesus lifechanging news of the gospel of Jesus lifechanging news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. and have learned as we continue Christ. and have learned as we continue Christ. and have learned as we continue to learn how to walk in a relationship to learn how to walk in a relationship to learn how to walk in a relationship with him in community. That's the church. That's the church. That's the church. That's the church. That's the church. The church is truly The church is truly The church is truly a learning a learning a learning center where you and me and we learn center where you and me and we learn center where you and me and we learn to walk to walk to walk and to embody and to embody and to embody and to grow and to grow and to grow in the character of Christ.

It's great to be a part of that. It's great to be a part of that. And it's great to watch what God is And it's great to watch what God is And it's great to watch what God is doing through so many kids in this next doing through so many kids in this next doing through so many kids in this next generation. generation. generation. >> So I found out that we were going to the >> So I found out that we were going to the >> So I found out that we were going to the mountains and I was like what? Like no mountains and I was like what? Like no mountains and I was like what? Like no way we're leaving Portoino. Like that's way we're leaving Portoino. Like that's way we're leaving Portoino. Like that's not it's not what I thought was going to not it's not what I thought was going to not it's not what I thought was going to happen. And I was like, you know what? happen. And I was like, you know what? happen. And I was like, you know what? Let's be more in God's nature and let's Let's be more in God's nature and let's Let's be more in God's nature and let's go [music] touch grass, touch some dirt, go [music] touch grass, touch some dirt, go [music] touch grass, touch some dirt, and let's just see like what God really and let's just see like what God really and let's just see like what God really has in store for us. has in store for us. has in store for us. >> Hello. Welcome to the golden days. >> Hello. Welcome to the golden days. >> Hello. Welcome to the golden days. Right place, [music] Right place, [music] Right place, [music] and you're right on time. and you're right on time. and you're right on time. These new are the golden days. [music] These are the golden [singing] These are the golden [singing] days. days. days. Oh, [music] Oh, [music] Oh, [music] talk about talk about talk about these days [music and singing] these days [music and singing] these days [music and singing] 20 years from now.

20 years from now. 20 years from now. Lean in Lean in Lean in and look around. and look around. and look around. The golden days are happening [music] The golden days are happening [music] The golden days are happening [music] [singing] now. The golden [music] The golden [music] days. My name is Aubrey. I love outside. I My name is Aubrey. I love outside. I like walking around with my friends. like walking around with my friends. like walking around with my friends. Like, so this is perfect just being Like, so this is perfect just being Like, so this is perfect just being around with like the trees and like the around with like the trees and like the around with like the trees and like the mountains and everything. mountains and everything. mountains and everything. >> I really love science and math and >> I really love science and math and >> I really love science and math and history. I love studying like all sorts history. I love studying like all sorts history. I love studying like all sorts of things and pretty much I'm open to of things and pretty much I'm open to of things and pretty much I'm open to like a lot of things. I'm trying to live like a lot of things. I'm trying to live like a lot of things. I'm trying to live my life to the fullest. my life to the fullest. my life to the fullest. >> I like to do art. I paint a lot. >> I like to do art. I paint a lot. >> I like to do art. I paint a lot. >> Grew up Christian household. Parents uh >> Grew up Christian household. Parents uh >> Grew up Christian household. Parents uh been sing my whole life. Started off at been sing my whole life. Started off at been sing my whole life. Started off at West then ended up at 1463. [music] West then ended up at 1463. [music] West then ended up at 1463. [music] >> I'm so new to America and I love it >> I'm so new to America and I love it >> I'm so new to America and I love it here. You guys have actual yellow buses. here. You guys have actual yellow buses. here. You guys have actual yellow buses. Like I've never seen [music] that. It's Like I've never seen [music] that. It's Like I've never seen [music] that. It's always in the movies. I didn't think always in the movies. I didn't think always in the movies. I didn't think that was real. And like I just love how that was real. And like I just love how that was real. And like I just love how everything is like big in Texas, you everything is like big in Texas, you everything is like big in Texas, you know, like like Target. I was just like know, like like Target. I was just like know, like like Target. I was just like it's so cool here.

