To Be Or Not To Be

Since we've had great weather this week I made "outdoor" plans for tonight. My roommate, two friends and I are going to see the Shakespeare in the Park version of Two Gentlemen of Verona. I can't wait because it was one of the things on my list of "New York" things to do (in the movies you always see or hear them talking about the Shakespeare productions in Central Park). Unfortunately it now looks like it's going to rain. So unfair.

Maybe a good dose of Calvin and Hobbes is what I need. Click Me, and Me, and Me.

Goodbye Thugs, Hello Jesus

For all of you PSP, Play Station, XBox, Game Cube, addicted characters out there (and you know who you are) the world of video games is about to get a whole lot holier. Seems that Christian video game makers are making giant leaps forward in updating their technology in hopes of attracting a wider audience. They were even featured on ABC's World News Tonight this week. Hey, a little more Jesus and little less Grand Theft Auto can never be a bad thing.

Pentecost is Moving Forward

Anyone who has spent any time in the UPCI knows that it's monthly magazine "The Pentecostal Herald" has been notoriously dry and boring. However, a little over a year ago (forgive me for not knowing the exact date) the magazine underwent an "Extreme Make-Over" and the change has been astounding. Intelligent, well articulated, relevant articles, written by people with a burden/passion/calling, no fill the pages. The Herald is now something I look forward to reading. And this month you should too.

The September 2005 issue of the Herald if focused on Ministering to Singles. Yes, it seems that the powers that be are finally realizing that ministering to singles is in fact a necessary part of the church's ministry. Please pick yourselves up off of the floor and wipe the astonished look off your faces. I had to do the same thing. Having spent over four years as the Singles Coordinator (20-35) for my church in California I know exactly how frustrating it is to try and find any resources, materials, people interested in this ministry. For years I banged my head against the wall and complained to my Pastor (who was on the Sunday School Curriculum Committee) and finally just decided that if no one else had tools available I'd have to come up with my own. Fortunately, with the help of a few people who realize the need to fill this gap, the UPCI seems to be heeding the call. By the way, One Single Mission is a great resource for all things Single.

So check out this month's Herald (you can purchase one for $1.75 or beg, borrow or steal one from your friends). It covers everything from "Creating Your Own Life As a Single Adult" to the purpose and way to have an effective "Singles Ministry" and even includes the often overlooked Single Parents, Widowed/Divorced and "Over 35" groups. The UPCI has truly outdone themselves with this issue.



Questions, comments, concerns? Please feel free to E-mail me!

He's Got the Whole World In His Hands

Events in Gaza are becoming more intense. It is heartwrenching to watch as soldiers drag people from their homes and from the synagogues and even more heart wrenching when those same soldiers are moved to tears. The most surreal part is knowing that you are watching history in the making.

Sentencing has started in the case of Dennis Rader, the BTK Serial Killer. If ever there was an instance where they should lock someone up and throw away the key, this guy is it. Pardon me if I don't link the articles, they're a bit disturbing.

On a lighter note, with gas prices skyrocketting just remember that it could be worse. You could live in Europe.

Life Styles of the Rich and Famous

Those Hollywood types are forever reinventing themselves. First it was Prince, no then it was the Artist Formerly known as Prince, then he was that weird symbol and now I think he's back to being just plain old Prince. Then there was Jennifer Lopez who turned herself into "Jenny from the Block" and then to J. Lo., only to revert to her real name in the wake of the disaster that was "Bennifer." Now we have Sean "Puffy" Combs. In recent years the rappers/fashion designer/mogul has been known as "Puff Daddy" (a name that he dropped almost as quickly as he dropped J. Lo.), "Puffy," "Sean Jean" (his clothing line) and most recently as "P. Diddy." However, the "P" must have been too annoying to write out on autographs (or too hard for his underlings to remember) because Mr. Combs has announced that he will henceforth be know simply as "Diddy." Yeah, that sounds like a winner to me. Anybody want to bet that in his next incarnation he'll be known "D?"

Ok, I resisted for as long as possible but I have to say it. Madonna finally fell off of her high horse. Ok, that's it, no more poking fun I promise. The chantuse is recovering from an accident where she fell off of her horse and suffered five broken bones, all on her 47th birthday. Maybe if she hadn't used the party hats for "other" accessories she wouldn't have scared the horse. Ok, that was the last jibe, I promise.

Have a great night!

Questions, comments, concerns? Please feel free to E-mail me!

I think it was the Roast Beef

Sorry folks it seems I'm dealing with a bit of food poisoning today so I probably won't be around much but I do have some things to share with you to help you start your day off right.

