Greetings in Christ from The Oaks. The 2018 Winter Teen Retreat theme was “Unshakable Hope in a Shakable World.” During the final morning service, teens were invited to come forward and share about their weekend experience. The following are just a few testimonies we heard that I want to pass along to you:
- My friend was taken off life support just before I came to camp and I almost didn’t come, but God blessed me with 10 new friends this weekend.
- I’m 15 and my dad is gone. How do I become the man my mom wants me to be? Please don’t make me like my dad. I learned that God is bigger than any obstacle I will face.
- I came with New Life Community Church and invited a lot of friends to The Oaks this weekend and many of them accepted the Lord last night.
- My brothers and sisters were taken away because of my abusive parents. I have experienced severe depression; thanks to Jesus I am being restored.
- I never cry or feel pain anymore because I’ve seen so much hurt and I’m only 15; but God has restored me and I have love and hope in my heart again thanks to Jesus.
- I’m 15 with no father. It’s so hard in the city alone, but now I have God for a Father.
- Thank you God for building The Oaks, this weekend has changed my life.
Frankly, the weekend was difficult and after the teens spoke, the guest speaker had the unfortunate task of informing them there were extensive damages around the camp and also, money had been stolen. The adult whose money was missing was probably going to lose his job because he needed it for work. While the teens heard this update, a leader from the back of the room walked to up front, took out his wallet and emptied all he had on the lectern and said, “If I had more I would pay the entire amount that was stolen,” for a debt he did not owe. A few moments passed and a teen came forward with his cash, then almost instantaneously, scores rushed forward to help pay for the debt they did not owe. The mound of cash overflowed the lectern. Leaders counted the pile and the amount Satan intended for defeat was paid back twofold!
In the midst of the darkness when circumstances looked bleak, God was glorified greater than we could have ever planned or imagined and the youth experienced an unforgettable example of grace. Be encouraged, your prayers and faithful financial support are impacting countless lives.
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