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North American Youth Congress 2015

 

I experienced a life changing event this summer and I'd like to tell you about it.

I had never been to Oklahoma City. It's HOT. It's hip. It's home of NAYC 2015.

      Last February, Registration opened for an event that wasn't happening until August 2015.. and it sold out 18,000 spots in less than 24 hours. I knew then that this event was going to be different. 6 months later, 22,000 students, millennials, and leaders came together for what I recount as one of the greatest experiences of my life. 

God did something special at this event. He changed it from a simple gathering into a mighty movement with Jesus at the center, and I am so glad that I was a part and experienced it for myself. I saw the mantle passed to this next generation, and despite the world's disappointment in it's youth, these students are rising up with cause and determination to spread the gospel and His goodness. I am inspired by what I saw, by what I heard and what I see the Lord doing in His people. 

 

 

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Washingtonians eat outside.

There's a place in central Washington where the Mountains are high, the streets are narrow, the snow falls softly, and the people are as delicious as spiced apple cider.  Spend a weekend in Cashmere, and you will come away feeling refreshed, loved, and looking for a parka to purchase on the internet. 

I had the priviledge of spending time with the youth of The Underground and YES, they ARE as cool as they sound. We hung out in the most magical place you can be at Christmas time: Leavenworth on Lighting Weekend. I geeked out BIG TIME- walking around watching kids sled down hills of snow, gawking at all of the Christmas lights,  eating bratwurst and socializing around fire tables because in the wintertime, Washingtonians eat OUTSIDE. They're like- "yea. it's 25 degrees, yea. It's dark. yea. We rock like this." To my surprise, I really enjoyed this Man vs. Nature adventure and would do it again in a heartbeat! (with the biggest parka known to man and 4 pairs of gloves of course) 

What I love about The Underground is their willingness to serve and stand out in their community and church. We had a great time singing worship and Christmas songs at a local bookstore and I could see faces brighten and hearts lighten as they listened and watched these young people sing to the Lord! Then at the big Underground Christmas Party, I saw kids having a blast but more importantly, I saw them making other kids who were visiting feel comfortable and welcome. This blessed me- and OH how much fun we had rocking out to Rudolph the red nosed reindeer and Jingle Bell Rock. Too much fun. 

I cannot WAIT to return to the Apple State and the Mayberry town I love and call Cashmere.

 

 

 

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