Heal Me

Morning dawned bright and students awoke to a time of Bonjour focusing on the day’s theme of Heal Me. Bonjour is a time for TeenPact students to start off their day centered on Scripture, giving each an opportunity to pray and think about their response to the truth of God’s Word.

The call to worship and time of singing again directed minds towards the healing power of our Savior and how He brings about renewal. “He was pierced for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with His wounds we are healed.”

Ryan Holet, the morning speaker, and also a police detective from Albuquerque, New Mexico, inspired students with a message on restored fellowship with God. He discussed how addictions are the world’s way of dealing with hurt and suffering, and how it inevitably fails because suffering is a symptom of what lies deeper — separation from God.

After sharing more his own story, he posed the questions, “What if we experience pain and suffering and they continue with no foreseeable healing? What about when God doesn’t heal us?” before then proceeding to explain that if God could use the greatest injustice in history, that of a perfect man going to the cross, for our greatest good, then He can most certainly use our suffering to bring glory to Himself.

In closing, Holet offered Revelation 21:4 as a glimpse of what we look forward to: “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

Following a short break, students once again found seats in the Conn Center and settled in for the afternoon session. The surprising cameo appearance of former show host, Brent Vastbinder, and his sidekick, Justin Myers, brought cheers from the crowd and not a little distress to Kack during the afternoon show. However, the annoyance of the situation quickly turned into an opportunity to laugh and the show ended with everyone in the best of spirits.

Free Time had several new activities including the OLeempics, a fun-filled set of silly games, creating a hum of activity at Afternoon Coffeehouse. Teamwork was put to the test as teams advanced into the playoff rounds for Ultimate Frisbee and volleyball. Other students enjoyed basketball, soccer, and good conversation all across campus.

There was considerable excitement centered around elections on Thursday. Many candidates and their teams busily campaigned before and after the Representative and Senatorial General Forums giving voters a last opportunity to choose who would represent them in the coming year. The presidential debate was a most significant part of the day. Students were impressed by the confidence and clarity each candidate put forward and were eager to place their vote.

Once finished at the polls, students were drawn into Evening Coffeehouse by the welcoming vibes of animated conversation and live renditions of theme songs from familiar soundtracks. It had been a full day in many ways and as Rendezvous groups debriefed from the day, student leaders facilitated conversations about where our students need healing.

Many students noted the evening session presented by former TeenPact Intern, Elise Hall. She shared with the audience the motivating story of her journey as a young woman in the role of Representative in the Oklahoma State House. Hall also spoke of the faithfulness and provision of God through memorable moments of both joy and pain. “God is faithful, and we can trust Him in every aspect of our lives even when we are overwhelmed with life.” She then asked, “Are you addicted to comfort or to Christ? If there is no challenge in your life, there will be no change.”  In other words, suffering brings about a recognition of the Savior — our Healer, and God truly wastes nothing.

Please join us in praying, “Heal Me.”