Montreat 2009

It’s hard to believe that it’s been two weeks since I have been in Hartsville.  Time really flies up in Montreat!  It has been an amazing past two weeks in this place that stays so close to my heart, no matter how old I get.  I have encountered God in new and inspiring ways and wake each day wondering where God will find me next.  The keynote speaker and her drama team have been wonderful, the preacher sharp and smart, the music team inspiring and talented, and the re-creation team has been the best of any conference I have ever attended.  With leadership being so strong, the conferences have been really good.  It’s not just the leadership that has made these past two weeks so special; it is the young people that flood through these gates each week.  I continue to be surprised and inspired by the young people at these conferences.  Over the past two weeks, it has been a delight to hear their views on the world, God, and their faith.  I have chill bumps each night as I see hundreds of youth lining up to go into worship and keynote.  My eyes fill with tears as I hear and participate with them in worship, praying and singing with them.  I am filled with excitement and energy as I leave worship and keynote with them.

If there has ever been a point where you have worried about the future of the Church, I am here to tell you, the Church will be fine.  The young people that fill these pews, and descend on this place are passionate, smart, and inspiring folks.  They are people who know that the world has to change, and that God is at work in this world calling each of them.  It has been a joy and an honor to be here and to serve the conference the past two weeks.  I want to thank each of you for your support and willingness to my serving here in this place.  If you have never been to Montreat, then I suggest you make plans to come soon.  If you have never been to a youth conference, I would look at the calendar for next year’s conferences!