This past Tuesday and Wednesday, we had the privilege on
traveling to Christian School of York to take part in their chapel program. At
first some students were a little hesitant about having two days of three hour
chapels. However, after a few introductions, one of which involved Lawrence
jumping over 5-6 chairs, the students quickly realized that these chapels would
be different from any they had ever experienced. It was not difficult to get
the students excited for the day after that. If there was any student that was
not excited for the day, it was quickly remedied when Principal Smith did a
split to earn points for her team during a guy’s vs. girl’s challenge. The
first day was highlighted by some mixers, some games, a lot of hugs and high
fives, a message from Lawrence to drop the waterline and confess our sins to
God and one another, and a message from T.J. challenging us all to
put God on the throne of our hearts. Students and faculty were able to dive
deeper into these topics and share what was/is really going on their own lives
during family group time. We ended our first day at CSY cheering on the Middle
School Girl’s Basketball team battle in a close game. After that we were
invited back to one of the student’s house for dinner.
On Wednesday, we were excited to see what God had in store
for CSY. After some mixers, the students and faculty were able to share their
own stories through a unique community builder called Walk-the-Line. After a
few minutes spent giving out hugs and making some relationships right, the
students and faculty debriefed what they had just experienced. This time in
family groups opened the school up to some authentic and transparent conversations.
After that the students had time to spend in prayer, spend in God’s Word, write
notes to friends and loved ones, write prayer requests, sign commitments, and
verbalize their testimonies. After a skit and a short message to trust God and
give over to him all the baggage in our lives instead of trying to please Him,
we had time for open mic. It was amazing to see students and faculty open up
and confess some things that had been on their hearts for a long time. It was
also awesome to see the entire school rally around those students and teachers;
truly having one another’s backs! We ended our time at CSY in celebration of
one another which culminated in everyone cheering CSY! CSY! CSY! We continue to
pray for the community of CSY and are grateful to have been a part.
After we left CSY, we headed back to Lancaster Bible College
to lead students in Walk-the-Line for the Missions Conference. It was awesome
to see God continue to grow the community that has been established at LBC.
Flick and T.J. challenged students to look for opportunities to be real with
one another and meet needs on the campus. That is God’s mission for their lives
during their time at LBC.
