We’re all in Denver through this
weekend, but check back here next weekend for the conclusion of my Tokyo travelogue. I’ll throw in some pics from the touristy
part of my quick visit to Japan.
We made it! Since Monday, a small
group from our E.P.I.C. student ministry has been breathing mile-high air here
in Denver, Colorado. International Youth
Convention 2012 officially kicked off last night, but we flew in a couple days
early for a little fun.
A wet and wild day at Elitch Gardens water/theme park got our
adrenaline pumping on Tuesday. Aggressive water slides like the
mind-scrambling Tube Top and the various speed slides kept us cool for most of
the day.
That
evening, our bravery was tested on the rickety wooden roller coaster Twister 2
(seen in the background of the photo above, which, if you look closely,
features me and Will hanging on for dear life in the 6th car)…
and especially on the up-down-forward-backward-upside down-sideways G-forces of
the notorious Boomerang. I lost all
feeling in my face. Is it possible for
internal organs to liquefy?
The opening session of International Youth Convention was last night. Thousands
of teenagers sang along with Matt Papa’s passionate worship set, followed by a
message from skater/boarder/surfer Zane Black. My conversation with Zane after
the late night Group 1 Crew concert convinced me that he is a man of authentic
faith who has truly been called to speak into the lives of teenagers.
Zane’s message led into an intimate time of reflection,
response, and sharing with our students outside of the auditorium last night.
This morning, our students selected various breakout sessions to
attend while the adult leaders were encouraged by energetic former Denver
Bronco defensive back Steve Fitzhugh at the Youth Ministry Institute
conference. The IYC High School Band led
an unbelievably gifted time of worship before the session!
In a few minutes, we’ll be leaving the convention center for our
Impact: Denver service project.
Partnering with some other youth groups from across the U.S.A., we’ll be
restoring and beautifying an inner city playground and public park. It’s time to do some good!
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