I believe that retreats, regardless of who the speaker is, what the theme is, who serves as counselors and how many kids sign up, always turn out be a blessing to everyone. I can attest to that because there has not been a “bad” retreat for the last 8 years I’ve served as youth pastor at NCFC, not counting many years when I went as a student. God never fails to show up beyond our expectations. This past winter retreat was no different than other retreats in ways that God touched our hearts and how He stirred up new passion and vision for His kingdom. However, apart from all the usual retreat experience, this past winter retreat was definitely a memorable one because we celebrated New Year’s Eve together. It was a special night that everyone will talk about for many years! The level of excitement and craziness (in a good way) that I witnessed that night was something very special. You just had to be there to experience it!
When we started planning and promoting the retreat, many parents were concerned that the retreat was ending on New Year’s Day because families getting together has been a long tradition for many Korean families. As a result, a good number of families decided not to sign up and there were kids who just didn’t want to come to the retreat on top of that. Even though I understand the culture and the family traditions and all, I was so frustrated that people take these retreats so lightly when we have more than 20 counselors who take these retreats so seriously by taking their personal vacations (some without pay) to serve and to love upon the students. I had one teacher couple who even brought their kids and stayed overnight in the motel room because they wanted to be there for the kids they teach. I even told some people to come visit for a day or two before going out to the family gatherings for the New Year’s Day but no one took my advice seriously. You can probably feel my frustration as you read this column. I believe it’s a matter of setting “proper” priorities in life. Many of us say that God is our number one priority in life but a lot of times other things in life come first and God becomes secondary.
During a Sunday school class when I asked the kids what helps them to grow in their relationship with God, 7 out of 8 people answered “retreats”. Of course, a mature Christian can grow by reading the bible and praying consistently but we know how hard that is for young people who are so busy and are surrounded by worldly pleasures all around them. So I urge everyone to make it a priority to attend future retreats. I pray and hope we will have more hunger and thirst for God this year. I pray that we, as a church, will hold on to God’s promise from Joel 2:28-30 and act upon His promise for the year of 2014.
28 I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.
29 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.
30 I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth
Happy New year everyone!
From Pastor Brian’s Heart
January 5, 2014