Confirmation Retreat 2009

March 1, 2009We began our first activity with blindfolds over our eyes and shoes off of our feet. The idea was to trust you mentors and let them lead your group, with each person holding on to the other ones shoulders. We were slowly led outside where we encountered many different directions. All I could hear were the sounds of crickets and feet shifting against the concrete, off in the distance you could hear voices speaking the life of Peter and as we walked, the direction of the sound change. We stopped and listened to the story of Peter, and when we were told that Jesus washed his feet, we were all directed by our mentors onto a bench and we also had our feet washed. We moved again and we ate the bread just as Peter had done, and then we were told of how Peter would betray Jesus, not only once but three times. We sang, still blindfolded and then directed to a place where we all sat down and took our blindfold offs for the first time that we had been outside.

At first when I began the activity I was very nervous and I didnt know how I was going to be able to walk outside throught the grass and around the park while being blind, but I put all my trust into my mentors. I relied mostly on my sound, the most beautiful noise I heard was the ringing on the bells as the hour came. It was gorgeous to here the chimes ringing through the camp grounds, it only got better as we began to sing Nothing but the blood with Josh leading us. It wasnt untill I took my blindfold off that i realized it was night, and I saw the most incredible scene. All my confirmands surrounded me as we were all sitting on the steps facing Glen Lake. It had tourches lit all around it and the white cross across the lake reflected brightly on the water. It was absouletly amazing, I cried with all the emotion that ran through me as I pondered over the story of Peter betraying Jesus. And when Peter wanted to ask for forgivness it was too late, Jesus was crucified. I have betrayed Jesus and I have made many mistakes but I know that he will always forgive me and he gave his life for our sins.

March 2, 2009Today I was baptized at Glen Lake by Pastor David Alexander with Johnny Brower and Brad Alexander by his side. I was the first and oldest one to go, I stepped into the water not even thinking about how cold it was. I was so nervous. I couldnt comprehend exactly what I was doing, at the moment it was just me standing in the lake with my mind searching for thoughts. David looked at me and asked me three questions and to be honest I dont remember them, I was so overwelmed by heart racing and my thoughts spinning. I know the first one went on the lines of "Do you confess your faith in Christ?" I answered Yes. The second "Do you wish to be baptized today?" I answered Yes. "What is your name?" Jessica Brooke. I crossed one arm and I held my nose. With David on one side and Johnny on the other I felt both their hands on my shoulders, "In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit" As I was dipped into the lake the water rushed over me, my face flooded with the cold refreshing feeling. I was lifted back up and the water ran down me and went back into the lake. It was as if everything I had done, all the bad things that filled my life were washed away. I have never felt more relieved and more cleansed in my entire life, to confess everything, and to give my life to Him was the most incredible sensation. I cant explain with words how many emotions ran throught me.

March 3, 2009The Youth Praise Band was lucky enough to get the chance in perform in the 9:30 service, and did we take advantage of the opportunity. Everyone did so good, thomas, jacob, max, trevor, millie, megan and jordan, well and Josh, but he always rocks. It felt so differnet up there today. I felt more connected within the church now, I felt like I was just in my house with my family.

The Confiramtion service was amazing. Everyone looked great in their Sunday best, the girls in dresses, and the boys in slacks. The message was so enlightening and inspiring and I am lucky to have such an intelligent and wise pastor. Josh stands up and begins to play Cannons and without hesitation we all sang. We didnt need the words on the screen we all knew this song by heart and it felt normal to me. It wasnt until David stood up with tears in his eyes that I realized how special that was. We had spent ten weeks working on our Confirmation journey and we had learned so much, it was incredible to acknowledge that tonight. We had hands layed on us today and we all confirmed our faith in Christ, we have given up our lives to God, and we will live in his name and of his will.

I cannot put into words how blessed I am to live this life. I have met so many great people and made so many friends. This is just the begining of my journey.Thank youBeth, Karen, Brad, Johnny, David, Josh, Paul, Mike, Alison, Graeme, Heather, Zane, KC, Elizabeth, Hannah and everyone who helped with the Confirmation Group.You have changed me in ways I didnt think possible.