Overheard in NYC

Conductor on the B train: I get paid whether this train moves or not. We can sit here all day or if you want to go somewhere stand clear of the doors. NOW!

Older Jewish Woman outside of the Music Box Theater on 45th: That Suzanne Somers has some nerve. She's writing another diet book. I have a friend who has read all her diet books and every year she gets fatter and fatter.

And just for giggles.


Questions, comments, concerns? Please feel free to E-mail me!

The Winds of Change

Just wanted to let you all know that one of my fellow bloggers for 90&9, Brad McDonald, has taken on a partner in crime. David Bunch has joined forces with Brad to cover the "wide world of sports" for all of you rabid sports fans out there. And considering that we are headed into the home stretch for baseball, football is getting underway and hockey is starting up again (didn't you miss them), there should be plenty to cover. Head on over and check them out at Bench WarmerS.

Speaking of 90&9, head over to the main page and check out what you've missed. Monday we'll have updates and final reflections on anything and everything that you might have missed at Youth Congress. I even hear there are some top secret stories set to be revealed. You don't want to miss it.

It's been almost two weeks since we've taken a look at one of our more obscure Bible characters so here's another one to consider. I've gotten great feedback from a lot of you on these and I'm really glad you're enjoying them. Keep the input coming.

Lessons from the Lesser Known

Being the oldest child, I never had any older siblings to push me around, tease me or conversely to teach me how to do things. I either learned from my parents, from my friends or on my own. Admittedly, this made me very independent and I felt it gave me the right to make sure that my younger siblings were not denied the experience of a big sister. I can still hear the screams of “you’re not my mom” echoing through our house.

Luke 15: 11-32 tells the story of two siblings, one the picture of dedication and the other a prodigal son who decides that he knows what is best for his future (he must have been a teenager), and demands his inheritance from his father, before running off to the city where he promptly squanders all of this money and ends up living in a pig sty - literally. Finally deciding that he would rather go home and be a servant in his father’s house than to live with the pigs any longer the boy heads home and is welcomed with loving and open arms.

Interestingly enough, we are never given any details on the prodigal’s older brother. His personality, dreams, ambitions, etc. are all a mystery. All we know is that he stayed and worked alongside of his father, building their family holdings/business and fulfilling his duty. While his younger brother did nothing but waste what he’d been given. Yet, at the end of the story the younger brother was the one that was honored and rewarded.

We know that through this parable the Lord was setting up how he loves us and forgives us for the wrongs we do and welcomes us with open arms. And we know that it is also an example of how we should love backsliders when they return.

People make mistakes and we’re supposed to love them anyway. I get it. Yet, I can’t help sympathizing with the elder brother.

In verses 28-30, the elder brother expresses his anger over this situation. Never does he say that he doesn’t love his brother or that he isn’t happy that his brother has come home. Simply that he doesn’t understand why no one has ever made the same effort for him and he has done what is right. But again, instead of praise the elder child was rebuked by his father (verses 31-32).

The Lesson: We have all rejoiced over the “sinner who has come home.” It is a beautiful sight to behold and one that makes even the angels in heaven rejoice. However, it is vital that we do not ignore or neglect those at the other end of the spectrum. The consistent saints of God who, although they have had plenty of opportunities to take their “inheritance” and run, have remained dedicated to their Father and his kingdom.

I must confess that this is something I struggle with personally. Numerous times over the years I have watched as friends and acquaintances have walked away from God. Fortunately, I have been blessed to watch some of them return. However it is mightily disheartening to listen to the constant “rejoicing” over these prodigals and to never hear a word of encouragement directed my way for the constant faithful walk I’ve led. I do not live for Jesus because I want someone else’s approval but I think that we would make great strides in keeping people from backsliding in the first place if we simply remembered to commend their faithfulness.

The prodigal’s elder brother showed dedication, a solid work ethic, and a level of commitment that the younger brother could only dream of. Even without the praise of his father he was faithful. In everything we do we should be the same way. Are you singing in the choir or helping with the youth group because you want someone’s approval? Do you volunteer to help with a project because you want the credit? Or are you doing it because it’s the right thing to do? If no one ever commended you on your behavior would you stop doing those things? Check your motivations. If they aren’t God given maybe it’s time to do some rearranging.

Finally, keep in mind that even though the eldest child had never been openly rewarded for his dedication, he was the father’s heir. Everything that the father had would one day be his precisely because he had remained faithful and done what was expected of him. The same principal applies to us. One day all the riches in heaven will be ours if we can remain faithful.



Questions, comments, concerns? Please feel free to E-mail me!

