Retreat

     It was an incredible weekend. Why? SPRING RETREAT! All of Oxygen made the trip out to Forsythe, GA and we had an incredible few days. We started out Friday night with a worship service and a powerful message from Robert Madu: one of America's most sought after youth speakers. If the last name sounds familiar, it's because he also just happens to be my roommate Ashley Madu's older brother :) He brought a powerful message, and it was so awesome to have him here. One of my most favorite points from his message was "God doesn't call you to do things that you're comfortable with. He calls you to do what you think you can't do- and it's true. You can't do it without God. Our calling shouldn't be lived out in our power, but God's." It really made me reevaluate what I say I can't do. I can do all things through Christ!


     On Saturday I had the opportunity to lead a discussion group with some students that came on retreat. The theme for the weekend was "My Generation": it focused on a T.V. show that showed high school students with dreams for their lives, but as they checked in with them ten years later, they all were struggling to find purpose with their lives. We got to dialogue about what our dreams are for our lives, and who we think God is calling us to be. It was a great discussion, and it really opened their eyes to what they could be doing now to prepare for their future. I loved the opportunity!


     We had a lot of free time opportunities on Saturday, which meant time to go fishing, paddle-boating, or even take a nap. I love retreats because it gives us a lot of time with our Oxygen students- time that's hard to find throughout our busy weeks!


    On Saturday night we had another incredible service; a great night of worship and another incredible message brought on by Robert Madu. This time he talked about being fishers of men, and how as Christians our main calling is to bring others to Christ. I loved when he brought up the point "we aren't called to live for Christ but to die for Christ". He wasn't talking about a literal death, but about how when we surrender our lives to God, we constantly are dying to ourselves and our flesh. He brings up great points!


     The highlight of my weekend was seeing my small group students begin to realize and change things in their lives that I have been praying for prior to retreat. I love when God answers my prayers for them, and it was really encouraging to see them being to "get it". They really are growing, and I'm so proud of them all!


     It was an incredible few days. I know God has given me an even bigger heart for my students, and a new sense of burden in prayer for them. I appreciate how God does so much in them, and yet so much in us leaders at the same time! Here are a few snapshots of our weekend:

Eryn, Tiffany and I

One of my favorites: Kionjra

AUDAX

Our Saturday night worship service

Fresh Ideas

     I titled this blog posting "fresh ideas" because honestly I have been burned out with writing! Maybe it was all of the assignments and Southeastern, or the lack of time... but I just needed a break. I've taken some time, gathered my thoughts, and I'm back at blogging!


     The past few weeks have been really interesting. One night last week, Hosanna, Allie, Qualina and I decided to go out to some hospitals in the area and pray for the sick. It was incredible! We didn't have a single person turn us down for prayer... proving the great need and the openness of their hearts. I have so many different stories I could share, but the one I can most recall was when we prayed for a 5 year old girl with Leukemia. We got to talk to her mother and hear her story, and as we prayed I really do believe God healed her. We may never know for sure, but I believe that His word is true. He will heal the sick! Going out really showed me how easy it is to get involved in everyday ministry. It was so easy, and Hosanna and I plan to go and do it again!


     Last Wednesday was debate day! I won my debate, and I argued against same sex marriage. It was really cool to look into the issue and see what I believe on the subject; and not just from the Christian perspective. I know that when people ask me about this issue in everyday life, many of them won't be Christians, and won't care what the Bible has to say. I encourage you to look into the issue for yourself, and see what you believe too. It's astonishing the facts and statistics out there on this subject. Regardless, I won and that means extra credit :)


     Wednesday was also Angela and Caitlyn's birthday! We had a separate party for both of them and just spoiled them all day. It came at a great time for both of them, and they really did feel loved. I love how Masters takes care of each other as a real family does; though they couldn't be at home on their special days, they both said it was "the best birthday EVER!"


     Thursday, Friday, and Saturday were 2nd year applicant interviews. To come back as a second year student, you must fill out an extensive application and have an interview with all of the staff members. It sounds intimidating huh? I was asked to help assist in the interview process by making sure everyone was on time, bringing them in and out, and everything along those lines. It was a lot of fun, and I could really get a sense for the staff and how they really do have every student's best interests at heart. In a few weeks they will know if they were accepted to come back, and I can't wait to find out for them!


     Taking it one step further; to be a third year student you must be asked back by Jeanne herself. You are then considered one of her personal interns and study more in depth for ministry. It is an honor and privilege to be considered for the intern position... and yes, last night I was asked back to be an intern!!! I am still praying about accepting the internship or not; please pray God's hand is on that situation!


     It's been a crazy few weeks, and there is even more craziness to come: this weekend is Oxygen's spring retreat; we also have a Southeastern test and scripture study exam beforehand! God bless, and God bless me as I continue to study!