Getting the tickets was a chore. We had four computers running simultaneously and clicking at the exact moment that the system opened on registration day. Unfortunately, so did everyone else and we crashed the server. Three times. And my 5 minute cue time turned into several hours and meant that we missed out on getting amazing seats. However, our seats weren't entirely awful. In fact, they were just right for the group I brought - 35 students and 6 leaders - taking up all but 3 seats in the section we were in at Rexall Place. I could have used those seats as well, but I didn't know that until closer to the date. In hindsight, buying only 13 extra tickets just wasn't enough after I pleaded with youth to turn in their forms, send in the money, and make a decision. It didn't help that it came on the heels of an expensive three day ski trip.
It was worth the hassles though. YC may have been bankrupt spiritually at other times. I have no reference point for that. I wasn't a part of those years. God was moving mountains for my students this year, and I blame YC. Yes, you heard me! The speakers actually preached from the Bible, followed the leading of the Holy Spirit, and (gasp) engaged the youth on a deeper level. The nerve! Two of my students chose to follow Jesus Christ for the first time and were led through the sinners prayer. All I had to do was support them through it. Five students in my group renewed their commitment to and relationship with Jesus Christ, who is first, more, and before them now. More than half stood for prayer of some kind, refusing to believe the devil's lies that their abuses were their own fault, seeking healing that only God can provide, living out genuine brokenness before God that turned into joy as they anticipate His promises being fulfilled in faith, and two of our girls had their estranged relationship turned back through forgiveness and reconciliation. Their friends and siblings still can't believe it happened. The highlight of the weekend for everyone I talked to was (drumroll please).....................................................................................................................................................................the speakers, Judah Smith and Reggie Dabbs.
That is not to speak ill of the bands. Only a few of them. Hawk Nelson ought to retire young after whining and bumbling through their set unprofessionally unprepared (and "tired", apparently. I wish the lead singer had never opened his mouth to speak. His singing wasn't much better). It only confirmed my understanding that music isn't ministry for them. And Lincoln Brewster, you played a great set, I just wished you noticed when it was over like the rest of the coliseum - two songs and two guitar solos earlier. I turned to a friend and said to him, "Back to the Future" to which he responded with an understanding nod. Usually it is refreshingly worshipful to just bask in the talent, but it just became abrasive (sorry buddy - still love ya - and make your merchandise cheaper like everyone else too). And Superchick. I know you're partly a girl band, but if you would notice that nearly half of your audience is guys... you just lost us when you didn't notice us or acknowledge us at all.
Switchfoot. Best live show ever. Again. How do they do it? The Afters were spellbinding. Matt Maher led so well in worship. Starfield had the best sound and show of all of the groups. Group 1 Crew had us dancing in our seats several times (and that is NOT my style of music - they were good!). Bluetree, Unhindered, Tenth Avenue North, Disciple, Manafest, the Almost - man, they threw it down! So good. And one of our girls won the iPad 2 they were giving away. Wild. I just wish the price wouldn't keep rising. They weren't even close to sold out - but it was probably for the best. And I get to listen to the speakers for the other sessions later since I bought the mp3's for my youth group.
My review? Bring in Downhere. And then it will be amazing. Naw, it was stellar. I wouldn't change what happened because of what happened. Thank you all who followed God's lead at YC as you volunteered, spoke, played, sang, worked, led, and prayed like never before. Thank you Paul Stobbe for lending your bus and driving skills and parents for providing food and so much more. God is good.
1 comment:
Thank you Jesus!!!
Post a Comment