As I grew up, I started understanding As I grew up, I started understanding more about who he was, but I still more about who he was, but I still more about who he was, but I still really didn't want to follow him cuz I really didn't want to follow him cuz I really didn't want to follow him cuz I still wanted to do what I wanted to do. still wanted to do what I wanted to do. still wanted to do what I wanted to do. Like I never thought that God did Like I never thought that God did Like I never thought that God did anything good for me. I thought he was anything good for me. I thought he was anything good for me. I thought he was just always putting bad stuff in my just always putting bad stuff in my just always putting bad stuff in my life. life. life. >> When I was 12 years [music] old, my dad >> When I was 12 years [music] old, my dad >> When I was 12 years [music] old, my dad passed away. One thing that I always passed away. One thing that I always passed away. One thing that I always love, like a saying that I always love love, like a saying that I always love love, like a saying that I always love is God needed him more than I did. I is God needed him more than I did. I is God needed him more than I did. I lost my dad when I was 6 years old in lost my dad when I was 6 years old in lost my dad when I was 6 years old in 2017 and like that [music] like crushed 2017 and like that [music] like crushed 2017 and like that [music] like crushed me and my family. Like that was my best me and my family. Like that was my best me and my family. Like that was my best friend and like he was like the glue for friend and like he was like the glue for friend and like he was like the glue for my family. Like he was like the guy who my family. Like he was like the guy who my family. Like he was like the guy who was like always like socializing at was like always like socializing at was like always like socializing at church. Like he was really like involved church. Like he was really like involved church. Like he was really like involved in the church too. And then when he in the church too. And then when he in the church too. And then when he passed away we definitely like slipped passed away we definitely like slipped passed away we definitely like slipped away from the church like a lot. away from the church like a lot. away from the church like a lot. >> I never had a normal childhood like any >> I never had a normal childhood like any >> I never had a normal childhood like any other girl my age. I was diagnosed with other girl my age. I was diagnosed with other girl my age. I was diagnosed with HS and it's hydronitis supervibia. It HS and it's hydronitis supervibia. It HS and it's hydronitis supervibia. It was very deadly. So I spent most of my was very deadly. So I spent most of my was very deadly. So I spent most of my childhood either in my room or in the childhood either in my room or in the childhood either in my room or in the hospital. And honestly, my faith wasn't hospital. And honestly, my faith wasn't hospital. And honestly, my faith wasn't very there cuz I felt like if there was very there cuz I felt like if there was very there cuz I felt like if there was a God, then why would I have to go a God, then why would I have to go a God, then why would I have to go through all of this as a child? I had through all of this as a child? I had through all of this as a child? I had started going to a church closer to my started going to a church closer to my started going to a church closer to my home and I just couldn't find my group home and I just couldn't find my group home and I just couldn't find my group of girls. Like that group that you feel of girls. Like that group that you feel of girls. Like that group that you feel like is your second family. and I like is your second family. and I like is your second family. and I couldn't find it. I went down a rough couldn't find it. I went down a rough couldn't find it. I went down a rough path with a couple of my friends. I path with a couple of my friends. I path with a couple of my friends. I started hanging out with the wrong started hanging out with the wrong started hanging out with the wrong friend group thinking that I was okay. I friend group thinking that I was okay. I friend group thinking that I was okay. I thought like everything was normal. I thought like everything was normal. I thought like everything was normal. I was still going to church, but inside I was still going to church, but inside I was still going to church, but inside I was just so lost and I just felt so was just so lost and I just felt so was just so lost and I just felt so empty. And I knew like I needed to empty. And I knew like I needed to empty. And I knew like I needed to change that. I tried praying and I was

