Loving the Advance - Spring 2012

Our students love the Advance!  And who wouldn’t?  Each year the GYM drives towards Tyler, Texas to one of our favorite places on earth;  Rockin’ C Ranch.  But let’s be honest.  It’s not the ropes course, horseback riding, canoeing, fishing, goofy games, skits, etc. that makes this place special.  It’s God, and the growth He stirs in our hearts and lives when we are on the Advance.  When you take a break from the hectic routine of life (students can be extremely busy!) and take the time to simply breathe, worship, open your Bible, listen to a lesson, and discuss God’s truth with some friends…God does cool stuff!

This year wasn’t any different!  Joe Ward (veteran GYM leader) was the guest speaker this weekend.  He unpacked Colossians chapter 3, and our students were challenged to obey the Lord by “putting to death” certain sins and “clothing themselves” in love.  Maybe you’ve seen the custom wrist bands our students are sporting as a reminder of these lessons!  These lessons really impacted our students in a real way.  Of course we want more than a weekend experience, we want to challenge our students to allow their relationship with Jesus to impact their everyday lives in the most practical ways!

I love when God does something you can’t take credit for!  This year, through God’s great plan, eleven Japanese students were able to come and participate in the Advance!  A special interpreter (strong believer!) was able to teach and share the gospel with these students!  How incredible it was to hear a young lady from Japan share with the entire youth ministry that she is now a follower of Jesus!

I’m so thankful to serve the GYM!  Can’t wait to see how God continues to Advance us!