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Consecration 2002
By Lindsey Jo Short On November 1-2, 2002 at Calvary Church in Cincinnati, Ohio, God moved. From the opening exhortation Friday night to the host youth pastor Jonathan Walker’s keynote address, the tone was set for a conference focused on a deeper walk with God. Gateway College of Evangelism’s Chorale led with anointed singing interspersed throughout the service. The combined youth from Apostolic Church in Barberton, Ohio, and Calvary dramatically enacted through signing a powerful Kirk Franklin song. An overwhelming power fell upon the congregation. Then Bro. Harold Lindner spoke so eloquently to the youth. His messages were
so uplifting and encouraging. He opened with his trademark humor, but soon
challenged us to deepen our
relationship with God.
The altar service lasted for more than 45 minutes. On Friday night many foundations were made stable and many minds made up. I
have never seen so many young people in one mind and in one accord. All were
there to become more consecrated and devoted to God. It personally encouraged
me. It showed me that out of all the youth that attended that night, God cared
for me. He had enough grace and mercy to care and move in my life. It showed me
that being consecrated is so much more than just living for God. It is totally
yielding and dedicating yourself to Him. To be consecrated is to be focused and
to seek God's will and perfect plan for your life, to give everything that you
have to Him, even though it may not seem like much to offer. Saturday morning began with Krispy Kreme donuts,
which means it started great! The first session consisted of a panel
discussion about living the Christian walk today.
For an early Saturday event, it was well attended, with a variety of
interesting answers. Being able to listen to many different people from many
different backgrounds talk about their own Bible-based opinions made me become
more independent in what I think. Whether you wanted to hear about developing a
ministry in preaching or in music, everything you wanted and expected was
available. Finally, Lindner returned to provoke us to be
better Christians and to remain separate despite the seductions of society
because there is a reward for the faithful. Again, the altar service went long
and strong. At Consecration 2002, many lives were changed and
altered. I discussed it with a few close friends and their responses blew me
away. ·
One friend who is new to church and unsure of which church to attend,
told me that Consecration made a difference in his life. It changed his
perspective in many different areas. ·
Another friend has been in church a while but does not live the Christian
life that she should. She told me this conference seriously changed her. It
wasn't just another service that she went to. It was a service that would always
hold a place in her heart. If two people I know had a life-changing experience. I wonder how many other life-changing experiences there were. The conference was more than having a good time
and eating Krispy Kreme donuts. It was about having an “Off the Map” time.
And being able to become more devoted and consecrated to God than ever before.
ninetyandnine.com © 2003, Lindsey Jo Short --------- Lindsey Jo Short submitted this article in
a timely manner, but the slowpokes at the zine just got around to publishing it.
We beg your forgiveness, Lindsey! |
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