change that. I tried praying and I was change that. I tried praying and I was like, "God, like if this is the right like, "God, like if this is the right like, "God, like if this is the right thing, put one girl in front of me that thing, put one girl in front of me that thing, put one girl in front of me that I can grow closer to do." And it was I can grow closer to do." And it was I can grow closer to do." And it was Savannah. Savannah. Savannah. >> I started playing baseball and I ended >> I started playing baseball and I ended >> I started playing baseball and I ended up having a season ending injury. I tore up having a season ending injury. I tore up having a season ending injury. I tore my hamstring and I tried coming back a my hamstring and I tried coming back a my hamstring and I tried coming back a week later and it ended up tearing it week later and it ended up tearing it week later and it ended up tearing it even more. So, I was definitely done for even more. So, I was definitely done for even more. So, I was definitely done for the season a couple weeks later and I the season a couple weeks later and I the season a couple weeks later and I found out that my uncle took his life found out that my uncle took his life found out that my uncle took his life and I really didn't know what to do and I really didn't know what to do and I really didn't know what to do saying like you're doing this. I don't saying like you're doing this. I don't saying like you're doing this. I don't know why you are. I already have a lot know why you are. I already have a lot know why you are. I already have a lot of stuff going on. You just keep putting of stuff going on. You just keep putting of stuff going on. You just keep putting stuff in. And I would just keep asking stuff in. And I would just keep asking stuff in. And I would just keep asking him why cuz I really didn't know the him why cuz I really didn't know the him why cuz I really didn't know the reason. reason. reason. >> My relationship with God was completely >> My relationship with God was completely >> My relationship with God was completely out the window. I was on fire for him out the window. I was on fire for him out the window. I was on fire for him and I went through really bad depression and I went through really bad depression and I went through really bad depression and anxiety. And I thought that because and anxiety. And I thought that because and anxiety. And I thought that because of my sin that God had this hatred for of my sin that God had this hatred for of my sin that God had this hatred for me and that he was putting all these me and that he was putting all these me and that he was putting all these struggles in my life to punish me for my struggles in my life to punish me for my struggles in my life to punish me for my sin. And if he really loved me, why sin. And if he really loved me, why sin. And if he really loved me, why would he let me go through this? would he let me go through this? would he let me go through this? My grandpa passed away. And then after My grandpa passed away. And then after My grandpa passed away. And then after he passed away, I was struggling so he passed away, I was struggling so he passed away, I was struggling so badly with my grief. I didn't know how badly with my grief. I didn't know how badly with my grief. I didn't know how to handle it. I started running back to to handle it. I started running back to to handle it. I started running back to the friends I thought they were the ones the friends I thought they were the ones the friends I thought they were the ones that pushed me through all these bad that pushed me through all these bad that pushed me through all these bad times in my family life. Why don't I times in my family life. Why don't I times in my family life. Why don't I just like go back to them? And I kind of just like go back to them? And I kind of just like go back to them? And I kind of pushed away from Savannah at that time pushed away from Savannah at that time pushed away from Savannah at that time cuz I was like, "No, like I need to go cuz I was like, "No, like I need to go cuz I was like, "No, like I need to go on my own." And then this [music] past on my own." And then this [music] past on my own." And then this [music] past February, my grandma passed away and February, my grandma passed away and February, my grandma passed away and that was just so hard for me. And I that was just so hard for me. And I that was just so hard for me. And I didn't know how to come back from it didn't know how to come back from it didn't know how to come back from it because I was like, "Wow, like God, what

because I was like, "Wow, like God, what because I was like, "Wow, like God, what are you doing to me? I just lost my are you doing to me? I just lost my are you doing to me? I just lost my grandpa. And now I'm lost my grandma grandpa. And now I'm lost my grandma grandpa. And now I'm lost my grandma too. Like my literally my favorite too. Like my literally my favorite too. Like my literally my favorite people in the world. people in the world. people in the world. >> I've like spent my whole life moving. >> I've like spent my whole life moving. >> I've like spent my whole life moving. Like I was born in South Africa. I lived Like I was born in South Africa. I lived Like I was born in South Africa. I lived in Botswana. I [music] moved to in Botswana. I [music] moved to in Botswana. I [music] moved to Mosmbique. Then I moved to Portugal. Mosmbique. Then I moved to Portugal. Mosmbique. Then I moved to Portugal. Then I went to Brazil. Then I came to Then I went to Brazil. Then I came to Then I went to Brazil. Then I came to America. I didn't really like go to America. I didn't really like go to America. I didn't really like go to church or think. But like I knew like, church or think. But like I knew like, church or think. But like I knew like, oh, I was Christian. I do believe in oh, I was Christian. I do believe in oh, I was Christian. I do believe in God. But I never prayed. I had a Bible God. But I never prayed. I had a Bible God. But I never prayed. I had a Bible that I never opened. like it was that I never opened. like it was that I never opened. like it