This past weekend we took 180 teenagers from the children's homes we serve up into the mountains for a retreat. It was really awesome to see the Lord moving on their hearts. The theme for the weekend was "Young and Free" with the teachings focusing on the lies that Satan wants us to believe and the power we have in Christ to fight against them. It was really powerful and in many ways exactly what these teens needed to hear. The best part was hearing our Hope Program students share their own testimonies with the kids. These Hope Program students came from the very children's homes that the kids they were sharing with currently live. It was so powerful to hear these students share about the lies they once believed and how Christ showed them the truth about who they are. It was also eye opening for me to hear from these students the things they believed about themselves. Many said the lie they fought for years is that they are alone and there is no one with them. Others shared about how they felt unworthy of many things because they came from a children's home, they felt they were unworthy of gifts, or an education etc. Many shared how hard it was to not have anything that belonged to them and how hard it was to be different from everyone else at school. These are things that I've always "known" the kids probably struggle with, but it gave all new perspective to hear it straight from their mouths. The wonderful part is that each student could testify to how God met them in the middle of this exact lie and showed them the truth of who He is and how much He cares. It was hard to hold back tears! I'm even more motivated now to pray for the kids who are still in the homes and seek ways to show them the truth. I know they struggle with these same thoughts and lies and I so want them too to find the freedom they so badly need!
Sometimes it seems that we only have time to just barely scratch the surface with these kids... I guess that is where I need to trust that God is working in their lives even when we are not present. He cares so much more than we ever can. Ultimately He is the one who heals hearts!
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| Students prepare for the 121 retreat on B2B's campus. |
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| Worship lead almost entirely by our Hope Program students. |
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| It was cold up in the mountains! |
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| Worship and teaching was mixed into fun activities throughout the two days of the retreat. |
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| Our capture the flag group!!! |
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| Playing during free time. |
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| Hope Program students sharing their testimonies. |
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| Me and my cabin of girls! Love these kids!!! |
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| All of the 180 students at the retreat. |
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| Team work activities. |
