the crave

So the crave, or the youth ministry at Oasis Community Church was awesome this evening. We started a new series called Emanate which for our purposes is to implement a lifestyle that shares faith in Christ. It's talking about being a witness of your faith, not just verbally but in your actions, thoughts, and generally the way you live your life. Is your life an accurate representation of your faith?

I have always loved this quote:
Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.
-St. Francis of Assisi

Our lesson focused around 3 types of relationships with Christ and how this affects the way you Emanate, or share your faith in Christ in your lifestyle. It was talked about as 3 different types of light bulbs. The first was the Clapper - who only lives for God when he or she feels like it. The second was a photosensitive lightbulb - who only lives for God when his or her surroundings make it easy to live out or around other Christians, the third was a lightbulb on a timer, representing the believer who doesn't live like one on Saturday night, but acts perfect on Sunday morning.

It will be my prayer in this next week to be a better witness, whether it be my attitude, my work ethic, my relationships, and anything else I do, I desire to be a better witness, that others would see the difference, and live consistently. I want them to say "I wonder what is up with her?"

The students just returned from Big Stuf Camp in Panama City, as pumped and excited for God as I have ever seen a group of students. The have a passion for worship that didn't exist prior to their attendance. 8 of the students that attended the camp either re-dedicated their life to Christ, or met Him personally for the first time during the week! It was wonderful to hear the stories of their encounter with God this weekend, aside from the good times and inside jokes that develop from these trips.

I plan to go with the group next year, as I will have some more vacation time to spend. However, the fact that there is a fresh excitment and fire in the students for God is more than enough of an experience of Big Stuf Camp for me, it accomplished the goal! We also talked about not letting that fire die, and knowing you don't need 1500 students and an awesome worship band to be able to be excited for God, you can have the same fire all by yourself singing off key, it's genuine to God.

Two of the students created an announcements video for the evening. Tonights featured a lightbulb named "Emineminate", also known as Slim Shady, because he was a thin lamp and lightbulb with a cool shade! It was hilarious and Jake and Buddy did an awesome job on the project... Next week is "Emanescence"!

That's about it, it's bedtime for me, if you have a free minute check out this site at www.thecraveyouth.com

Good night all!