was literally collecting dust, but I had it literally collecting dust, but I had it literally collecting dust, but I had it in my nightstand cuz like I had the idea in my nightstand cuz like I had the idea in my nightstand cuz like I had the idea of being Christian, but I didn't really of being Christian, but I didn't really of being Christian, but I didn't really like take action. I feel like I was on like take action. I feel like I was on like take action. I feel like I was on the fence, like my life and God's life, the fence, like my life and God's life, the fence, like my life and God's life, and I kind of wanted both. Recently, and I kind of wanted both. Recently, and I kind of wanted both. Recently, I've been really stressed out about my I've been really stressed out about my I've been really stressed out about my faith. Um, faith. Um, faith. Um, thinking that I wasn't like doing good thinking that I wasn't like doing good thinking that I wasn't like doing good enough for God, [music] thinking I have enough for God, [music] thinking I have enough for God, [music] thinking I have to do to do to do these certain things in order to please these certain things in order to please these certain things in order to please God. God. God. >> New schools all the time. and never >> New schools all the time. and never >> New schools all the time. and never really found a good group of friends. Uh really found a good group of friends. Uh really found a good group of friends. Uh 7th through 8th grade struggled with 7th through 8th grade struggled with 7th through 8th grade struggled with depression. I was just in a a low uh depression. I was just in a a low uh depression. I was just in a a low uh family kind of stopped going to [music] family kind of stopped going to [music] family kind of stopped going to [music] church.

church. church. Just kind of everything disappeared and Just kind of everything disappeared and Just kind of everything disappeared and I was kind of alone and it was just it I was kind of alone and it was just it I was kind of alone and it was just it was just like getting to me slowly and was just like getting to me slowly and was just like getting to me slowly and then it got to the point to where it was then it got to the point to where it was then it got to the point to where it was like I don't feel my purpose in this like I don't feel my purpose in this like I don't feel my purpose in this world anymore. world anymore. world anymore. I was very stuck and I just kept like at I was very stuck and I just kept like at I was very stuck and I just kept like at night I was just yelling and I felt like night I was just yelling and I felt like night I was just yelling and I felt like nothing was going right and there was a nothing was going right and there was a nothing was going right and there was a moment where I thought that it was going moment where I thought that it was going moment where I thought that it was going to be my last day and I wanted to end my to be my last day and I wanted to end my to be my last day and I wanted to end my life. My overall opinion of Mountain Retreat My overall opinion of Mountain Retreat is that there's like a lot of kids and is that there's like a lot of kids and is that there's like a lot of kids and that life isn't just peaches and cream that life isn't just peaches and cream that life isn't just peaches and cream and there's like a lot of people who and there's like a lot of people who and there's like a lot of people who have either similar lives like me or who have either similar lives like me or who have either similar lives like me or who are just they are struggling also and are just they are struggling also and are just they are struggling also and that there is a community and there are that there is a community and there are that there is a community and there are people who actually care. [music] Yesterday was Father's Day and it was Yesterday was Father's Day and it was like a really hard day for like both of like a really hard day for like both of like a really hard day for like both of us and like I didn't have to like go us and like I didn't have to like go us and like I didn't have to like go through like alone and like having through like alone and like having through like alone and like having somebody to like talk to and like lean somebody to like talk to and like lean somebody to like talk to and like lean on like about it like really like helps on like about it like really like helps on like about it like really like helps >> looking at every single person and how >> looking at every single person and how >> looking at every single person and how their lives are being changed. It's just their lives are being changed. It's just their lives are being changed. It's just overwhelming like just seeing people overwhelming like just seeing people overwhelming like just seeing people praise and just moving towards God. It's praise and just moving towards God. It's praise and just moving towards God. It's just so inspiring. Well, I've never just so inspiring. Well, I've never just so inspiring. Well, I've never really like had like a community with really like had like a community with really like had like a community with like God like centered people. So like like God like centered people. So like like God like centered people. So like here when I like have my family group, here when I like have my family group, here when I like have my family group, I've never opened up as much as I have.

