Experiences to Smile - Kaleo Ministry: Kaleo Ministry #6

Hornby Island provides a perfect location for a youth retreat. St. John’s youth enjoyed a weekend of fun, learning, relaxation, adventure, great food, prayer, games and communion on the beach. Even though we (the other Kaleo students and I) helped plan the devotions and games for the weekend with Kathryn, coming into the weekend, I had no idea what to expect. One thing I looked forward to was relating to the youth away from the normal routine of life.

One of the neat things about arriving at a place after dark is the adventure and excitement the next morning when the beauty of your surroundings is revealed. Nestled in the forest and a block away from the ocean, the little cottage we called home for the weekend had electricity but not pluming. That fact alone changed the dynamic of the group. Taking kids away from the need to have showers and spend forever getting ready in the morning and instead, making them walk outside to use the bathroom creates an environment of community and openness.

The devotions in the retreat focused on loving others; loving others ensues from the outpouring of God’s love for us. We talked about understanding God’s love for us and the gifts and abilities He has entrusted to us and how to use these gifts for His glory. It was neat seeing God work in the lives of the youth, stretching them, encouraging them and teaching them about their gifts and how use their abilities to love others. Not only did the weekend stretch the youth, it challenged me. Could you please pray that God will give me a clearer understanding of what it means to love Him and to love others. And, for the youth, that they will embrace their newly discovered gifts and learn to use them for God’s glory. In addition, could you please continue to pray for Cassie and Rebecca (the two girls in youth) as our relationship continues to deepen. Pray that God will continue to give me opportunities to love these girls.

“For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." Matthew 18:20

Saturday night, everyone gathered around, including our cook who is a mighty prayer warrior, and prayed for one another. You could feel the power of the Holy Spirit move as we prayed; the presence of God as promised in Matthew 18:20 was evident in the room encouraging and challenging everyone.

There is so much more I would like to tell you about this amazing weekend it would take pages to paint a complete picture. One thing that keeps repeating over and over in my mind is, wow, God is awesome, we could have not managed without His power, strength and love.

Thanks for all your prayers and love as I continue to seek after God.

Much love,

Kylie