| |
Mt. Olive and Victory Baptist Church
by Christine Musgrove
In just three short days, friendships are developed, memories are made, and lives are transformed. This is the description of a Disciple Now weekend and it most certainly fits the Dnow that Glowing Heart just finished in Scurry/Kaufman, Tx. We were very excited to be back with Victory and Mt. Olive! The youth pastors there are doing a wonderful job reaching out to the youth of their community and we have so enjoyed seeing these youth groups grow in both numbers and spiritual maturity! This year, we met at Mt. Olive and gathered in their old sanctuary for the last time, as their brand new facility will be ready by next month. Friday started off with an upbeat rally and the kids danced along with songs such as "Undignified" and "No One Like You". The host homes were very gracious as we had a lot of crazy kids for each house! I was extremely blessed to be placed in the Norris' home for the second year in a row with fifteen high school girls! God bless the Norris family for their overwhelming patience and generosity! We had a wonderful time with them and the girls, talking, singing, and eating so much amazing food! And all of our sessions were great too! There were four Glowing Heart leaders together with the high school girls so we each took a turn to lead one of the four sessions. One of my favorite parts of the Dnow weekends are getting to be taught by the other GH girls and hear their different teaching styles, knowing God uses all of us in our uniqueness! The high school girls were willing to read the Scripture passages and participate in the sessions, including stepping up to pray in front of the group which isn't always easy. It was great to spend time with the girls we already had relationships with and also get to know those we didn't know before. Another special thing about the high school home in particular was the privilege of having Grace, one of the Victory youth workers, come stay with us for the weekend! It was so encouraging to be around her, see her interact with the girls, listen to her input in sessions, and be blessed more than once with her musical talent! Our home was filled with music on a continual basis the entire weekend and it was wonderful! Saturday rec was a blast as usual; the youth were energetic and creative, especially with the skits they put together based off of three words! And it just wouldn't be real rec without some dodgeball; the leaders proved themselves indestructible leaving no youth left standing! Saturday evening rolled around and the worship service started. What a moving and special time together with the youth praising the Creator of the moon and stars under a sparkling ceiling! The room was filled with young people giving God their worries, fears, and futures! Many flooded the alter to bow down before our mighty Savior, letting go of sins, asking for forgiveness, and pouring out their heart in adoration! It was a beautiful picture of God's children being redeemed and refreshed! Henry's message on finding out what pleases the Lord and then doing it wholeheartedly brought most to laughter, tears, conviction, and hope. At the end of the service as the music started back up, Cody, who usually handles the computer, was ministering to her girls and I was able to go to the back of the sanctuary and begin the word slides for her. This opportunity was a sweet gift God provided for me! Not only was I able to worship while getting to see everything that was going on with the youth from the back of the room, which was quite a blessing to behold in itself, but I was also able to finish my last Dnow with Glowing Heart by doing the same job I did on my very first Dnow with the group! I cannot describe how special those few moments were! And might I add that the Dnow I am referring to was at none other than Mt. Olive two whole years ago! God is so good! The night ended with one-on-one time with the girls back at the Norris'. And the night became morning with more and more one-on-ones! But each one was fantastic! We had some wonderful conversations and sweet times of prayer! Thank you to the high school girls specifically but also to all the youth for opening up to us, letting us into your lives, listening to us, and letting us be blessed by your desire to follow Christ and obey His Word! You keep us on our toes with your great questions and you encourage us with your sincerity! We will be praying for you all as you go back into your everyday activities, that you will not forget what you have learned and will not fail to live your lives as offerings to our King! Sunday morning came after a short night of sleep, but the service was lively and we joined the congregation in genuine worship! Thank you so much Mt. Olive and Victory for having us back and for such an incredible, memorable week! We love you all very much!
"May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones." - I Thessalonians 3:12-13
Somewhere over the rainbow ...
top of the page | back to blog home | Sarah's blog |
