God's Different Plans

Fall Retreat (Oct. 2012) - UNMASKED

Women from Kean Cru at Fall Retreat 2012

              October went by so fast and Sandy came so quickly that I didn’t have time to tell you about the wonderful things that happened throughout Fall Retreat. Our theme was intended to be an encouragement to the 200+ students to show an appropriately vulnerable and transparent self while at  the conference with God and with others. At one of our break-out seminars, students did just that.  I was supposed to lead only one seminar on “How to know God personally” for those who may not yet know Jesus and for those who want to share how to.  With the exception of little light, the seminar went well.

 Immediately following this, I planned to attend the “sexual abuse” seminar with a student of mine who was looking for community. Upon arriving, I learned that our speaker (who turned out to be very ill) had not yet arrived. I immediately grew concerned for the 40+ young people in the room who had something to communicate about this topic. :( As I prayed, I felt the Spirit lead me to engage in conversation with these young adults. In the corner stood one of the regional directors, Jeff Martin and his wife Mary. With their support and the prayers of our intern/friend, Joel Aponte, I facilitated a really good conversation where students simply shared insights on how to listen and receive news that could be shocking, how to pray and comfort those in pain, and what to avoid saying to someone in this situation. God truly used this time for His good.

 
Throughout the past month a few students from this meeting have made me a “facebook friend”  and have sought out encouragement and prayer. To God be all the glory! Please pray for these young men and women, that they may seek God for comfort and if need be, seek a counselor or safe living environment soon!