The St Louis Quake was right in the middle of a very crazy event season for me. We had an extra 100 people coming that we had not originally expected, so that threw me into a bit of a panic in terms of finding Trek (workshop) leaders and making the hotel facilities work for our requirements.
 
I was excited to have Agape (David Scheer) and Kari Lyn Wampler attend the event as our musician and speaker. They had both been at other events of mine, and I knew their messages were very clear and effective and the kids would respond well to what they were saying.
 
10,9,8…3,2,1! Captive Free starts the weekend off with a high-energy song and the youth are jumping up and down and having a blast. The quiz bowl was a great hit, with one of the contestants giving up the smelly sock (with $20 hidden inside) to exchange his prize for good old SPAM! Wahoo! The crowd went crazy. The rest of the celebration was just as great as the start, especially when Agape came out into the audience and included us in his rapping and dancing. Halfway through Agape’s time, the power for the whole area went down (for the second time that day), and I was thrown into a panic. What do I do now? I don’t want 500 youth and adults panicking and running all over the hotel, but when they can’t see anything, that happens. Thankfully, the small “exit” signs over six doors were enough for us to see the stage, and Agape, once again, had the full attention of everyone until the lights came back on five minutes later.
 
When I returned to the office on Tuesday, I received an e-mail from Agape who had forwarded it on from a youth leader. This was a wonderful reminder of the ministry we provide for the youth who attend these amazing events that I am privileged to be a part of. Here is part of the e-mail:
 
“On Friday night at the opening celebration I noticed you moving around in the audience, enjoying the music and meeting people. When you came over to our area, I couldn’t believe you chose to talk to one of our youth in particular, and invited him to read a Bible passage on stage.
 
Do you remember him? He is one of the shyest people I know, a little seventh-grader who is introverted, and barely ever says a word. Of all the kids I brought to the Quake, I was wondering if he would have a good time, if he’d feel a part of things. HOW DID YOU KNOW that he needed that recognition that you gave him? Maybe you saw it in his body language. Or maybe the Spirit led you to invite this boy to share God’s Word with 500 peers.
 
When the weekend was over, I still wasn’t sure how this youth was doing, even though when I asked, he told me he had a good time and was glad he went. Today after talking to a friend, I found out that as soon as he walked into the house, he talked about how he, out of 500 kids, was asked by you to come up on stage and read a passage, and how great the weekend was! My friend said she just had chills as the mom told her this, and said to me, 'No matter what else happens, this will stay with him for the rest of his life.'
 
I think my friend is right. Friday night, you were Jesus to him. You were an agent of God’s love and acceptance.”
 
Blessings to you all as you continue to serve our amazing God.
 
 
For more information on Event Ministry, or to find an Event happening in YOUR area, give us a call at 1-800-65YOUTH (1-800-659-6884), or simply click here: www.youthencounter.org/events/!