LIFE
I spent last week in hot, humid Orlando, Florida with 7,500 students and youth leaders at LIFE 2007, a youth conference hosted by the Christian and Missionary Alliance every three years. I walked miles and miles in the Orlando Convention Center, slept very little, and marveled at the scene of 7,500 people waving glo-sticks to signify their passion for the Lord. I suffered from a lack of caffeine most days, learned to play Four Square, and struggled with the apathy some demonstrated for awesome times of worship and fellowship. Brennan Manning knocked my socks off, The Swift played their last concert ever, and I danced to “Undignified” almost every day. God moved in big ways — 1,700 students answered a call to full-time ministry; more than $114,000 was given in an offering for the Alliance’s work in Africa; and one of my student roommates for the week expressed her strong desire to keep her passion for God alive long after the conference concluded.
I roomed with two amazing girls — Emily and Mandi — who tackled the conference with enthusiasm. I loved that they attended a session on sexual purity and then wanted to talk about what they learned. I loved that they both expressed a desire to spend more time in their Bibles. I loved that Emily coined our time together as a “triangle of womanship.” I loved that they enjoyed hanging out with Jeff and even videotaped his adorable impressions of a bird! I loved that even when they were tired, they paid attention and listened to the speakers. They were good sports (even at the shady Chinese buffet), and they made the experience all the more meaningful for me. It was a privilege to be with them.
LIFE was exhilirating. And tiring. And I’m pretty sure that I’m changed because of it.
As the song says, “Every blessing you pour out, I’ll turn back to praise.” Thanks, God, for the blessing of youth ministry, for the opportunity to worship with believers, and for your unfailing love.