THE SPIRIT LEADS OUR YOUTH

 Paul tells us in Romans 8:28 that “All things work together for the good of those who love God.” Last month's youth retreat is evidence that Paul knew what he was talking about!

After months of planning, the annual Alberta-Wide Inspire Conference for Grade 9-12 was cancelled at the last moment. Melanie and I were very disappointed, and so were all the students who had signed up. Not wanting to let down the students who signed up we decided to throw together a last minute retreat weekend.

We ended up with the group of youth in downtown Calgary. As a group we prayed together before we headed out. Everyone was encouraged to ask the Holy Spirit “Where do you want us to go and what do you want us to do for you?” First, one of the leaders was led to buy coffee for a couple of guys walking by us. Then one of the students suggested we buy coffee and donuts for a crowd of people. After seeking and praying for a while, one girl felt like we should walk towards the LRT tracks. There we met a man named Steve. We greeted him and he began to pour out his heart. Students laid hands on him and prayed. We bought him lunch. He told us that he was an alcoholic and had lost his wife because of poor choices. He confessed that he felt absolutely hopeless and wanted to die. He told us he was going to jump in front of the LRT but then he saw us walking intently towards him. God, he described, had sent us to him to save his life and give him hope that there is love out there. We were all stunned.

As we prayed for him a second time in a huddle on a street corner, two girls walked up and asked if they could be prayed for too. A hungover Steve uttered prayers for all of us. The presence of the Holy Spirit felt thick among us and we were so thankful to be used by God. One student remarked: “Why can't life be like this everyday?” Perhaps it should be :) .  


-Pastor Ryan

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