What a Beautiful Morning

The sun is shining, the haze has lifted (NY has looked more like LA in the past week), the birds are chirping, the horns are honking, people are yelling, a perfect August morning in New York City. Best of all the temperatures have dropped and it's only supposed to be 82 today, which is a welcome improvement over the 105 it was on Saturday.


Open Mouth, Insert Foot

We've all had embarassing moments where we've opened out mouths and said something utterly ridiculous. Thankfully for most of us, there were no cameras rolling at the time. Fortunately, for our amusement the cameras did catch this comment by Benny Hinns wife.

There really are no words to follow that.




Questions, comments, concerns? Please feel free to E-mail me!

Reflections

Aren't you glad to see that the title wasn't "Uptown Girl?"

Me too.

I feel it only fair to warn you all that I'm in a bit of a strange humor today. I'm not sure if it's due to having a week off from blogging, from my increasing internal searchings or quite simply from random boredom and the rain outside.

So, let's see what is going on in the rest of the world.

Israel

Midnight tonight is the deadline for Israeli settlers in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip to abandon their homes. As I mentioned last week, I am very torn about this. I have a passion for Middle Eastern politics and have some knowledge of how that part of the world has emerged into the political and geographical shape that it is in today. That being said, I still can't imagine being told that I had to leave the only home I'd ever known, either by free will or by force. Add to that the knowledge that my home was going to be handed over to the very people that for years had been killing my friends and loved ones either in war, riots or suicide bombings; the very people that are dancing victoriously in the streets just a few miles away.

I can't help but believe that Ariel Sharon has made a huge mistake in handing this territory over to the Palestinians. You can say what you want and argue about it until you are blue in the face but as the old saying goes "to the victor go the spoils of war" and Israel has every right to keep those lands. Mr. Sharon claims that handing these areas back to the Palestinians will help to promote peace. I guess that explains the masked gunmen heading toward the Gaza settlements. Even more concerning is that these same members of Hamas are claiming their victory over Israel through bloodshed. That's right, they are openly stating that the reason the territory in Gaza and the West Bank are being returned to them is because of the innumerable suicide bombings and great loss of life that have taken place in the last few years. In the wake of the bombings in London this should strike a chord of fear in all of our hearts.

I fail to see how a leader could honestly think that this will help bring peace to his blood soaked country. All he has managed to do is embolden his enemy and anger his citizens. I suppose all I can do at this point is to see how things unfold and do as Christ instructed in Psalms 122:6.

Plane Crashes

It has not been a good week for the aviation industry. A Helios Airways flight crashed in Greece Sunday killing all 121 on board in a freak accident where they froze to death/suffocated before ever hitting the ground and today a West Caribbean Flight crashed in Venezuela killing 160. I know they say that flying is safer than driving but it's hard to remember that when nearly 300 people have died in plane crashes less than 24 hours apart.

Hooray for Hollywood

Actually, all is quiet on the western front. Blissfully so. As a former L.A. resident, I'd like to asser that this calm is brought on by the fact that it has finally gotten warm enough in L.A. to go to the beach and actually get in the water. It's never warm enough until August and September is the hottest month of the year in L.A. Keep that in mind when you're planning your vacations.

An Open Address to Meddlers

Essentially a blog is a place to share personal comments, views, opinions, etc. Today I'd like to take advantage of that luxury.

Why is it that if you are over 22 and still single people think (ok, Apostolic people think) that there is something wrong with you? And moreover why do they feel it is their God-given right, no, their duty to change your marital state?

My roommate is notorious for this. She is constantly suggesting different people that I "might" be interested in. Or, if we are out somewhere (a conference, etc) she is forever nudging me in the side, raising her eyebrows and pointing out guys to me. Not to be too harsh on her, my best friend is the same way. On a recent visit from Louisiana to New York she decided that she could find someone for me to date among her other connections here. And asks me on a regular basis if I've gone to meet this guy yet. It is as if now that they have found blissful (saccharine, nauseating, coma inducing) happiness they are determined that I must achieve the same state.

Well, I have a newsflash for them (and the rest of the world) . . . God is single and happy about it, what makes you think I can't be?

It's not that I don't have any desire to fall blindly in love and get married. I do. It's just that for me obtaining that piece of bling for the third finger of my left hand is not my all consuming passion in life. I'm 27 (told you I wasn't afraid to share my age), and living in one of the most amazing cities on the planet. I have a college education, I've traveled to various places around the world. But most of all I am comfortable with my own company.

