The MANIFEST 2008!!!

There was a teen retreat this past weekend. One of the first times I've ever really been hands-on with helping in an event such as this one. The retreat itself, was named The Manifest. Going back to the 14th century the word manifest is defined as: to make evident or certain by showing or displaying.
This was a chance for these kids to get away from their everyday stresses and enjoy the presence of God in their lives throughout the weekend - a Manifest that was essential for them and the leaders as well.
A few came to know Christ as their Savior and others were rejoicing in the fact that they get to praise God for a whole weekend without interruption from the worldliness that surrounds them.
Before this all took place, I had a hard-core yearning to do something for the girls that attend the Varsity youth group known as The CHOSEN Youth Group. I imagined how it was for me in high school. I can't say that I enjoyed it much. It was actually pretty bad. If that was the case back when I went to high school, I can't imagine what these kids are going through now. You see it on their faces when they come in on Sunday morning, when they stroll in on Wednesday evening. They are going through things kids should never go through. The girls stress out a lot about things I never even thought about when I was younger. I came up with a session that would basically let the girls know that they definitely have an escape route from all of the junk that surrounds them.
The praise and worship service along with the message on Friday was AMAZING!!! It was encouraging to see these kids go crazy for the Lord. I love being in the sound booth at those specific moments. I view the awesome praise these kids raise up to their Father and I get to join in once the sound is set...with an occasional run back to switch up a few things!!
I got to know some of the other leaders and their hearts. There were also sessions for the leaders that I joined in on once my session was over.
What a great weekend!! PRAISE GOD!!