The celebration dinner that followed the purity retreat gave beautiful insight to what the weekend was about. Parents were invited to watch a video by Pam Stenzel. The video was informative, challenging, funny and, most importantly, inspiring. After the movie we went into the atrium which had been transformed beautifully into a banquet hall.
Youth and leaders reflected on the weekend with joy, tears and passion. There were youth from Hope, Rehoboth and Discovery churches, along with friends from the community. What a wonderful collaboration. Each participant received a plaque with their name and a verse picked for them. Watching them swagger, and move in unique ways to receive their plaque was delightful. Youth, leaders and parents, clapping and cheering as they went up. They received them from a leader who had committed to being with them for the weekend. Each one assigned a prayer partner to pray for them.
What struck me again was that the messages our children receive so often from society at large are in such contrast to God’s truth. This weekend sent another very powerful message. You matter, you’re worth investing in, we love you.
I’d like to say a big thank you on behalf of the parents to everyone who played a part in the weekend. Thank you for all the prayer, planning and time that went into this weekend.
Some youth came to the retreat willingly and some with much encouragement. I believe all were touched and took something worth while away. Thank you to all the youth for investing in yourself, and each other. Thank you for taking the time to hear the truth of God’s plan for you, to protect you and to love you first and foremost.
To paraphrase Pam Stenzel ”we may lose some battles along the way but we want to win the war. This life is short but we want our children to spend eternity with God.”
Keep the conversations flowing and always remember grace. If you want to know more go to pamstenzel.com.
- Sharon
Youth and leaders reflected on the weekend with joy, tears and passion. There were youth from Hope, Rehoboth and Discovery churches, along with friends from the community. What a wonderful collaboration. Each participant received a plaque with their name and a verse picked for them. Watching them swagger, and move in unique ways to receive their plaque was delightful. Youth, leaders and parents, clapping and cheering as they went up. They received them from a leader who had committed to being with them for the weekend. Each one assigned a prayer partner to pray for them.
What struck me again was that the messages our children receive so often from society at large are in such contrast to God’s truth. This weekend sent another very powerful message. You matter, you’re worth investing in, we love you.
I’d like to say a big thank you on behalf of the parents to everyone who played a part in the weekend. Thank you for all the prayer, planning and time that went into this weekend.
Some youth came to the retreat willingly and some with much encouragement. I believe all were touched and took something worth while away. Thank you to all the youth for investing in yourself, and each other. Thank you for taking the time to hear the truth of God’s plan for you, to protect you and to love you first and foremost.
To paraphrase Pam Stenzel ”we may lose some battles along the way but we want to win the war. This life is short but we want our children to spend eternity with God.”
Keep the conversations flowing and always remember grace. If you want to know more go to pamstenzel.com.
- Sharon
Comments
Post a Comment