Fire Acquired!

Spring break is behind us. FCAT’s are nothing but a memory now. We have just returned from our annual trip to the Acquire the Fire Youth Conference, and it was an experience like no other! This year’s topic of study was “Normal’s Not Enough” Illustrating through music, worship, drama, and dynamic youth communicators, ways in which they can live the lives laid out for them in Christ and empowering youth through The Spirit to take a stand for what is true. Let’s face it, the world’s view of what is “good” or “okay” isn’t always what is best for us. Our youth are on the front lines of this tension, and it is when they stand strong together that these forces can be defeated. Stand together they did! They spent 27hrs. with 7000 of their peers lifting up the name of Jesus, and surrendering themselves and the troubles they have been carrying with them. It was AWESOME to be in the presence of the Holy Spirit in that context!

So now what? We will be exploring together for the next couple of weeks what we can do back on our homefront to apply what we have learned and experienced at ATF. They will be encouraged to embrace the change and freedom that has been brought forth in their lives, and continue to carry that fire with them throughout the year and in every place they go. For we know that The Spirit is with us wherever we go, and will comfort, empower, and guide us in times when we face the opposition of worldly views and temptations.

Allow me to close by saying that our youth are truly a blessing to us all. I cannot put into words how great it is to be surrounded by young people that really get it. They aren’t just here to be a “youth group”, but rather to be a “youth ministry”, comprised of God’s own children. I am amazed and sit in anticipation to see the way these youth will bring change to the world they live in by allowing the light and love of Christ to shine brightly through them.