The conference began Friday evening with students arriving in the rain... again! You may notice that it rains the first day of EVERY Legacy conference! We are confident that it's God's confirmation that we're moving in the right direction! There were about 70 youth from a number of different churches including one new church that we've never connected with before. We emailed you a few weeks back about the decision to split the Legacy Conferences into 2 different age groups. (Thank God for His wisdom as we would have been overwhelmed if we had both ages groups!) We believe this strategy will help maintain a more solid, consistant standard of discipleship, giving more contact time with each youth. We also wanted to give opportunity to some of the stronger, older youth to help facilitate and serve in the November Conference for the younger age group. The response to that offer was overhelming and so encouraging, it looks like we'll have some helpers for the November conference! We are eager to begin working alongside these youth and multiply the truths and values God has given us.
The theme for the conference was "Free to Persue Your God Given Destiny". We invited Pastors from local churches to share with the youth. The message was precise and consistant throughout the whole weekend. There was special emphasis on the decision and choices that affect the different decades of our life. The challenge was put forth over and over to be "all out" for God leaving no room for mediocrity and walking the middle ground. Sunday night worship and response time finally had to be cut off at midnight, much to the youths dismay! There was such passion and transparency during the worship times, sessions and small groups! What a blessing to witness the cry of these young people and to see God come answer them individually, and corporately!
As you know the DTS was involved with the conference as well preparing, serving and helping to lead the small groups. They were SUCH a blessing and it would have been extremely difficult without their help. The youth took up an offering for the DTS outreach and gave $1,035.00! With joy these young people gave, some of them even solidified a call to "go" in this session! A number of young people approaced us later sharing their desire to do a DTS next year or in 2009! So exciting!
Finally, on Monday we sent them back to their home, back to their churches to serve and live the life God intends for them to live. Again, what a joy and a blessing to be a part of what God is doing in the nation of Belize. We are eternally grateful to Him and thankful for your joined faith. To God be the glory....