I am quick witted, independent, and somewhat opinionated. I can hold an intelligent conversation, I love children and I am an amazing cook. And someday I will find someone who can accept and appreciate all of those qualities (and more).

I have watched one too many marriages fall apart or suffer greatly because the parties involved married too quickly, had no common interests, only wanted a physical relationship or thought marriage would fix all of their problems. I have no desire to be a statistic. Have you ever considered that I'm single because I choose to be?

So stop feeling sorry for me. The Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 4:11, "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." I have to agree with him. And at the moment, my "state" is single and I am content with that.

Questions, comments, concerns? Please feel free to E-mail me!

Did You Ever Know That You're My Hero

I don't know about you but I think our NAYC Bloggers did an amazing job. As anyone who has ever been to Youth Congress can tell you, it's nuts, I'm not quite sure how they managed. Guys, I'd start a wave in your honor but I don't know how that would translate on the net so just know that I am awed by you.

I have my own comments and reflections on YC but first a good laugh to start your morning off. And a little wisdom from King Solomon. Remember, "never consider pride to be dead before you are."

From A Distance

It seems I'm on a musical kick today (even scarier, a Bette Midler kick) so we'll just go with the flow as I share my opinions on Youth Congress through the eyes of an outsider. Warning, these are going to be random.

Someone should really explain the art of dressing to the young men of the UPCI. They apparently didn't receive the notice that the day of the zoot suit (especially in pastel or neon colors) is gone. If you truly have a passion for the 1940s try a nice tailored suit, with a short (but not ridiculously so) tie and if you're bold enough a fedora. Think Cary Grant people (minus the cigarette). But for the love of all that's holy please let the pastel pink, baby blue and neon blue look go.

Kudos to the GYD and more specifically Bro. Todd Gaddy. I have heard nothing but glowing reports about the amazing way he ministered on Friday night. It is easy to pump a bunch of over caffeinated, sleep deprived young people into a frenzy of worship and then just let the Spirit have its way. However, it is even more wonderful for leadership to no be afraid of probing the depths of the Spirit and thereby teaching young people how to commune with God.

Anybody else think it's a coincidence that almost all of the most recent General Youth Presidents came from Missouri? I think not; we know how to grow them back home. LOL

Not sure how I feel about "Pentecostal Idol". I think it's great that we are showcasing and encouraging the talents of our young people but from reports that I've heard I think that the process may need a little refining. In the meantime, sing your hearts out for Jesus.

And finally, can you honestly tell me that there wasn't one incident of obnoxiousness to behold in that entire three day period. No fire alarm pulling, no loud hotel rooms where security had to be called? With 15,000 young people in attendance I find that mighty difficult to believe. Well, that or "kids" today are much better behaved than my generation (which I find even more difficult to believe). While I'm proud that so many young people represented the UPCI so well, I would love to hear some of the more humorous tales you all are holding out on. Nothing scandalous, just something to really make me feel like I was there.

Since I'm currently out of Bette Midler songs, I'll leave you for now. I'll be back later with thoughts inspired by Billy Joel. Just kidding . . . I hope.



Questions, comments, concerns? Please feel free to E-mail me!

Now It's Time To Say Goodbye To All Our... (kdc)

(Sarah stole my Shakespearean title, so I'm stuck with the Mickey Mouse Club's finale. How embarassing.)

So this isn't the end. Next Monday's NAYC cover will contain our final thoughts, news (attendance figures, etc.), and secrets revealed (perhaps one having to do with Bro. Todd Gaddy's Friday night message...actually, it occurred during the message...actually...) and maybe even some of those pictures Blogger refused to load!

And while this isn't obvious when you're a reader, blogging takes a lot of time (even w/the typos). I want to thank all of my dedicated fellow-bloggers who made that time so that we could all be enriched. So a big 21 gun salute to Amanda, Eric, Jeremy, Nita & Sarah for service above and beyond the call of duty! May you sleep the sleep of the innocent.

Next up? Well, it appears I already have 3 people who can help me Group Blog the UPCI's next General Conference in Richmond. If you'd like to help, shout now - slots are filling up fast.

Until then, ladies and gentlemen, I present to you....Miss Denelle Burns.

Questions, comments, concerns? Please feel free to E-mail me!

Eric: Thank you GYD

Final word on Youth Congress

To put an event like youth congress together requires a tremendous amount of time, energy, effort, vision, and commitment. The staff and executives of the General Youth Division have given of themselves a tremendous amount to make youth congress possible and successful. The reason they go to work every day, travel all around the country, often missing time with their families, and exhausting themselves is because they have an unshakable burden for young people and souls. Youth Congress has always meant a lot to me. I am thankful it exists, and I’m thankful that someone puts it together. We owe them a thank you.

