July 5th marked the first official day of Discipleship Training School 2010! We are so blessed to have the school in motion- Barry Russell, youth pastor from South Carolina, kicked off the teaching today on the Nature of God. Class was filled with stories to illustrate the "indescribable" aspect of God. The emphasis was God as Father, the students shared openly about their personal experiences with their fathers. Some students highlighted good attributes of their father and others didn't have fond things to share. It was a brand new dimension, the school just beginning and their memories were "naked" with truth, whether good, bad or ugly. God is going to move powerfully in their lives!
Legacy Youth Conference
The DTS students also took part in this past weekend's youth conference. This weekend blew me away- so many breakthroughs in the lives of Belizean young people. As we wrapped up worship on Saturday night, a small group of students went up front and shared with the 90+ youth the personal revelation/blessing they had received from God over the past 2 days. One young woman's story particularly touched me. Living in Belize over these past 5 years, its rare you see a family where teenage siblings pray for each other, even to openly express their love. This teenage girl told her story of faithfully praying for her brother, that he would be touched by God and start making choices that showed he was living for Jesus. Over the weekend, God answered that prayer- He is FAITHFUL to hear us when we ask! God had changed her brother's heart.
Also, one young man from our small group opened up on Sunday morning. He confessed his intense anger towards his brother, receiving nothing from his brother but provoking and teasing. This teen made a commitment to himself that when he grew big enough, he would kill his brother. God got a hold of his heart this weekend, this teenager was moved to forgive his brother- not wanting possession of that hatred anymore. The love of God melts our hearts and convicts us to do what's right!
I hope these stories encourage you as they do me. Let us know your God stories!!
Love you all!
