Thoughts out of the JAF familly retreat.

Those of us who were able to be a part of the Joni and Friends/Christian Horizons family retreat this past August at Elim Lodge really had a a great time.  It was great to be with families as they had a vacation that provided them with much needed respite as well as time to have fun together as a whole family.  It was also a great opportunity for those having vacations at Elim apart from our group to interact with some folks they may otherwise not get a chance to meet.  Several families from the trailers and cottages at Elim joined in with us for various activities. 

One of the young staff there, Brandon Beatty, who was serving as the Youth Program Director for Elim this summer was very impacted by his time with our group.  In his role he taught and led programs for the teens.  As a result of his interaction with our group he wrote the following poem and shared it with us on the last day.

Christian Horizons Poem 2011

Brandon Beatty

Everyone is special no matter who you are, To God your unique you have a spot in his heart

He knitted you together in your mother's womb, and made you in his image that's what he did do

He knows the very numbers of hairs on your head, and will neverr ever leave us that's what God said

Heshowed us the ultimate expression of his love by sending his son to die for our sin, so that someday

We could go to heaven and be with him

God loves us so much he made a promise in Jeremiah 29

A plan to give hope and a future to all our lives

Many are the plans in a man's heart, but the Lord's purpose prevails

Proverbs are words of wisdom to show what he reveals

So no matter where you go, no matter what you do

Always know God will be with you

He loves you in the morning and loves you at night

And know he created some special in you alright.

It is great to see God open people's hearts when they see His children in a knew way. 

Posted by Mark Wallace