The Cross Talk

This past Monday night, I was given the opportunity to tell kids about the cross at Young Life. The week before Storms talked to them about sin, a rough but very necessary topic. He promised at the end of his talk that I would have great news for them this week. I first asked if everyone could hear the story NEW this time. Often times, with friends or family, if we hear the same story twice we quickly tune out. I assured them that the cross is the most amazing love story and it is the reason for so many changed lives. Before I spoke we got the kids to turn around (facing the television) so now the kids who normal sit in the back and usually not as engaged were sitting at my feet. Wide eyes looked up as me as I was telling kids the amazing story about how Jesus was a volunteer, not a victim. I was extremely descriptive, and times I would see cringing teens and hear sounds of disgust. But it was exactly what they needed to hear. Near the end of my talk I told them that in my 10 years in Young Life, I've seen hundreds of lives and hearts changed because of this very message. They get to see 8 leaders each week who's lives have been changed but I thought it would be cool to give them a glimpse of how God has been working throughout our community. My roommate and I put together a video, with the help of some awesome friends, that is a rendition of cardboard testimonies with other Orlando YL leaders.
To be honest, it's hard to stand in front watching myself on a screen holding signs that so shamefully describe my past: hypocrisy, depression, drinking...you name it. But then my attitude changed so quickly as I see how my life has changed for the better. Kids were given the opportunity to see leaders hold signs up of anorexia, sex, and no self worth turn into amazing stories. God can take anything and make it beautiful.
In the midst of hard times it seems nearly impossible to see how God is working, but what an incredible treasure is it to look back and see how he's changed so many lives for the better.

Hit hard.

Tonight at club the atmosphere was far different from usual. A Winter Springs sophomore passed away two nights ago and was so fresh in our kid's hearts. He was extremely close to many of our Young Life kids, some of which who had spent time with him earlier that day. I gave the talk tonight about Jesus healing, and how there's nothing in our lives that he can't fix. I'll be honest, that's hard to say when you're starring into a room of guys and girls crying and deeply hurt. The toughest part about being a leader is when you don't know the right words to say. On top of losing Nate, our kids have had their unfair share of deaths within the past few years. One of their football coaches died about a month ago, multiple fathers have committed suicide, and kids have lost their siblings to drunk driving. As leaders we hurt for our friends, and grieve alongside them. Despite my sadness and frustration, I feel blessed that we have created a family with kids, leaders, parents, and committee members that is so real and so strong. Please be praying for Nate, his family, and the kids at Winter Springs high school. Please also pray for the leaders as we spend time with our high school friends during these tough weeks.

2 weeks in of club

God has already rocked Winter Wprings and we've only been at it for two weeks. We had over 130 kids show up at our first Young Life club of the year. We sang Taylor Swift and set a fake mouse on fire (which they thought was real). Always eventful here in Orlando! We have had some great feedback from kids about club, but one of the negatives always seems to be that there's too many people. Some people's blessing can be an annoyance to others. My prayer is that God brings the right kids to club each week, no matter the number. That he would open each kids heart to hearing the gospel, and that they would fully understand that the God of the universe is crazy about them.
Dana and I started campaigners last Tuesday and had 12 girls show up that are thirsty for the Word. I am so excited to dive in and grow with these girls. Most of them are seniors with a few juniors mixed in, but it seems like a great mesh of girls. We'll be going through the book of Mark which I'm so excited about! They hear only a glimpse about Jesus once a week at Young Life, but will now get to fully emerge themselves into God's Word. Please pray that God would be faithful in keeping them plugged in to the Word throughout the week, and coming every Tuesday with new insight and excitement for growth.
We don't have Young Life today since our kids didn't have school, but Jim and I are meeting at Tiquana Flatts with some of the kids to hang out and catch up. I feel so blessed that we have a team that is excited to meet kids right where they're at!

Sharp Top Cove!

