Quest is a faith-sharing event for teens held every other year in the Archdiocese of Louisville. I put in the bold italics because it’s different from every other rally or youth event that I do. There is a very strong focus on discussion groups. It’s almost a cross between a retreat and a rally.

This year’s theme was “Cast Your Nets into the Deep” (a cool theme, well decorated).

Over 300 teens attended but what really blew me away was the sharing from a 22 year old young man who is autistic and has cerebral palsy. He shared his story and his accomplishments (some simple, some very ambitious as well). There are few times when I feel “intimidated” to get up in front of a group to speak. That night was one of them. How could I follow a testimony like that? I’m sometimes called a motivational or inspirational speaker but that young man truly is. I realized that any, and all, of my excuses about any of my obstacles are really petty.

Another treat was to get 20 minutes with one of the giants in ministry (in my mind)…Brian Reynolds. Brian works for the diocese in a tough position but is such a class act. He was a trend setter and leader in youth ministry for years and now continues that as a lay leader and diocesan
administrator. He sat in on the last part of a workshop I did for adults (no pressure there –to have one of your heroes sitting in) and we chatted afterward. Very encouraging and heartwarming especially at the end of a nine day road trip.

Many thanks to Dr. Carole Goodwin and Aaron Jahn (of the youth ministry office) for inviting me- my soul was touched at Quest!