Reborn Identity

This past weekend, 8 students, my family, and I traveled to Beamsville, Ontario to attend the 2008 Great Lakes Youth Rally. It was a great weekend where I saw old friends and made new ones.

We left Friday morning and headed to Port Huron, where we would cross the border into Canada. Crossing the border into Canada was pretty easy. The lady at the border didn't ask to see any papers or anything. Maybe it was the van full of teens and all the subsequent paperwork that scared her off.

Before heading to Beamsville, we decided to head over to Niagara Falls. Most of the students had never been there before. It was amazing to be reminded of God's power as we watched millions of gallons of water flow over the Falls. God created some pretty cool stuff.

While we were at the Falls, we ran into the guys from Watershed. It was really random, but it was pretty cool at the same time.

Then we arrived at Great Lakes Christian College (which is actually a high school). The people there were amazingly friendly and welcoming. From the minute we walked in the door, I felt like I was among friends.

The entire weekend was a great experience. It was great to worship with Watershed. I felt honored to be a part of their last weekend together for a while. I know it was an emotional time for Chris, Vicki, and the other guys in the group.

Our teenagers had a great time making new friends, growing closer to one another, and experiencing God. On Sunday morning during our worship time, Luke Jenema had a chance to share a little of his experience with Mission: Cincinnati. It is always encouraging to hear how God is working in the lives of students. 

One of the most amazing parts of the weekend were two guys that I was able to meet. Ryan was born with a hole in his heart. We sat and talked for quite a while on Saturday afternoon about his life and what he had been through. According to the doctors, Ryan shouldn't even still be alive.

Then there was Joey. Joey was attending Great Lakes until he was diagnosed with cancer. As I sat talking with this teenager, I was amazed by his faith and his attitude. He shared with me that he had been in the hospital on Wednesday (two days before the youth rally), but how glad he was that he was able to come for the weekend. I was humbled by the faith of this 17-year-old. Although he has been through chemo and a host of other medical procedures, Joey continues to live life to the fullest.

The theme for the weekend was "Reborn Identity." It was a time to be reminded of our purpose and our identity. God created us for more than just going to church; He created us to be the church. My prayer is that each of us can find our place in the world to serve others and bring the love of God into this world.

shine!
Jason