MUD Retreat 2013

We just returned from Cascades Camp last week after spending MLK weekend at the M(aking) U(nited) D(isciples) retreat focused on staying true to God and growing in faith through all the seasons of life.

We had over 225 high school kids from 20 Covenant churches all over Washington and Oregon meet up to worship, play, and learn together and it really was a special experience. We took 11 kids and 3 leaders and truly grew both as a group and in our faith.

The major reason for this post though is not just because we want more people to know what MUD Retreat is all about and come along with us next year (which we do), but because we had some conversations at the end of the week that I wanted to share with you.

As we ended the weekend we met with the group and asked the question, "What are you going to carry from this weekend into your life when you get home?" I was so impressed by the answers that I wanted to share those answers with you.

May these words from our students and leaders be a blessing to you and an encouragement to give your all to Jesus through all the seasons of your life.

"I always thought that if you loved Jesus and were a good person, nothing really bad could ever happen to you. I've been learning this week that bad things will happen even if you're a good person. And god will be with you anyways."

"I'm going to take with me the idea that you can be an athlete and love Jesus. And you can treat sport teams as a mission field"

"God forgives. Even Christians. There's always a second chance."

"I've been really busy. And I realized this weekend that god is always open. It's my schedule that has issues."

"I try really hard to fix myself up and really be perfect. I realized this weekend that its okay to not be that. God will take me when I'm broken."

"There was a prayer station Sunday with dried spices and fresh herbs on a table. They symbolized the seasons of growth and green and the seasons of dry and stagnant that we go through. I realized this weekend that there is a reason for each of those seasons. It's okay to be dry."

-Pastor Jeff