To attempt to put into words all the emotions I felt this weekend is not easy. So many things took place during the 90 or so hours where 2500 youth ministers, exhibitors and speakers gathered to celebrate and reflect on the prophecy “and the desert shall bloom.”

There is a palpable energy (not to mention the high amount of static electricity shocks) when youth ministers gather. It is a family reunion of sorts. Old friendships one renewed and new ones made. Seeing the hugs and greetings between the “workers of the vineyard” always warms my heart. I get excited when I see so many colleagues and friends–sometimes it feels that no time has passed.

I was an exhibitor and brought merchandise to sell. My wife Marlene ordered some neat “”give-aways” and she oversaw the set up and operation of the booth. Thanks to Mark, Jamie, Laura and all others who set-up the booth and made it look so cool. Many people came and worked shifts to give Marlene a break and for that we are both so grateful. Thank you, Beth, Brigitte, Marilyn, Mary, Roye, Mark, Michelle, Milissa, L.J., Peggy, Christina, Tammy–you were such a great support to Marlene and me.

We “debuted” some new “products” at the booth. I’m excited about the new tee shirt for youth ministers…it got good reactions from folks. I also think teens might like the new ATHLETE tee shirt too. (My cell phone wont upload the pictures I took…so we’ll be getting the official photos up on the STORE section of the page as soon as we can.)

I was invited to chat with interested youth ministers about “Letting Go and Letting God” in an informal session (called Cafe’ Soul). Close to 80 people showed up for this quick reflection session. It was great to hear people ask questions about an issue I all too often struggle with and that is surrender.
It felt good to share that struggle with other ministers who know that struggle.

My friends and colleagues from Region 5 gathered for a meeting before the start of the opening session. They’d contacted me earlier and asked that I attend. They shared stories, photos, and laughter of moments from the last 16 years. They also publicly thanked and prayed for Marlene in the special faithful unseen ministry she has. It meant a great deal to us both. Special thanks to Cooper, Milissa, Christina, and the leadership team for all the kind words, thoughts, and time they put into all of this.

I got to see the opening of the conference from the lovely perspective of a skybox. It was neat to see all the people and the energy from that vantage point. Thanks, St. Mary’s Press and Laurie for making that possible.

A full day but more to come.