First Baptist Asheville Youth

Today was our first full day at the conference. The theme of today was deeper justice from Jesus, and in morning celebration and bible study we heard about Luke 19:1-9 the story of Zacchaerus. After that we got to meet our family groups for the first time. My leader was from the D.C. area and the 24 youth in my group aged from 14 to 18, coming from the US, Germany, Denmark, and other places. We sat outside as a family and talked more about Zacchaerus and struggles that we might have that hold us back from God. When it was time for lunch we at ate at a table with our family groups in a massive cafeteria.

For the afternoon we were able to pick to go to two of many different workshops that they offered, go to the global village, play sports and games (such as bull riding), or hang out in the chill zone to meet new friends from around the world.

In evening celebration tonight heard from Zach Hunter a 16 year old boy from the ATL, who has stepped up to change the world to end modern-day slavery. By hearing about everything he has already done, he showed us we don’t have to be an adult to change the world. Then our speaker for the night was a man by the name of Shane Claiborne. He told us his story about how he spent 10 weeks with Mother Teresa, and all he learned from her. “Even God was Homeless” is what he keep saying as he talked about how he help out the homeless through out his community in Chicago. Deeper justice form Jesus, and how we need to bring heaven down to earth by looking out for others before ourselves. One of his stories was about Mother Teresa’s feet. He said that they were deformed because when they got shoes they would only get enough for everyone and she would go and wear the worst pair, so others could be better off. Therefore during a song of reflection song after that, we where asked to take off our shoes to show that we too can he was humbled as Mother Teresa was.

Last thing tonight was our sound check on the main stage. We sing three songs in the morning celebration right before the message/main speaker. So please pry that everything goes good, as we sing for in front of everyone at the conference.