A Fragrant Offering

Monday, July 7, 2008

Captain's Dinner

Last week Sam, Betty, and Anika held an appreciation dinner for the Rebelution captains and their families. Pastors David Michael and Kempton Turner spoke. Both messages were very encouraging. Pastor Kempton gave an illustration that really encouraged me to continue doing hard things through Christ. He recalled learning to ride a bike. His father gave him a big push then shouted for him to pedal! Kempton likened this experience to The Rebelution conference on the 21st. He said that the conference was the push, getting most of us captains outside of our comfort zones, and doing things that were hard for us. As his father enthusiastically encouraged him to pedal, Kempton encouraged us not to coast, but to continue to stretch ourselves and set the believers an example - through Jesus Christ. The conference was the push that got us started, and now we need to continue pedaling and doing hard things! The captains were given plaques commemorating their service during the conference.

Coming off of the pressure and details that filled my time before and during the conference, I have had time to regroup and try to understand the feelings I was having. I thought the conference was incredible, as I have previously mentioned, but there was something nagging at the back of my mind. The Gospel. I know that when Alex and Brett are speaking at the conferences, it is coming from a heart that embraces and loves the Gospel. Yet, it didn't come out through the sessions as often as I would have liked it to. I realize that that statement just sounds like a matter of personal preference, let me rephrase. The Gospel didn't seem to be the focus of why we do hard things. Don't get me wrong, I am whole-heartedly for rebelling against low expectations for teenagers and setting the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity (1 Timothy 4:12). But I also know that the only way we can do those hard things is through the strength the Christ supplies. Again, I know the Harris family loves and believes the Gospel, it just didn't seem to be the focus as I believe it should be. I say this also to myself, because I know that I need to always live in light of the Gospel, and most often I fail. I need to remember my need for Christ, and my nothingness without Him. That He gave His life to bring glory to the Father, and to save my soul. I want to commend our team, especially Sam and Joe, for returning our focus to the cross. It was very sweet to work with such an encouraging team!

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Nationals and Rebelution!

Wow! It has been forever since I last posted! Many exciting events have taken place in the past few months, the two big ones being Bible Quizzing Nationals and The Rebelution.

This year, nationals was held at the Marriott in downtown Minneapolis, just a few blocks from my house. It was an incredible experience! The quizzing was very competitive, and my team was so much fun! By the end of three intense days, my team, Sundown, finished 5th in the nation! We were pretty thrilled!

Second, The Rebelution. I had the privilege to serve as the Hospitality Captain. Basically, my job was to put together meals for the Harris family and Joseph Patrick, provide their transportation, and prepare a retreat room for them to hang out in between sessions. This last week has been slightly frantic in the pulling together of last minute details. My parents were awesome throughout the conference. My dad drove everyone around in a 15-passenger van and transported around the furniture for the retreat room. My mom helped me organize meals and get everything set-up. She also gave me her insight into how to best serve everyone. Even though there were a few small harships throughout the past months, the whole experience has been incredible!

These girls were on my team. They were awesome!

The conference sessions were insightful and inspirational. Alex and Brett use many stories, which I find very helpful, and many times humorous! My family really enjoyed getting to know the Harris family and Joseph this weekend. Another highlight was hanging out at Chatterbox, and playing apples to apples with part of the group.

Joseph, Joel, Alex, Me, Brett, Mr. Harris, Isaac

Friday, February 29, 2008

Rebelution

The Rebelution Tour is coming to Minneapolis! What is The Rebelution? It was started by Alex and Brett Harris, and is defined as a teenage rebellion against low expectations. This one-day event is held for the purpose of lighting a fire in teens and their families to "Do Hard Things" for the glory of God. It will coming to Minneapolis on June 21st, and will be held at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

You can watch The Rebelution Promo video here:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=In_4Dj7Umg8

I am very excited to be serving on the captain's team for this event. In addition to our separate roles, each captain is to be raising awareness and mustering prayer support. We know that this conference will accomplish nothing if we are not faithfully seeking the Lord through it all. Will you join me in praying that this event will be fruitful for God's glory. To learn more about this incredible vision, visit the Rebelution's website: http://www.therebelution.com/. There are many challenging and edifying articles to read, as well as the blog. Registration for the conference is also available online.