Experiences

Seven people, five teenagers and two adults, sat in a small circle on the hard wooden floor of an abandoned school's auditorium. Lives were willingly exposed, stories were emotionally shared, hearts were tenderly softened, and weights were lifted off shoulders.

Thirty or more people, the majority teenagers, stood outside of a small sandwich shop, waiting to load yet again onto a large bus. Instead, news was brought: the group eight percussionists, most amateurs trying the competition for mere fun, was not only going to Nationals, but had won first in state.

In a large auditorium, hundreds of teens and youth pastors and adult workers gathered to hear results of the weekend's events. Everyone waited silently in anticipation. Names that meant nothing to many of us were read, and their fans and supporters and friends all cheered with excitement. It was then that it was found that a puppet team, book chapter, and sign language group would be joining the percussion team in Nationals.

Crazed teenage girls screamed for Hawk Nelson. Less people, but still an outstanding number of fans, applauded The Afters. Toby Mac made his entrance near the end, causing the girliest of girls and the manliest of boys yell and shout and cheer on the famed rap artist.

In a small, southern Illinois sanctuary, a man spoke with such passion that everyone was on the edge of their seats, perhaps grasping onto every word, but more likely waiting until they would be invited to the altar. Everyone sensed the Alpha and Omega's presence. Finally, people, old and young alike, walked to the altar. Some chose to worship in solitude, finding a corner. Some stayed in their seats and bowed their heads. A group of teenage girls sat in a circle near the altar, speaking in tongues, praying passionately, holding hands in unison. Some men and women went up to the speaker and were healed from diseases they had bared for years.

This all happened with a small youth group of no more than 25 students.
Sometimes we have to look back at the past to see God's involvement in our lives.