Tuesday, 25 November 2008

Reaching Out

So I had a conversation that greatly encouraged me last night. It's one of those types that I have to write about.

One of the cool things about Staff Reunion at Center Lake is the opportunity to meet new people. Even staff that haven't worked there for a season or two will come back and meet all the new staff that came for the first time and are back and positively psyched for their first Staff Reunion. And vice versa. It's where we all re-awaken our inner realization that at Center Lake, we're one big happy family.

I never thought Staff Reunion would make this kind of impact on a person. Usually I think only summer camp in this fashion. But I got tagged in a note by a friend that made me realize that even at Staff Reunion, when we welcome guests with open arms, that can impact people in ways we might never know. It can even refresh a person's spirit and encourage him or her to carry on with his or her spiritual walk with a renewed vigor. All because we at Center Lake said, "Come. You're welcome here." And greeted with open arms (literally).

I found out last night that this friend wants to be an SMT at Center Lake next summer. He's gone from a stranger to someone welcomed by the staff to someone who wants to work there on the Summer Missions Team.

God still works in the hearts of young people. Despite the myriad influences on them today, God is still working on their hearts. I have seen it. Because some people bothered with reaching out during Staff Reunion when they were just excited to see each other.