My Week Away

It almost feels like a dream. Day  one of getting back into the swing of a normal routine is over halfway over. I keep finding myself thinking back on the last week of my life, looking through pictures or videos, and remembering funny stories. I think about the people I went with, the ones I met for only a day, or had the privilege of spending the whole week with in NYC. 

I've been on many mission trips as a youth myself, but this was the first one that I was able to go as an adult chaperoning the youth I've been around for the past 3 years. I've been with these young people since the 6th grade and so I thought I knew what kind of youth I'd be in charge of for 8 days. I was wrong. Once arriving in Harlem my idea of what i was about to experience changed. I watched youth that never volunteered for anything take  initiative and have the "no problem" attitude we as leaders encouraged them to have. They jumped in and helped when anyone would ask them to, loved on children that probably don't get loved on often, and were always ready for the next task that was ahead of them. They amazed me and that was only during the day. But during our evening sessions where a Biblical lesson or challenge would be placed before them mixed with a worship service, I witnessed hearts being open to the molding and transformation that The Spirit had for them. I saw them cry out unashamed and hand lifted high for the Spirit to pour into them. I witnessed them praying for one another, for the leaders, and for God's will to be done in their lives. I saw The Spirit convicting them of certain sins and in the same moment the confessing and repenting of those sins. I was humbled in those moments that The Lord Almighty would allow me, a lowly sinner, to experience a great movement with the upcoming freshmen class of Westside Church. 

It was confirmed in my heart that Youth Ministry at Westside Church is where I'm suppose to be. That in times where I may feel that what I'm doing isn't important that I'm reminded of  this week.

To all who prayed for our safety, for the movement of the Spirit, or for just an overall great experience, Thank You. I wish there was a word that could mean more because Thank You just isn't enough. I know this blog only scratched the surface of what the week away meant to me, but I hope it gave you at least a little glimpse of what Father, Son, and Spirit can do if we just offer ourselves.