2007 New Orleans - I hope to be there.

Questions, comments, concerns? Please feel free to E-mail me!

Parting is such sweet sorrow, Let's say goodnight, 'til it be 'morrow

SarahK here with a few final words. What's amazing to me is how quickly real life begins again. It seems so much energy and focus was put into preparing for congress. And then it was just done. And I drove quietly out of the city, remembering the amazing moments. One quick stop at Cracker Barrell and we were home. Then only enough time to jump in the shower and get ready for youth service. There was real life again. Staring me down.
Yesterday we moved into our new 3,000 seat auditorium. There was too much excitement there to think much about youth congress. Today is Monday, a new week, and a whole list of things to be accomplished. I spent a good portion of the day at the church. Life moves forward. Had I not left my unpacking for this morning, congress could have been gone from me already. But I left it, and so as I began my laundry and to put my things away, I stopped to think about congress. My mind goes immediately to the good friends that I was able to be with. I have the most amazing friends. To the connections I was able to make, ever a networker. To the inspiration I felt to do more and be more. It's almost never a single sermon, or song that changes us, but the sum of our experiences, as someone once said. The sum of my congress experience leaves me feeling content. Happy with my relationships, even though missing those that live too far away. Happy with my opportunities. And happy to be home sleepin in my own bed.

Questions, comments, concerns? Please feel free to E-mail me!

Farewell, my fellow Blogazoids……JK1

This is my final blog……

I forgot to show you this picture in previous blogs, so I’m inserting it now. Whosever ingenious idea this was – You ROCK! This was one of (I believe) two guys from Indiana Bible College walking around the arena with a promotional video of IBC presenting on their back. Awesome!

Okay, now my final thoughts……..

If one word could describe this year’s Youth Congress for me, it would be: empowering.

I came to this event with a level of expectation – to experience, to engage, to be a part of something in which anything could transpire….in me, in my young people, in thousands of youth from all across our nation. I trust that this Youth Congress was a “moment of impact” for many, many young people who will forever be changed by what God spoke to them during this conference.

The theme of Youth Congress this year was “IGNITE”. I know my spirit was ignited and I hope to spread the fire throughout the rest of our youth – in our church AND in our community. I am a World Changer!

On behalf of me, myself, and I…..I want to thank Kent Curry and Ninetyandnine.com for this awesome opportunity to comment live from the 2005 NAYC. It was a stellar event, a privilege to write about it, and a wonderful opportunity to share in other’s experiences.

I look forward to seeing y’all in NuAwlins (New Orleans) in 2007! Perhaps I’ll have the privilege of blogging once again….what do you say, Kent?

Peace out, my fellow Blogazoids! Keep it real!

Questions, comments, concerns? Please feel free to E-mail me!

The day after…..from JK1

The 2005 North American Youth Congress is now over. In spite of the one or two (okay, maybe more) complaints I received about Columbus hosting this event, I thought C-bus was fabulous. So for anyone who is planning on attending General Conference next year in Columbus, don’t believe any of the negative feedback you might hear. They’re all LIES!

I am extremely drained as a result of this trip. I have nothing left in me. Upon returning home Saturday night, all I can remember before dissolving into my bed is that it was 7:30. When I woke up, the clock still read 7:30…..AM, that is.

I am very pleased with the overall turnout of this Youth Congress. I asked all of my young people if they had a good time……one of them emphatically responded, “It was the best week!” Needing some clarification, I asked him, “….the best week of your summer?” He declared, “No, the best week of my life!”

Here are some of the craziest, wacked-out youth on the planet – and I love every one of them!


From left: (These were our street names) C-Bizcut, DW, T-Bone, Diva Delux, Deisel, Vitamin D, Flex, and yours truly, JK1.

Questions, comments, concerns? Please feel free to E-mail me!

VIP Lounge Friday Night (kdc)

Want to know how the other half lives? Well, here's how - by noshing and schmoozing with the powerful and the privileged just behind and beneath the main stage in the VIP Lounge. Then they all march up to their reserved seats behind the stage just before service begins.

Actually, the VIP Lounge is open to all NAYC participants and District Youth Presidents, basically all the people who work the hardest before/at NAYC and/or all year-round. Everyone was accessible and most were even willing to talk to me. I, of course, attempted to repay their kindness by extorting juicy quotes out of them for public embarassment on this blog. Alas! It was to no avail.

Questions, comments, concerns? Please feel free to E-mail me!

More pictures ... nkc!

Picture of the crowd worship during Friday night's service!



