One of the really neat 'perks' of living north of Atlanta and attending a Northpoint Ministries congregation, is meeting and serving with some wonderful people. I have the pleasure of being a 4th grade coach in our elementary small environment called Upstreet. I work with some amazing men and women who love Jesus and pour themselves into the 50+ 4th grade boys and girls who come to our room each Sunday. We have Small Group Leaders, Greeters, and Production folks. Then on Sunday afternoons I serve with a small team of parents who show up each week to prepare and serve a snack supper to about 120 high school students during their worship and small group environment called Inside Out. All of these folks volunteer and many volunteer in other ministries also. So in addition to good fellowship and awesome worship experiences, this has opened the doors to several other ministry opportunities.
Two weeks ago about 1500 college student leaders gathered at the Thirsty07 Conference, a ministry of Louie Giglio's organization, Passion. I had the incredible opportunity to volunteer at the registration desk and on the Touch team. I met people from all over the country who came to Alpharetta to give of themselves for 3 days to serve God and others. I had the opportunity to hear some amazing servants of God, including Francis Chan, Louie Giglio, and David Crowder.
People came because they were are thirsty to hear from God, and God showed up--it was such a blessing.
Last week, Edgar let me move into the Hyaitt hotel in Smyrna GA for 3 days so I could volunteer at the Orange conference, sponsored by the Rethink Group--wow! (My wonderful niece, Anita, really made this possible because she came and stayed with my kids.) For years I looked forward to the Grow Up conference at Northpoint as a conference attendee. It was there that God opened my eyes to new ways to think about children's ministry. I always described it as "a big party where you learn alot". The Rethink Group, under Reggie Joiner's leadership now has expanded their ministry and are challenging church leaders around the world to combine strategies to be more effective. The Orange Conference was their first conference and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to be there serving over 3800 attendees from all over the world. The main sessions were as great as I had expected; inspiring worship, hilarious skits, and challenging messages. In addition to hearing from Reggie, Sue Miller, Francis Chan, and Donald Miller, Jeff Foxworthy made an appearance--what fun.
Did I work hard? You bet, this old gal was exhausted, but it was glorious! Did I make a difference? I hope so; I was simply one of many who were a 'little part of something big'. I can hardly wait until next year when hopefully I can serve again. I guess I really am a conference junkie, and I am so grateful to have such incredible conferences in my neck of the woods. Thanks, God.
No comments:
Post a Comment