In just a few short hours, I will be heading out to Harriet Island Regional Park with 6 other counselors to begin preparing for the BGEA’s (Billy Graham Evangelistic Association) Rock the River Tour!!! It’s going to be 7 hours of incredible music [including Kirk Franklin, Lecrae, Canton Jones and Superchick!] and preaching by Franklin Graham, reaching out specifically to the youth of our city! How exciting is that?! I only got about 5 hours of sleep last night though, so as of right now, I’m wired on coffee and gospel music, ohhhhh mama. Thank goodness for Fred Hammond’s jams!
As I mentioned earlier, I will be going with 6 other counselors from my church. No, we are not certified, bonified, clinical counselors… just people with a passion who desire to stand alongside those who want to surrender their life to Jesus Christ. Best of all, most of the counselors at RTR are youth! What an amazing testimony to see young people, most of whom have never counseled or shared the gospel, get the chance to become confident in their faith and share it with others!
My role at RTR will be slightly different, as I am a supervising counselor and will be in charge of a group of 10 counselors, directing them where to go and making sure that everyone is accounted for. Honestly, when I first discovered I was a supervisor, I was really intimidated. And nervous. Even though I’m a youth pastor and have been leading youth for several years, I felt inadequate to be in this type of position. Why would a group of teenagers and adults ever be inclined to listen to me, especially since I look like a youth myself! I am definitely not your typical “pastorly-looking” youth pastor. In fact, one child I talked to recently thought I was 15 years old, ha! As I went through the training for supervisors however, I realized that this is an incredible opportunity to build up my leadership skills and confidence in myself as a leader. It is a preparation for Rwanda!
Oh God, you are so faithful, knowing exactly how to challenge us and build up our faith and strength in you. Thank you Lord!
