Youth Leaders Trip to Elim
Last Friday, twenty-two of the leaders packed into the church van like sardines and headed out for Lima, NY to attend the Youth Leaders Summit at Elim Gospel Church. Our day actually began with a dangerous crash in Depauville, a foreboding sign of the weather’s power. No, non of us were involved. But the heavy snow caused bad road conditions and sent a pick-up truck and trailer careening across the opposite lane, slamming into the corner of an old 1820’s stone house. No one was injured, accept the Dodge Ram, proving that just because something is new doesn’t mean it’s better. (Although the old lady that lives inside thought her new surround sound system was quite life-like).
Once we passed south of Tug Hill, the sun came out and it was smooth sailing the rest of the way. No more accidents were seen the whole trip. We pulled into our Days Inn in Henrietta and got everyone settled. Our check-in lady, Judy (pictured right), was once stationed at Ft. Drum. And although she wasn’t more than 5-feet tall, there’s no way I’d ever mess with that little Italian momma!
From there we arrived at Elim for the opening session. Michael Kim led us in worship, one of the highlights of the weekend for me. His simple manner and genuine heart for the presence of the Lord blessed each one of us. He also gives lots of room for people to sing their own song to the Lord, which I really appreciate.
Pastor Eric Peoples, a former graduate of Elim, shared an encouraging and prophetic message on just that–encouragement! It seemed more than a divine coincidence as Pastor Kirk just finished a message last Sunday on encouraging one another!
Saturday, after a short night’s rest (some far shorter than others–you’d be amazed at what youth leaders do when they’re together!), we journeyed back down to 
Elim for more worship with Michael Kim and a session with Pastor Rick Sinclair on balancing family and ministry. Obviously most of our leaders don’t have kids (in fact, most of them aren’t even married!), but the truths and principles are valuable no matter what stage of life you’re in.
After another session with Pastor Sinclair, Pastor Peoples gave a final message and then we broke up into groups, according to our churches, and were prayed over on group at a time. Since we were by far the biggest, we went last. Pastor Peoples spoke into us as a group, repeating almost word-for-word what we’ve been discussing as a group. More than a few eyebrows were raised as he repeated specific words we’ve already been hearing from the Lord.
But it shouldn’t surprise us, should it? As Paul said, it’s the same Spirit at work in all of the believers. What we say one-to-another should bare witness to all those around. That, and 99% of the time what a Prophet speaks is already something God is trying to get across to an individual or a group. So it was very encouraging to hear so much confirmation: that God is calling us in 2008 to a “committed lifestyle,” that we are to constantly “encourage one another,” and to feed our generation, not from a water fountain, but from a “fire hydrant.”
Afterwards, Pastor Jim led the team home as Jennifer and I proceeded to her parent’s home in Lyndonville, NY. Everything seemed OK until we got a text about the bad weather. “Ben just missed a deer and a ditch by inches.” Our hearts stopped, but everyone got in safe and sound despite the horrendous amount of snow fall.
Thanks for all your prayers! And when you see any of the youth leaders, please make sure to thank them for all they do for you.
Blessings!
Pastor Christopher
