Soul Survivor

It was about 11 pm, I found myself in damp, smelly, dimly lit tent filled with dirty clothes and candy wrappers; although that didn't really bother me too much, it was probably one the best moments I've had this year!... It was the last night of Soul Survivor, and there I was in that smelly tent talking with five teenage boys about what God had done in their hearts over the past few days. God had spoken specific things and revealed Himself differently to each of us.

Throughout the week I had tried several times to discuss with the boys what God was doing, but it never panned out. I'm glad we waited until the last night though, God's timing is always best... For months I've been trying to connect with people and create an environment where people feel safe and comfortable to share their thoughts and struggles. Trying is the key word because it really hadn't happened much. But, I sat there that night amazed as each of the boys shared not only how God done things in their lives, but were openly confessing their struggles and asking me to pray for them! I heard stories of God filling them with His Holy Spirit, and also got to see young Christians courageously step out to pray aloud, something I'm not even comfortable with all the time. We shared, we laughed, and we prayed... I've been to a lot of small group meetings, and lead several of my own, but I can honestly say that night was probably one of the best small group experiences I've ever had.

It was definitely one of those "God moments" that I'll never forget.... The ironic thing is, a part of me didn't really want to go to Soul Survivor... Five days of camping in the UK (meaning lots of rain and mud), 11,000 teenagers, and very little sleep is not my idea of a "good time". However, I knew in my heart that I was supposed to be there, and that made me excited to see what God would do. God spoke specific things over me, but to be honest, I got more joy out of seeing these young men experiencing God in a deeper way,  being able to pray for them, and discussing what He was doing in their hearts.

There's days when I stop and think, "Am I crazy? What am I doing here?!"... But after an experience like that it pushes all those doubts away!

Worship at the main meeting.