What's been going down...
One body, many members
Last June, I joined my friend Peter for a four day event in Munich. UNUM, taken from the Latin word for unity, focuses on bringing together believers from various backgrounds and denominations to build one other up in love. Historically in Germany, churches have competed with one another, especially across denominational lines. This tribal mentality has hurt the Church, and only in recent years has there been the shift toward collaboration we are currently witnessing. I heard testimonies not just of God at work in Germany, but also miraculous accounts from around the world. Personally, I gained a better understanding of the Church here in Germany beyond my own bubble, and was encouraged by the diversity of those in attendance. I particularly enjoyed how the space was set up during the times of corporate worship with places for those who wanted to dance or kneel. No one was expected to conform to a specific style or practice; freedom of expression in worship.
Camp is very entertaining
July meant it was once again the summer camp season, and I would again be working English Camp and GEM-K back-to-back for a very intense 2.5 week roller-coaster ride. 100% worth it. Everytime. As much experience as I have with both these groups, there continue to be little surprises. For example, I expected to play regularly with the worship band during GEM-K like last summer, but gladly ran sound instead so that campers could take my place. As I told a friend, I will joyfully step back so that they can grow as artists and have more ownership of their worship experience. The change also allowed me to serve as a small group leader.
I relish how much fun and simultaneously spiritually-rich camps can be. In many ways, the short retreat is a chance for one's truest self to cut loose. The theme for English Camp this year was Be Real and I was pleased to see the teens open up about their doubts and fears with a genuineness and vulnerability we forget as adults. The greatest highlight for me this year though was serving alongside two former students who returned as staff.
A Growing Family
There has been a big change to my household recently. Namely, a four-legged, furry friend whom I adopted in August. Two-year-old Lupo is full of excitement and is already quite attached to me. There are numerous lessons I could share from training him, but I won't divulge here, other than to say that his eagerness to meet strangers reminds me that I too have Good News for all people.