I've never opened up as much as I have. I've never opened up as much as I have. I'm always closed off. So like I feel I'm always closed off. So like I feel I'm always closed off. So like I feel like opening up more and talking about like opening up more and talking about like opening up more and talking about like how God has affected me to try and like how God has affected me to try and like how God has affected me to try and see if like it touches somebody else cuz see if like it touches somebody else cuz see if like it touches somebody else cuz like I [music] just want somebody to like I [music] just want somebody to like I [music] just want somebody to feel what I feel when I get happy about feel what I feel when I get happy about feel what I feel when I get happy about God. I want everybody to be saved. I God. I want everybody to be saved. I God. I want everybody to be saved. I want everybody in heaven. But like I want everybody in heaven. But like I want everybody in heaven. But like I know it's my job to just plant that seed know it's my job to just plant that seed know it's my job to just plant that seed and leave it to God. and leave it to God. and leave it to God. >> I came to live the week after her >> I came to live the week after her >> I came to live the week after her funeral and I was just crying throughout funeral and I was just crying throughout funeral and I was just crying throughout the service. And then I was staying next the service. And then I was staying next the service. And then I was staying next to Savannah and one of our other a few to Savannah and one of our other a few to Savannah and one of our other a few of our other friends and I just talked of our other friends and I just talked of our other friends and I just talked to her after. [music] I was like, I need to her after. [music] I was like, I need to her after. [music] I was like, I need to come back. Will you help me? And here to come back. Will you help me? And here to come back. Will you help me? And here I am. I am. I am. >> I pray that there's just like one person >> I pray that there's just like one person >> I pray that there's just like one person like out there who like is like like out there who like is like like out there who like is like struggling with like loss or grief and struggling with like loss or grief and struggling with like loss or grief and like I hope that like we're like like I hope that like we're like like I hope that like we're like speaking to them speaking to them speaking to them >> and I hope they know they're not alone. >> and I hope they know they're not alone. >> and I hope they know they're not alone. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I feel like before I was so caught up I feel like before I was so caught up I feel like before I was so caught up in, oh, I'm stuck alone. Oh, what I say, in, oh, I'm stuck alone. Oh, what I say, in, oh, I'm stuck alone. Oh, what I say, someone else won't want to hear what I someone else won't want to hear what I someone else won't want to hear what I say. But God wants to hear you.

