On-fire Rallies-The End

Fanning the flame is officially over, and as sad as I am for it to be done, I am also extremely excited to see what happens with the junior high ministry in the rest of the semester. Over a period of four days, I've seen preteens and junior highers give their lives to Christ, worship with everything they have, make themselves completely vulnerable, and ultimately, be real in front of their peers. It's an amazing thing to watch those kids focus totally on God for a lengthy period of time. To be in awe of the speaker, of the message, and of their Lord Most High. It's so awesome! Some people say that kids that age cannot experience a true relationship and interaction with God. Well, I would love to challenge them to come join our youth group sometime, especially during a "super week" such as the On-Fire Rallies or Summer Camp. The "God moments" that are experienced during those times ARE real! It's just a matter of whether or not they continue to live completely devoted to their Savior.

Tonight was our final night of On-Fire Rallies, as I said. It was in this particular night where Tony, our guest speaker, truly challenged everyone in the room, including myself. He asked us four key questions to figure out what, if anything, was keeping us apart from God, no matter the distance:

1. Do you have any habits that aren't leading you to God?
-Examples: gossip, dishonesty, pornography, swearing, disrespect, etc.
Response: CONFESSION
2. Do you have any hatred or anger in you heart?
-Examples: holding grudges, being used/mistreated, etc.
Response: FORGIVENESS
3. Are you jealous of anyone?
-Examples: jealous of someone's looks, significant other, clothes, life, etc.
Response: CELEBRATION
4. Are you greedy or materialistic?
-Example: basically wanting/needing everything of tangible values
Response: SERVE & GIVE

After presenting these questions, Tony actually challenged both students and leaders to stand on his direction if one or more of these stood out. He started with the first scenario, and with eyes closed and hearts opened to God, students and leaders of all ages stood around the room. Prayer was given to these individuals and then the next question and so on. It was definitely a challenge in my life and in the lives of everyone around me. God was moving, that's for sure! As the night came to a close, Jason Lee and the band rocked out and by the end of the night, there was an unpleasant aroma of junior high B.O. But on the plus side, the On-Fire Rallies were a success. We had a GREAT speaker who gave GREAT messages. We had a GREAT band who led us in some GREAT worship. And we had a GREAT opportunity given to us where children encountered the GREAT God of the Heavens!