What did I learn about ministry? This week was such a special time because I was able to learn how to be a general sessions Emcee. In this role, I got a lot of time to see the kids face-to-face on the microphone and guide them throughout the various different transition periods. This allowed me to see the kids in the moments where they were excited, nervous, joyful, and eager to learn God‘s word.
In addition, I was able to be an Academy for GOD chaperone for the high schoolers. I get to help teach every single day. So, I got a lot of experience with one on one conversations, times of exhortation and moments where I was able to just really reflect on how God is touching their lives. What I learned is this, Jesus is in a business of calling you on the mission. This experience has really opened my eyes to seeing how hungry our generation is to learn in God‘s voice, God‘s word, and how to serve his people. I realized that youth just need intentional care by people who love God, so they can experience a mission that only God can call them on.
One moment that sticks out to me is this: I was in the front corner, worshiping and watching everyone in the room, tear up as they were singing out to Jesus. The kids just went through a long day of service, but now they were experiencing the fire of the Lord in their hearts. we were singing a song titled “We are one”, in which we repeated the lyrics “You naked and hungry, this gospel is for you.” This made me realize that there are so many people who are ready to serve with all of their hearts. It makes me think about how Jesus says the harvest is plenty, but the laborers are few, and we got to see those few laborers who are ready.
One final story: I was listening to a testimony from one of my students at the Academy. He expressed how he is just ready to serve and go abroad. He was laughing because he wants to just go and do mission, even though he is so young. It made be emotional thinking how much this young boy ready to serve God because of the devotion he has to learn what God‘s presence is about. He looked around and thanked even me for being able to help him get to the moment where he can express how excited he is to serve Jesus for the rest of his life. Only God can do that.