say. But God wants to hear you. say. But God wants to hear you. >> Even if things happen, even if like you >> Even if things happen, even if like you >> Even if things happen, even if like you go through stuff where you're not able go through stuff where you're not able go through stuff where you're not able to see your friends or not have a normal to see your friends or not have a normal to see your friends or not have a normal childhood like the average girl or kid, childhood like the average girl or kid, childhood like the average girl or kid, just know that like there's always just know that like there's always just know that like there's always somebody watching out for you. And somebody watching out for you. And somebody watching out for you. And there's always somebody who's there for there's always somebody who's there for there's always somebody who's there for you. And although not everybody knows you. And although not everybody knows you. And although not everybody knows your story, God knows your story and he your story, God knows your story and he your story, God knows your story and he has a plan for you. has a plan for you. has a plan for you. >> Today I prayed for the first time like >> Today I prayed for the first time like >> Today I prayed for the first time like out loud in a group. [music] I've never out loud in a group. [music] I've never out loud in a group. [music] I've never done that before and like I was so done that before and like I was so done that before and like I was so nervous and I like I thought they were nervous and I like I thought they were nervous and I like I thought they were going to laugh at me. I thought I was going to laugh at me. I thought I was going to laugh at me. I thought I was going to mess up. Like everybody prayed going to mess up. Like everybody prayed going to mess up. Like everybody prayed so beautifully with these words and I so beautifully with these words and I so beautifully with these words and I thought like I didn't have what it takes thought like I didn't have what it takes thought like I didn't have what it takes but then like I did and like I felt like but then like I did and like I felt like but then like I did and like I felt like a weight off my shoulders. I was like a weight off my shoulders. I was like a weight off my shoulders. I was like okay this feels right. Like I've never okay this feels right. Like I've never okay this feels right. Like I've never been into the mountains before. So like been into the mountains before. So like been into the mountains before. So like just learning about and seeing the just learning about and seeing the just learning about and seeing the creation, the like the mountains, the creation, the like the mountains, the creation, the like the mountains, the breeze. I just see God in absolutely breeze. I just see God in absolutely breeze. I just see God in absolutely everything now that I didn't see before everything now that I didn't see before everything now that I didn't see before before mountain retreat. Feel like over the week through Silent Feel like over the week through Silent Silence, we talked about it has Silence, we talked about it has Silence, we talked about it has connected with our stories so perfectly connected with our stories so perfectly connected with our stories so perfectly and I was just like this is crazy. Like and I was just like this is crazy. Like and I was just like this is crazy. Like God is working in so many ways in our God is working in so many ways in our God is working in so many ways in our life this week. I had a little bit of life this week. I had a little bit of life this week. I had a little bit of doubt whenever I came in here, but now doubt whenever I came in here, but now doubt whenever I came in here, but now I'm like this is like my life. I feel I'm like this is like my life. I feel I'm like this is like my life. I feel new like how I get this new confidence new like how I get this new confidence new like how I get this new confidence through God that through God that through God that I'm a shy person at heart, but God I'm a shy person at heart, but God I'm a shy person at heart, but God moves through me and gives me a sort of moves through me and gives me a sort of moves through me and gives me a sort of confidence whenever I can speak about confidence whenever I can speak about confidence whenever I can speak about him and I love it.

him and I love it. him and I love it. >> Look at you now. >> Look at you now. >> Look at you now. >> I know. I know it's all God. >> I know. I know it's all God. >> I know. I know it's all God. >> Ben was talking about how everybody has >> Ben was talking about how everybody has >> Ben was talking about how everybody has a story and how everybody matters to a story and how everybody matters to a story and how everybody matters to God. And that just kind of stuck with me God. And that just kind of stuck with me God. And that just kind of stuck with me because throughout that time, I wasn't because throughout that time, I wasn't because throughout that time, I wasn't really thinking I was enough for anybody really thinking I was enough for anybody really thinking I was enough for anybody that I didn't matter to anybody. But that I didn't matter to anybody. But that I didn't matter to anybody. But when he brought that up, that just gave when he brought that up, that just gave when he brought that up, that just gave me like a light to just think about that me like a light to just think about that me like a light to just think about that God does care about me. Last [music] God does care about me. Last [music] God does care about me. Last [music] night, um I haven't cried in who knows night, um I haven't cried in who knows night, um I haven't cried in who knows when. And just hearing the music, I when. And just hearing the music, I when. And just hearing the music, I start balling my eyes out and it's like start balling my eyes out and it's like start balling my eyes out and it's like this is what I want. I want to be a this is what I want. I want to be a this is what I want. I want to be a child of God and this is who I want to child of God and this is who I want to child of God and this is who I want to be from now on. [music] So it was just I be from now on. [music] So it was just I be from now on. [music] So it was just I mean I prayed the prayer a lot. Ned mean I prayed the prayer a lot. Ned mean I prayed the prayer a lot. Ned would raise my hand. Never got like the would raise my hand. Never got like the would raise my hand. Never got like the courage. It was always like I don't want courage. It was always like I don't want courage. It was always like I don't want people looking at me. And then that people looking at me. And then that people looking at me. And then that night it was like instant. I instant night it was like instant. I instant night it was like instant. I instant [music] raised my hand. He asked to come [music] raised my hand. He asked to come [music] raised my hand. He asked to come to stage instant came up and it was just to stage instant came up and it was just to stage instant came up and it was just like felt like a new life. like felt like a new life. like felt like a new life. >> Both of us were kind of like in the same >> Both of us were kind of like in the same >> Both of us were kind of like in the same boat. We weren't like we both have had boat. We weren't like we both have had boat. We weren't like we both have had faith but our faith hasn't been the faith but our faith hasn't been the faith but our faith hasn't been the strongest. And I do really think that strongest. And I do really think that strongest. And I do really think that this week has like completely renewed this week has like completely renewed this week has like completely renewed that faith. [music] and both of us have that faith. [music] and both of us have that faith. [music] and both of us have been deciding we both want to get been deciding we both want to get been deciding we both want to get baptized tomorrow.

baptized tomorrow. baptized tomorrow. >> Whenever the pastor was saying how you >> Whenever the pastor was saying how you >> Whenever the pastor was saying how you want the Lord to rewrite your story, you want the Lord to rewrite your story, you want the Lord to rewrite your story, you want him to change your story, I thought want him to change your story, I thought want him to change your story, I thought my story was not the story I wanted. I my story was not the story I wanted. I my story was not the story I wanted. I wanted him in my life. [music] And so I wanted him in my life. [music] And so I wanted him in my life. [music] And so I was like, I should walk forward and it was like, I should walk forward and it was like, I should walk forward and it and really like surrender my life to him and really like surrender my life to him and really like surrender my life to him and get baptized. No longer I [singing] and get baptized. No longer I [singing] and get baptized. No longer I [singing] who live but Christ in [music] me. For who live but Christ in [music] me. For who live but Christ in [music] me. For I've been born again. I've been born again. I've been born again. My [music and singing] heart is free. My [music and singing] heart is free. My [music and singing] heart is free. The hope of heaven before me. The grave The hope of heaven before me. The grave The hope of heaven before me. The grave behind. [music and singing] behind. [music and singing] behind. [music and singing] Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. You brought me back to life. [music] [music] >> [applause and cheering] >> How can I begin [singing] to thank you >> How can I begin [singing] to thank you for all that you've done for me, for all that you've done for me, for all that you've done for me, Jesus, to [music] fully praise you. It Jesus, to [music] fully praise you. It Jesus, to [music] fully praise you. It will take all eternity will take all eternity will take all eternity just like Lazarus.

just like Lazarus. just like Lazarus. Oh, you brought me back to life. >> [music] >> [music] >> I [music] [music] no longer are you no longer are you no longer are you Christ [music] in me for I've Lord Christ [music] in me for I've Lord Christ [music] in me for I've Lord again. again. again. My heart is [music] free My heart is [music] free My heart is [music] free of heaven before [music] the great of heaven before [music] the great of heaven before [music] the great behind. behind. behind. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. You brought me back [music] You brought me back [music] You brought me back [music] to life. to life. to life. No longer I [music] Christ in me. For I've been born [music] Christ in me. For I've been born again. [music] again. [music] again. [music] My heart is free. The hope of heaven My heart is free. The hope of heaven My heart is free. The hope of heaven [music] before me. The great behind.

[music] before me. The great behind. [music] before me. The great behind. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. [music] He brought me back to life. >> God writes the best stories. >> God writes the best stories. Will you let him write yours?