Greek Orthodox Church in downtown Columbus, near the convention center.



Bro. Gaddy grabbed an attendee from the audience to emphasize his point during his sermon Friday night.


Below is a picture of a purse made out of Kool-Aid jammer packets. The girl said that someone's grandmother had made it...she even had a wallet to match...thought it was unique!




View of the stage and crowd, Friday evening was very packed...



Man from Iraq that Bro. Gaddy talked about during his sermon. While stationed in Iraq, this man led worship services...he made a difference even without a church...




Bro. Wayne Francis leading the crowd in exuberant worship. He did a fabulous job. If he was under the radar before NAYC, he is very much in the frontal lobe of everyone today. He might've even hit "cult hero" status (if that's possible in Pentecost).



Well, that's it for me, hope these pictures and words have been a blessing to you...God bless. nita

Questions, comments, concerns? Please feel free to E-mail me!

Friday Night Live…..from JK1

In a last ditch effort to razzle-dazzle their hair for the final evening service, the girls in our youth group endeavored to utilize any and all hair-manipulating devices known to man. As a result, they over-exerted the power supply to their hotel room, causing the electricity to go kaput. Try dealing with a roomful of hysterical and frantic girls who are having a hair crisis!

In the mean time, I got to sit down with the guys in my group and talk to them about their experience at Youth Congress. They were all overtaken with excitement as they shared with me their high points of the event. One of them told me how amazed he was to see so many other Christians who are unashamed and on fire for God and how that gave him a confidence to be a Christian in the midst of the peer pressure he faces at school. They each committed to me to return home changed.

Following our discussion, the girls, who had finally survived their worst nightmare (by the help of a few helpful maintenance guys at the Westin), joined the rest of our group for a final pep talk. I reminded them that this was the final night of Youth Congress and whatever they came to this event looking for – wanting to accomplish in themselves – they needed to go after it tonight. I told them to meet as many people as they could, praise as wildly as they could, and get in touch with God as deep as they could – because this was it, before returning to the “real world”.

We eventually made it to the Arena.

Bro. Todd Gaddy, UPCI Youth President, delivered an impassioned charge to the 19,000 or so young people to sustain their walk with Christ beyond this Youth Congress event. To do this, he emphasized the necessity of prayer, fasting, reading the Word, and being on fire for God in private and in public, at church and outside of church, at a Youth Congress and back at home.

In regards to lost or hurting souls, he said, and I’m paraphrasing, “If you can’t bring them to church, then bring church to them.” What an insightful challenge: If I can’t bring someone to Christ, then I better try my best to bring Christ to them.

As for the music…….My only comment is that Larry Carter ROCKS! Thank you, Mr. Soundman, for turning Larry up.

Following the service, I had the frightening experience of losing a young person. Wow! If this has never happened to you, then you have no idea how scary it can be. I covered it up pretty well in front of my other young people, but inside I was scared sick. Fortunately, after many silent prayers, I found our lost sheep….who, by the way, had no idea he was lost!

PS: Tonight I got to see one of my most favorite persons on the planet, Bethany Hildrebrand (who also just so happens to be my cousin). Bethany, you ROCK! Bethany (center) is the youth leader of her church in the Wisconsin Dells area. My sister, Krista (right), who also ROCKS, surprised me tonight by showing up to the service. What a great way to end an awesome event!

Important FYI (kdc)

The way Blogger works is postings appear by when you Start a posting. That means, you can save a draft on one day and publish it the next, but it appears on the day you originally started the posting.

WHAT THAT MEANS: Jeremy has some cool postings that appeared (with pictures) on Saturday and mid-Friday Fashion Observations (even though he posted them on Sunday). Please scroll down for them, as they're worth the effort! Amanda added one that's just below this one.

NOTICE the many typos in our later postings. (You would think most of us had a public school education. :) Actually, we are very tired. When I returned home tonight, we ordered pizza. I paid for it & walked out the door - w/out the pizzas. The kind employees at Papa John's tried not to laugh in my face.

Thanks for the many kind emails and comments below the different postings. As fun as this has been, we lost hours of sleep to make it happen. Your comments make it all worthwhile. NAYC really is our Pentecostal Super Bowl.

Questions, comments, concerns? Please feel free to E-mail me!

Another Amazing Experience

Hey everybody!!!! I just got home from congress and I am worn out!!! We had an awesome service this morning at the home missions church, our whole youth group was pumped and annoited and it was just an awesome presence!!!!

