Faith Expressed In Love

In my years of taking students on retreats, this past weekend ranks at the top of the list! I cannot express what a privilege it is to take middle and high schoolers away from the noise to focus on growing together as a group! There were so many God moments and seized opportunities to take big steps towards Christ at ONE3ighty that I still feel incredible joy for what God did this weekend!

We were honored to have Brian LaMew join us for the retreat as he taught from Romans 7 and 8. The gospel was clearly outlined, along with some embarrassingly introspective stories that will stay at CranHill Ranch, and we discussed how we all have this sin problem (or inner jerk) that we cannot take care of on our own. But luckily the saving work of Christ allows us to come back to joyful relationship with Him and follow His plan for our lives!

Saturday night is always a holy moment at a Winter Retreat.  As Brian outlined the challenge to come forward for those who are resolute to make a 180 degree turn towards God's plan for their life, my heart leapt as each of our students moved to the front as one to mark their commitment. During worship many were scattered throughout the room with leaders who prayed blessings into their lives and freedom from what had been holding them back from fully following Christ.  God's presence could be felt in the room as the prayers of so many parents and leaders were answered.


We also had a TON of fun along the way!  New relationships were formed and existing ones deepened, both in our group and with other students in the mid-Michigan area.  A few students sacrificed their dignity for a $1.80 and nothing was left on the Archery Tag battle field.

There were many stories of new steps taken during the retreat, but here is one that sums it up. A student writes, "Because of ONE3ighty, I am going to turn my life around. Place others' needs in front of mine, love more, judge less, spread God's word. I will fight through religious intolerance at my work and home to introduce people who are in desperate need to a loving Lord and Savior." Wow!