Winter Retreat 2012

The Winter Retreat, which was Feb 10-12, is a gathering of Illinois campus ministries at Lake Springfield Christian Assembly.  Each year a group of CSFers look forward to a weekend of learning from the main speaker, workshop and small groups with other ministries around the area.
Intern, Emily Barnett, recounts the retreat in her own words...

As I came into Winter Retreat this year it was with a different perspective.  As a student I was more "me focused" and wanted to relate everything I learned to myself.  Which is the purpose as a student. But with more responsibility this year as the intern and my heart truly wanting transformation in those that I pray for... it was much different.  As I listened to JK Jones speak during the weekend I kept praying the students would be challenged by the Spirit through his words.  I loved the wisdom of JK about Spiritual Transformation and growth as a believer.  His insight and knowledge of the word was inspiring and left me wishing the retreat was a week long and not just 3 days.  The whole week before I was struggling a lot with anxiety.  I wanted to make sure my responsibilities were going to run smoothly.  And though it is important to be efficient and do things well, it was humbling to see God work in the lives of students in spite of all of the "stuff" we needed to do. 

Saturday night (half-way through the retreat) we met with our ministry and shared what God was speaking to us.  I heard some amazing things, and from people who had never opened up before.  And as we sat around in the circle I had a fear creep up on me.  Wait, I thought, I hadn't taken time to apply much of this weekend for myself.  I was too preoccupied in how the students were taking it.  But as I heard story after story, I realized what God was whispering to me.  He said something like this in the quiet. 

"Hey, you have been freaking out about this weekend not realizing that I would move mountains with or without you.  Can't you see how I'm working in all these people's lives and in different ways? Sure, I'm glad you helped.. but I can do it without you.  So stop worrying and just be in awe of me. " 

In light of the retreat, I have been in awe of God.  A weird peace has calmed my inner storm that plagues my beating heart at times.  My perfectionism has subsided in knowing that God is the only one who can handle being perfect.  What he asks is simple... "I have given you the Holy Spirit for a purpose.  I will lead you in all things.  Can you trust me with the outcome?"

And even though I fight it... I believe I can.

(Above: CSFers Richard Prebil and Brenna Byerly back left with their small group of other campus ministries having some bonding time!)