Have you ever seen a tree planted in the city (you know in one of those cut-outs in the sidewalk)? Occasionally, one of those trees that was meant to “fit-in” and provide a pleasant diversion in an otherwise bleak landscape does much more than that. It grows so large that it breaks up the sidewalk, causes damage to the street, its roots damage water lines and sewer pipes, and its branches disrupt power lines. It changes not just the sightlines on the street, but it changes the street itself. When it was planted, it was intended to be a pleasant little thing, but now it threatens to disrupt the city.
A while ago I shared about planning for a teen leadership retreat. Well, last weekend was that retreat…Becoming Oaks – The Teen Haven Spring Leadership Retreat. Almost 50 teenagers from Philadelphia, Lancaster, Columbia, and York came to Teen Haven camp for an intense weekend of training, encouragement, and worship.
The emphasis was on encouraging these youth to understand the potential God has placed in each of them (like the potential of an acorn), and equip them to live up to that potential (like a majestic oak).
What encouraged me most in those three days was seeing how many of those teens are already spreading a firm foundation of roots and stretching their branches toward the sky. There was a hunger to learn, grow, and serve among these youth that is a precious resource.
The youth who left Teen Haven camp on May 28th are prepared to disrupt their cities. These “oaks of righteousness” will return home and continue to grow, and their lives will cause their communities to change. I can’t wait to see the work God will do through them. (Isaiah 61:3-4)
-Jack Crowley, Teen Haven Director
1 comment:
The image makes a difference. We're visual people.
I hope you're able to keep uploading them...
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