BR09!! 16 people in an elevator....why not?

1727 students and leaders
7 girls in my cabin
5 Campuses
1 Church

1 God

What were your camp experiences? Mine were filled with bunk beds, latrines, and BAD cafeteria food. For 1700 Second Baptist Students, theirs are filled with condos, beaches, and cabinets stocked with junk food!

This year, one of my condo's memories also includes getting stuck on an elevator! When 4 of my ladies were 30 minutes late after free time, I, the ever-trusting leader stormed out of the condo in search of my prodigal youth. Entering the elevator, I asked two gentleman if they had seen my renegades. "They're probably on the elevator that got stuck!" was their reply. Immediately, my stomach dropped thinking of my dear sweet teenagers stuck on that elevator. I knew they were terrified. Thankfully, as I exited the elevator on the 3rd floor, I saw my ladies crying being lectured by a Fire Marshall as I tried not to bust out laughing. (I'm abundant with sympathy)

Turns out we broke a record! Second does always do things bigger and better...including managing to stuff 16 people in an elevator.

That is definitely something I will always remember about my first BR experience, but I know there was so much more.

Before I left for Beach Retreat, so many told me I was going to be exhausted. When I told people how many students we were taking, I got responses like "Whoa!" or "You're a better person than I am!" In all honesty, by the end of the week, 1727 people really doesn't seem like a lot anymore!

I have to say I was incredibly blessed with the the young women I was able to hang out with this week. No word can express the joy in a leader's heart when she hears high-school students singing praise and worship at 8 AM in the morning while cooking breakfast. Couple that with 1700 students spending quiet time with God twice a day, and hundreds of them making commitments to Christ, it fill a heart with hope that God isn't done with us yet!

At the end of the trip, students wrote letters to themselves about resolutions they made on the trip. I challenge these students to stay on course! Lets keep doing it bigger and better!!

Adults: Why not write a letter to yourself about something that God is laying on your heart or a resolution you've made recently? Do it with a friend, seal the letters, and trade back in 3 months. Are you staying on course? Did your passion fade?



For inspiration and hope, check out more pics and videos from Beach Retreat 09 on our student pastor's, Jordan Easley, blog here.

This is YOUR Generation!

Me with 10 amazing young women at Second Baptist Church Premiere Weekend

Let's face it. If you turn on the news or walk to the local movie theatre, teenagers are not exactly the respectable upstanding citizens of "Leave it to Beaver" days.

Just one example: In April, a 14 year old in Louisiana was arrested for stealing a Hummer and crashing it.

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/national_world&id=6783976

One of the comments on the article states,

"Kids today have lost their minds."

OK, I think we can't forget the crazy things we did as kids. I myself lied about going to rated R movies and went to Craw fish Festival without permission. Looking back I wish I hadn't. It only caused strife for myself and worry for my parents.

But the news isn't displaying stories of white lies or breaking curfew. We are inundated with stories of teens texting nude photos, having abortions, affairs with teachers, killing each other and more. So many are lost without goals or ambition as well.

This is the sad state we live in, but there are teens that "Rise Above." Teens that know their worth is not in the things of this world, but in the next. I applaud these teens that have to watch day after day their generation killing themselves. These same teens choose to love and pray for their peers that are lost.

Last Sunday, May 3, Second Baptist Church had youth weekend. Teenagers gave sermons, testimonies, greeted, passed the offering, and gave benedictions in one of the largest churches in the nation. They ran the place! And services went off without a hitch.

As I sat there and watched 14 year-olds give their testimonies in a Single Life class and 18 year-olds give sermons in front of hundreds of people, I was amazed. Their poise, writing, and public speaking skills are beyond most adults. But more than that, their spiritual wisdom and walks with God is humbling.

I consider myself increasingly blessed daily to work with these young people. So, while the world sensationalizes the sadness of fallen teens, I wanted to take this moment to applaud those that "Rise Above." Great job, guys! I know the Lord will use them in so many ways, and I can't wait to see it.

Challenges:
Adults: Please pray for these students that their minds stay focused on the Lord and that they don't get discouraged with this world. And get involved! If you feel pulled to work with these great students, get informed and involved...anywhere!

Students: Keep on truckin! Y'all are great. Don't get discouraged and continue to Rise Against the things of this world. Know that you are appreciated and loved! :)