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