Missouri 2

Well, let's just say it was the smoothest week... ever. I mean, I've only worked 5 weeks of MOVE, but this one had to be the smoothest. No way it wasn't. Registration, although late as usual, was smooth. Only a couple churches needed to move, and they were super well mannered about it. It was great. I only ran into one upset youth minister, and it wasn't even anything I could fix, so I feel good about that.

One thing I regret about the last couple weeks was that I found it difficult to talk to students there. The camp was spread out and there was no logical congregating point; there were even other camps there. But everyone seemed positive and to be having a good time.

We now enter two weeks in Joplin, unpacking, reorganizing, etc. Then I'll be home! Please keep praying for strength, and check back in case I think of something to post. I love you all, and thanks for joining me on this journey!

Missouri 1-End Of The Week

Here's the deal, there are only a couple buildings here with wifi and it's inconvenient to get to them with my laptop, etc. So, you'll probably get to see pics next week. I apologize.

Day 3, my favorite, was great as usual. I am finding more and more joy in the Bible and I love seeing others have that. Plus, our volleyball tournament was a blast and so was the Alternative. One student I had been talking to did a cover of Bieber's "Pray" that I actually half way appreciated.

Day 4 was slow, but relaxing. It was our extended rec and we went to Osage Beach for a beach and BBQ. However, we couldn't find the beach. Good thing food at Wobbly Boots was so good.

Day 5 was another smooth one. We didn't really do a whole lot outside the norm. Dodgeball was fun and super quick, with a great spot in the shade for spectators. The highlight of the week was Jason French's intense love for God displayed through his message that night. He reminded us that we are nothing and it's God in us that is worth anything; we are the match, he is the flame.

It was a good week, smooth week, and moving week. I pray next week is as well.

Missouri 1-Days 1 And 2

So internet here at Windermere is limited. This means that posts will be short and pictureless. Or at least until I can get on and update them.

But here is my weekend, and Days one and two:
Our weekend was much different from other set ups. A lot of our production guys weren't there right away, and so set up was delayed. But everything was done by Monday night. We got to eat at a super tasty Mexican place in Camdenton, the closest town. Overall, the weekend was not too stressful, just different.

Day one was pretty good, for day 1. That is registration and always busy, but the Holy Spirit kept me calm through it. We had issues with the conference center's rooms and churches who stayed a night early. But everything was sorted out by the end of the night.

Today was also fairly smooth. My only stressful time was realizing that we had not bought most of the supplies/balls for tournaments. So we rushed off to Walmart to fix that right quick, and even got back in time.

That's all for now! Please stayed tuned.

On The Road Again

Finally! We are on the road to another event. Our team will be spending the next couple weeks at Windemere Conference Center in Roach, MO. We all are beyond pumped to be out of the office and back to events. I haven't written much the last couple weeks because there isn't much to write about.

The majority of our last two weeks in Joplin have amounted to twiddling our thumbs and having fun, but none of it compared to being at a MOVE event. Last weekend my team and I went to Kansas City to shop and have dinner with Hannah's mom who was in town there. That was fun, but really the most we did.

Tuesday, we had the opportunity to check out Windemere, as it is only about three hours away. Our team is beyond pumped for the campus. It is right on Lake of the Ozarks and has so much to offer. I can not wait to see the fun students have and how the Spirit works there.

Please keep praying for the students and our endurance. Pray specifically for the four guys and Clif heading to Illinois this week for that MOVE event. I wish I could be there with them.

TN2 and TN3 Quick Recap

I apologize for not updating the last couple weeks. We were super busy and I just couldn't find the time or willpower to write about my weeks. So let me give you short recaps on each week.

TN2:
We stayed at Milligan College this week, which meant the weekend was basically free. It left us with simply having to refresh/rejuvenate things, instead of tear down and load in again. Surprisingly, it had a much different feel than the week before. We had a few injuries, some "issues" from youth ministers (which means youth pastors, for those back home), and I was busier with housing for TN3 to complete. However, many students still met God that week and every "problem" fades away in light of that. One memorable story is that of Lake Eustis Christian Church from Florida. I got to talk to these folks a few times that week and their leaders were strong and following God's call. The students were friendly, loving, and learning. I really appreciated having one group to talk to that week who I could count on to be happy to see me.

My favorite night, Wednesday, when students seek the scripture. Here you see ministers holding signs that say "I know the way" for students to approach them and ask what the Bible says about [you fill in the blank].

TN3:

This past week, we held an event at Johnson Bible College (Johnson University as of July 1, 2011) for 900+ people, which is double what we had the past couple weeks. It was impressive and difficult in some respects, but we each knew we had a break coming up and pushed through. I had to redo housing the weekend before, but with God's patience and his gift of Monster, got it done. For the most part, this week was also easy. I only got one call from a youth minister after I went to bed, and it was because they finally got to the campus. There was an added craziness and excitement from the increased number of people, but nothing God couldn't handle. I met a couple of cool churches that week. First, I met some graduated seniors from New Life. I was reading and overheard them talking about some heavy stuff and joined in. It was awesome to hear students years younger than me getting some concepts way before I did in life. Second, I met some leaders and later students from Woodford Community. Again, just great encouragements to speak with and I wish I could have talked with their leaders more. Also, I got to perform in front of most of the attendees Wednesday night! Check it!

Overall, I'm leaving these weeks joyful, but jealous. I see these leaders interact, have fun, speak with, and simply hang out with their students and I miss everyone from Driven4Him so much. But God does not need me there to work in them and I will see them again soon.

Please pray that my team gets the rest we need these two weeks and, as always, for high school students across the nation and world. I love you all, and miss all the great folks back home.