Camp was absolutely incredible! The Lord definitely had us on our toes with kids coming down with the flu and all other sorts of interesting surprises, but we made it back with some exciting stories! We rolled into Winter Springs high school Sunday morning with some tired kids and ultra tired leaders, but kids haven't stopped talking about the best week of their life at Sharp Top Cove. 

Orlando took up a third of the camp, and you could definitely tell! The first night we went on an obstacle course throughout the camp (where my girls got to dress me up in neon and paint on a unibrow and mustache...classic). We had club every night with our speaker Jim Branch who is on staff in Knoxville, TN. Jim told our friends how we may have a distorted image of God, when in reality God is on our team. His love for us goes beyond what any earthly father could ever give. 

We had an all-camp beach volleyball tournament where our cabin dressed in parrot hats and crazy hair. Throughout the day they got to experience Sharp Top's finest in the giant swing, standing slides, mountain bikes, a high ropes course, the blob, and a pool placed in a beautiful valley in Jasper Georgia. God's creation was everywhere! 

If I wrote out everything there would be a book full of fun stories and happenings at camp. But one of my favorites is about a girl named Meghan. Meghan is 18 and has been in my campaigner group for a year now. Months ago at campaigners I can clearly remember everyone sitting in a circle talking about the sin in our lives. Meghan raised her hand and completely serious said "I know what's right, I just know that I'm not gonna do it and I don't really care". I love Meghan but knew at that point that she was going to need more than a weekly Bible study for her to get it. This year at camp, Meghan was there. She heard stories from the Gospels where Jesus performed miracles, who hung out with sinners, and who died for us. The night of the "cross talk" everyone went outside for 15 minutes of quiet. Meghan describes it much better than I ever could (since this IS her story!) But she said that she sat there talking to God about giving her life over to Him. Her eyes were closed as she was praying and when she opened them, the once dull-night sky was brilliant. The stars were as bright as she had ever seen them with shooting stars dancing across. I love how she explains it "It was like I was seeing everything in a whole new way". 

Meghan gave her life to Christ at camp, and she's enrolled for the fall at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. She has already made all the arrangements to train to become a Young Life leader in Knoxville and could not be more excited!

I am so blessed to have front row seats to such beautiful stories. Meghan will make such an impact on young teenage girls and has such an incredible story to tell!

Sharp Top Cove here we come!

Tomorrow morning at 5am Orlando leaves for Jasper, GA with 3 buses full of tired/anxious Young Life kids. Last year I was the only girl leader and we had 11 girls go. This year Winter Springs is taking 35 girls, 4 leaders and one junior leader (she just graduated high school). God has most definitely had his hand upon these kids and the preparation that goes into recruiting kids to come to camp. I am so excited to see some incredible changes in these kids during this week at camp. I feel so blessed to have a front row seat to watch some amazing transformations.
Please keep the leaders in your prayers. For wisdom, energy, and a heart for loving our high schoolers. Also, for the kids to hear and see Jesus throughout the week whether it be at the ropes course, during the talks, in the music or even in the skits. Thanks for your prayers! I can't wait to post pictures and tell great stories when I come back!

Winter Springs Graduation

Yesterday Winter Springs graduation was held at the UCF arena. It was so cool to see Young Life kids that have been with us for years all grown up and off to college. Dana, another leader and I, have been leading a girls campaigner group which is a Bible study for high schoolers. Yesterday, five of them walked across the stage and are starting such an exciting time in their lives. These girls have talked about starting Young Life leadership training in the fall, and pursuing other ministries as well.
I think the coolest story is the transformation that I've seen over the past year in Aubrey. Last year I was at graduation and saw Aubrey who was watching her brother graduate. I barely knew her but I had been trying to get her to come to camp for some time. Camp was a few weeks away but I still felt like I should ask her. It was completely awkward (she'd say the same) :) and walking away I was extremely discouraged. As God shows me daily, he's much bigger than me. Aubrey walked on the bus to camp last summer, has been in my campaigner group for the past year, and we've established such a special friendship. Needless to say, I saw her this year at graduation, no awkwardness, just love for a girl that God has placed in my life!