These past months we have been able to host Urban Winter Teen Retreats at The Oaks. What a blessing! Over 540 teens and youth workers descended on The Oaks to engage with each other and God. These amazing weekends afforded the opportunity for unique friendship time, 1-on-1 mentorship, worship, learning, and just downright fun! This year we were able to program winter camp through wonderful, ongoing partnerships with the Urban Youth Workers Institute (UYWI), Rescue A Generation, and The Creators Culture.
The best part? Our speaker and his challenge to the youth to “go all in.” You’re either in or your out! You either commit or you don’t. Our relationship with Jesus – it’s not a “part way” kind of thing. Jesus didn’t give us that option. It was overwhelming to experience the teens’ response to that call as literally hundreds of teens committed to walk with Jesus! No faking it, they went all in! This always brings us the greatest tears of joy.
I encourage us to take on the same challenge as these teens. We need to be “all in.” Jesus does not give us other options. Let’s give up all to Jesus every day and we will find we just gained everything!
Pray for us as we hire summer staff that will enter into a season of discipleship and growth through service this summer at The Oaks. Pray also for God’s ongoing redemptive work that is not ending until His return – pray that we will be “all in” and the ministers of reconciliation that He has called us to be. Thank you for your prayers and partnership. We appreciate you all so much.