I have to tell you guys about last night though!!! The girls in my room, Candace and Cameron, and I were talking about what had happened on Friday night. Cameron told us that one of the guys took a picture of everybody praying and in the picture is what looks like raining fire falling upon the youth and also fog surrounding us. So we all looked at it and then we got to talking about angels and I guess we freaked ourselves out because we all three cuddled in the middle of the bed and wouldn't even get out of the covers. Finally I got the guts to get up and turn a light on but we were still scared. Finally I said why don't I call Tyler because he's really good with his words and praying so I did. Cameron and Candace were out in the hall talking to Ramzi so they could calm down while I was in the room talking to Tyler. At first Tyler thought I was just pulling a prank but then all of a sudden Cameron came racing into the room, jumped on the bed and started crying because she got really freaked out. Then I told Tyler that and he and the rest of his roommates came down yet they still thought I was kidding because they came down with shaving cream, hair spray, and shampoo ready to just attack us with it. But then they saw how serious we were and how freaked out we were and they went into the room, got in a circle and started praying over our room ( us girls were in the hall to don't worry...lol). While the guys were praying two of the guys said they saw a black figure trying to get in their circle and it even ran into two of them. But they kept praying and they said it ran away. Finally the guys went back in the hall and us girls went back in our room and Cameron dove on the bed and just started speaking in tongues and then so did Candace and I. Even the guys did. After a while it all became quiet and we all felt this peace and reassurance. The guys, who were in the hall praying became quiet and the exact same time and felt the same thing. After that we were all better, we had no more fear and it was again a new experience that had never happened to us before. With all that we all gathered in the hallway, sat down and started talking about all of this. It was absolutely amazing!!!!

Now all of us are pumped for service, we're ready for God's will with our youth group, and we're ready to fight against anything satan dares to throw at us!!! I just hope and pray that one day all of you that are reading this will be able to experience something like this because it is truely amazing!!!!!

I hope you all enjoyed this and I hope that the next time congress comes ya'll with be able to come!!! Have a Wonderful and Blessed day and pray for the revival because I have a feeling it's getting ready to start!!!!

Farewell musings...nkc...

Well it's over...my feet are thrilled...and my heart is happy to be home with my little guy who I really missed, but here are a few last thoughts on the entire congress...

Friday night:
I said that night after the service how wonderful it was...Bro. Gaddy rocked the house. His easy, calm delivery made you feel like you were in a living room rather that an arena. Yet, the challenge he presented to all of us...to live an overcoming, victorious Christian life when we aren't at church seemed to go very deep with many of the attendees. After awhile I began looking at the crowd, I was really surprised that they were not leaving in droves...they were lingering, praying. Personally, I am usually a little disappointed when it seems that there are those who are happy to be very boistrous in their worship, yet when it is a quieter time they just don't have time for it...they have to move onto the next excitement. This night had it's intimate moments with God. You could scan the crowd and see God working individually on the lives of many...that was very refreshing.

For those who worry about this generation and their committment, their love, their passion...don't. The kids at this conference were fresh, sweet, some annoying, but the majority are in love with Jesus.

Post service:
I am not going to say again about the post service prayer meeting (which was a beautiful sight to behold), but go on from there.

We didn't go to the mall afterburner, but kids we saw later said it was fun--lots of people--but fun. Instead we went to the little Italian restaurant that served food family style. It was a fun experience, laughed about stupid, silly things because we were so tired.

After trying to upload more pictures and posting, we finally turned lights out about 3ish in the morning. Needless to say, I was tired. Next morning we packed and loaded up. While waiting I saw a few people I knew and was talking to them...one mentioned (who is a pastor, but has come the previous 12 years as a youth pastor) how this conference was the best ever. GYD is just doing everything right, he said. The commercials, the music, the speakers, the sessions, he just couldn't say enough good. He said this is the best leadership GYD has ever had and that they have really brought GYD up-to-date.

Really, I only heard mostly positive. The only real negative I heard was regarding the music staff being a little older that several people liked...they thought since it was youth congress that the music staff should be a little younger...but they didn't complain at all about the worship aspect of it, I think it was just the logistics.

Kudos to GYD executives for picking a female to lead in preservice prayer. Brooke Pamer did a wonderful job with this aspect of the service.

Finally...
We are home. We stopped overnight in Indy to stay with family then drove the remaining mileage today. We are tired, and more tired, but we have a renewed excitement for our youth, our leadership, and our future.

later, n
Questions, comments, concerns? Please feel free to E-mail me!

