Just arrived back from Steubenville Northwest in Spokane, Washington and only one word can sum this trip up; YES! The team was fired up and ready to bring whatever message the Holy Spirit inspired in their hearts, and as a team we delivered one message: “Will you say YES to who GOD IS?” God is creative, God is faithful and God is here was the three part talk series that took place on Friday evening. Each presenter was like a guitar in God’s hands, and he strummed and strummed that evening as the teens engaged in the rhythm of the night. Then finally the speaking ceased and the star of the evening had a brief personal encounter with each of the teens and team. It was only a taste of what was to come. God came in this weekend to encounter every teen, team member, volunteer, sound tech, camera person, and convention staff. Whether we knew it or not God was here for us individually. It was our “YES” that he sought out. Not our excuses of why we say “no” or “later”, he wanted all of us to see is humble love, mercy and power, and in return all we needed to say was “YES” to receiving what he had to offer. And the teens and team boldly said “YES!”
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I had the honor of serving along side a team of servants this weekend at Steubenville Florida in Orlando. This team brought a heat that made the Florida heat seem air conditioned. Every speaker was on point, passionate, and authentic. The music and visuals provided an atmosphere of radical catholic love, which introduced the weekend with an energy that didn't let down for the first drum hit to the last strum. The speakers rode that majestic wave and the Holy Spirit inspired us to real know the needs of teens and to speak to that. All the music, words, and atmospheric allure paled in comparison to the main highlight JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF. When he arrived and encountered the teens, briefly on Friday night, his demeanor was that of "just wait my children I'm gonna bring the refreshing heat of my mercy and love soon enough." The spirit moved in these teens and throughout the weekend it was present. The Mass on the following morning provided the spiritual nourishment needed for the rest of journey. Workshops, entertainment, and my personal favorite the service project was awe inspiring. Seeing the teens engaged in the numerous sessions and then providing meals to Africa via the CRS (Catholic Relief Services) made be so proud to be Catholic. However, once again JESUS would take all the work and give them rest on Saturday night. When he arrived walking through the smoke of incense through the teens it was something than would make the most epic moment seem dull. This moment was the apex of epic moments. The teens, and the team witnessed Christ heal, revive, and reveal himself in a manner that just seemed like all accepted with a peaceful surrender. Saturday ended, and Sunday followed with men's and women's session and I have to say that this is the generation where these young men are going to become crusaders for purity. The power of the men's session left me speechless, inspired, and hopeful for the future. The bishop ended the weekend long journey with a witty and on point homily that wrapped everything up perfectly. I can hear the heavenly court just chanting YES! YES! YES!...as the team spoke and sang as one voice in Holy Spirit, proclaiming that at the end of the day above all God Is! |
AuthorOscar "Two Ten" Rivera is all about bringing the fire. Passionate, comedic, and driven to deliver the truth, the right way. Archives
February 2022
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