God bless you,
Liz
The days after the weekend before...
by Leon
My friend Steve insisted that I attend the Challenge retreat and was so persistent that I had no choice but to relent. I thank God for him. Because I had no expectations and little understanding of how the weekend would unfold, each activity was a pleasant discovery; of others and self. I told my friends and family (and anyone that would listen) the whole weekend was an incredible journey -and I use the term purposefully as we did travel together- because it was so interactive in nature.
For young people in a tempestuous, unforgiving world, a spiritual retreat offers a safe port in stormy seas. But conventional retreats can become even more trying than the dangers they are supposed to offer respite from. And there, in business speak, lies Challenge's value proposition: an openness and honesty that heals broken hearts, a reluctance to judge and everywhere a fierce desire to emulate Christ's example by offering Love and accepting it in return.
I noticed that in every presentation lay the implicit acknowledgement of the universal truth: "ALL have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God..." But in witnessing others strive to glorify God by facing down their fears and finding the best part of themselves; I came to see Christ alive in me... in all of us.
Thank you all for welcoming me into your family, may we continue to strive to glorify God and grow in His Love.