The Coordinator Behind the Throne (kdc)

If you thought Msrs. Gaddy, Mann, or Francis actually ran the NAYC services, you'd be wrong. Rather, the details and service flow were handled by this man, Jeremy Foster, and his able assistant(s). Whoever was on the platform was met by one of these able Christians to get the microphone and either hand it off to the next person or put it in its proper place. The VIP Lounge (for NAYC participants and District Youth Presidents and pretenders like me) had someone at the bottom of the stairs volunteering to help whomever needed it. Special guests were escorted to special seating. The service order was discussed in advance, so there would be no questions. It was all so smooth most of the time few even noticed they were doing it. That's how professionals do things. Kudos to Jeremy and his assistants.


Questions, comments, concerns? Please feel free to E-mail me!

Eric: updates and comming home

Back at home...


Friday Evening

I got to service early so I could get a decent seat. I sat in section 110 which was nice. A few thoughts about the service:

1. The next NAYC is in 2007 and will be in New Orleans. I was surprised, but it should be interesting. I don’t know how strong of a reputation New Orleans has though for being a host city to conventions and church meetings.

2. They spent a few minutes and acknowledged the Bible Quizzing and music talent search winners. The girl who the female vocalist award sang. She was very good and sang wonderfully while making it look like she wasn’t even trying.

3. The commercials continued to get better. Great Lakes University’s stood out: a guy says to a girl “I want to go to law school, but I don’t want to go to secular college.” The girl then slaps him and the video goes on about GLU. Christian Life College also had a catchy commercial. There were a few others that were good. Again they had a 5 minute countdown video (I think they played the same one a few years ago) and it came after prayer but before the service. I don’t understand why they have to have those five minutes of dead time.

The ever popular Bro. Wayne Francis started out the service and lead the singing and worship. After talking about the “worship” that went on in Nationwide Arena for the WWE on Tuesday night, and Destiny’s child which is having a concert there Saturday night, he went into a song. He lead a song that goes something like, “rejoice, always, always, rejoice!” The response was more than hype. The whole floor of the arena and much of the 100’s were jumping up and down. It was probably the most dynamic and powerful worship service of the youth congress’ I have been to.

Gateway choir sang, under the able direction of Jeromy Hoffee, one of their trademark songs and did very well.

The arena was not completly packed out, but it seems that people arrive earlier and earlier each night in order to snag decent seats.


The Preaching

Bro. Todd Gaddy, the General Youth Division President, preached the closing service. I had not heard him minister before and I was interested to see what his style and message would be. Bro. Gaddy started out pretty casual, telling stories, mixed in with some humor. He was very comfortable and appeared to use notes as a guide, as opposed to having it all written out.
He got more serious. He challenged us to have something to sustain us after youth congress is over. He also talked about the lame man at the temple and challenged us to stop and not pass by those in need of help on the way to church. Bro. Gaddy then decided to get “frank” and he told the assembly that the people in need might be of a different skin color, that people needed to have friends of different colors, and that people needed to have friends who weren’t Pentecostal. This of course got a huge response.

I won’t be able to explain it, but something about that moment bothered me a little. It almost seemed like it was too easy of a line for people to applaud. I completely agreed with Bro. Gaddy’s sentiment, but at the same time what he was challenging us to do is a lot harder than the ease with which he was applauded. Again, I’m not going to be able to explain myself well here…

Bro. Gaddy’s sermon was fairly wide ranging, and included a charge to not just take people to church, but to take church to hurting people. And in a fashion I have never observed before, he brought two guests of his out onto the stage. The first was a 12 year old girl who constructs prayer for specific situation by using a concordance. She had seen many family members touched through her prayer. She prayed for the congregation and asked that God give people peace. The second individual was from North Carolina. He had been stationed in Iraq and had started a choir for the solders. He was an example of taking church to the hurting.
Bro. Gaddy really preached. The response was enormous. As the alter call ensued he sat in the chair on stage with his head bowed. From my distance, he looked very drained. I think he had left everything he had on the table Friday night.

Traveling Day Blues

All week long I was proud of the fact that I had “flown in” for youth congress instead of driving in a car or riding in the church van, Today I “flew back” home. The flight from Columbus was delayed but proceed without much fanfare. However, that left about 2 minutes to get to the next flight in Chicago. Once the plane got in the air they told us that St. Louis had a storm. The flight attendants told us that they weren’t going to do a beverage or snack service because of the expectant turbulence. The plane circled around in a holding pattern before the pilot informed us that we would be stopping in Independence, Missouri to refuel and wait out the storm. To make a long story short. I got home at 9pm, at least an hour or two later than those who had “driven back.”

But even back at home the power is out.

Obviously it’s back on now…

Questions, comments, concerns? Please feel free to E-mail me!