This past year has been a great one. At Super Summer 3 of our 4 sessions sold out completely and already this year we have more administrative and executive staff applications submitted than in previous years. We are praying about opening another session soon...maybe in the more southern region of the state. More importantly, God is working in the lives of those who a apart of Super Summer. One of our youth pastors who attended Super Summer this past year, Ron Evans, was challenged by the "Unleashed" vision and by God's leading decided to start a park ministry to reach unchurched students. Instead of sticking with the normal "come and see" mentality he stepped out in faith and took church to where the students already meet. Read a recent email he sent to me:
Hello Warriors,
It has been a while since our last update. Ther have been many things that have taken place. This update will come in a series of update that will put the whole picture that has taken place oveer the past few weeks.
I want to start by sharing with you a blessing that was given to us the weekend before Christmas Eve. This is a letter that was written to us by one of the students named Laura. She gave it to me and asked me to read it to the entire group. All I can say is that we serve an awesome God:
Hey Guys,
I was sitting in bed just the other night thinking about all the good and the bad in the world, when I realized something. The good in life always seems to outshine the bad. I always knew it but the realization came upon me like a flood. When I was young I always had a problem believing that God was on my side. I was always the outcast, the one who got picked on and beat up, the one that got spat on every time I went to school. But despite all the bad of my past, the good of the present outshines it.
It was just recently I accepted Jesus as my Savior and I noticed that when I did, I really did feel reborn. Nothing from my past seemed to hurt me anymore, so I decided that given the chance, yes, I would do it just the same. I wouldn’t change a thing. You see, I never really appreciated how all the bad stuff shaped who I am now, and had I not done it that way, I would never be saved. I know that sounds a little weird and awful, but it’s true. Had I not been picked on when I was little, I would have never rebelled in Jr. High, had I not rebelled I would have never found my way to the park, which in turn did lead to many of my mishappenings, but always drew me in.
Since the first night I came to the park I was hooked. It was everything I was looking for. It was a place to hang out with new and interesting people without having to worry about being judged. Had I not seen and loved everything that first night so many years ago, I would have never met all of you. I would never have known the love and respect of my peers I wouldn’t have met those I love and hold dearest. You should know who you are.
Had I not come back to the park after that first night I would have never met Ron and Tonya who helped me find God, to realize that EVERYTHING is in God’s hands. Using what they have taught me I have come to know that everything that happened to me in the past brought me to this place in my life. God meant for me to come and learn His Word amongst friends and when I really needed it the most. I was taught in my youth that everything happens for a reason- now I know that reason was because God planned it that way. His reason for doing some of the things we go through may become clear to us or may remain unknown for eternity, but the point is we don’t have to understand why, just that he planned it should be enough.
I’m sorry that this is so long guys. I really am but I wanted to share my thoughts with all of you, I can never seem to speak them, basically. I just really wanted to say thank you, to everyone. Without you guys I wouldn’t be here today. You have all blesses me with something I could never loose or throw away, happiness. You have all touched my life somehow and I will never forget the things we have gone through together. You are all my brothers and sisters and I love you all so much for helping me to find the way to my rebirth. But the biggest thank you goes to Ron. Without you, Ron I would of never made it to the light. Thank you for making the effort and not giving up on me. You have shown me the way into the light and taught me God’s Word, for that I can never repay but I am going to use all that I have and will learn to stay in the light.
Ron, if ever you have doubts about what you are doing here, just remember… you’ve changed my life for the better. You have helped me in a way nobody could ever do. You helped me find God. And if you remember that, you will have no reason for doubts. Because you have helped at least one person, and that in itself should be a blessing. Thank you so much for your patience, guidance, love, support and prayers. I will always remember you as the man that brought me the truth that saved me. As I’m sure many others will too. We’re also blessed to have met you, Tonya, Morgan, Jordan, Hayley and all of you guys. Thank you for not giving up on us the way so many others have.
Thank you, Ron and bless you,Laura
This is just one of the many reasons we continue to do what we do! Thank you Ron for sharing how God is using you. We all will be hearing more about this minister this summer.
YEC this summer was also amazing. It is so wonderful and humbling to be a part of something that God uses to change students lives. Vodie Bauchem and the Skit Guys (Tommy and Eddie) did such a great job teaching truth and many lives were changed that weekend. The worship, the music, the drama and most importanly the Spirit was clearly from God. I had a youth leader tell me after the conference that he was so amazed because this was one of the only "big events" that he has attended that it didn't just feel like a concert with some "spiritual stuff attached onto it." He said it was a real worship expereince from start to finish and that was very encouraging to me.
This year we are looking forward to worshipping with leadership from Shane and Shane, Tiny Domiguez, The Afters, JR Vassar and Kutless. We trust God will move in a powerful way this year through the ministries we are able to be a part of.
Be sure to plug into Hot Hearts and Ignite conferences this month! We look forward to see what God is going to do in 2007!
Blessings,
Leighton
