Breakway 2011!

Last weekend marked my second Breakaway conference with IV. I can say, sleep deprived and all, it was amazing.

Story of Audrey

Saturday, an IV staffer of the northern campuses (UMD etc.) Sandi and I led a session titled, “Will the real Jesus please stand up?”. Out there, seems like everyone has a different take on Jesus. But how is he revealed in the bible and can we ‘know’ Him?

Our goal (with the amount of time  we had) was to get the students in the habit and lifestyle of asking questions. Many of these students were struggling in their faith, reluctant to reveal the doubt looming over them like a shroud and fearing ramifications of exposure.

“Its okay to question, its okay to doubt.” I said to their shock. “But don’t let it just corrode away in your heart. Fiercly seek out answers. Press in!”

I listened intently as a young gal straightened up in her seat and bravely shared her recent season of melancholy and depression. “Where was God when I was so down.” ”I needed Him the most and he felt so far away.”

Wow. What an honest and real question. One that I’ve definitely dealt with.

She also shared how she’s known about God and Jesus, but has never felt like she’s ‘known’ Him.

I responded to her, “Audrey, you… are doing what so many aren’t. You’re engaging the journey. You were down, not wanting to come to Breakaway, but you came anyway. You had questions about/ for Jesus and you showed up to this track. You had reservations about sharing your heart and mind but you spoke up.

Your’s is the heart God so deeply values. No, things haven’t been easy. But don’t give up hope, sista.  God IS near you. “

Her courage enabled others to speak up as well. A beautiful thing. Afterwards Audrey sat with our crew at lunch, really connecting with Rachel (a volunteer at Normandale with me). They were inseparable the rest of the weekend.

God works in wonderful ways.

More stories to come!

Nick