ELEVATION WEEKEND!!

Elevation weekend was incredible! God was so good to us up in Castlerock in the north coast of N. Ireland. The weather was absolutely beautiful! It was raining right before we got out of the van when we first headed up there early Friday evening.  When we got out or shortly before the rain stopped, and the sun was gorgeous!! It started raining tonight. Thank you God for the great weather! It was beautiful right on the beach and the whole place was ours for the weekend. There were 23-24 kids there and then 4 leaders. Paul, Val, Rose and myself and then Anne Shepherd who cooked for us. The kids were so energetic right from the get go and didn't let up until we were off the bus this afternoon. The weekend was packed full with fun team building games, playing on the beach, meals together and hanging out. We also had four group sessions Friday night two Saturday AM and PM and then one this morning. We did worship and a few fun songs which the kids seemed to really enjoy. Pauls talks were amazing, challenging and really encouraging. The weekends theme was about taking steps in our walk with God. The kids all listened really well and i think were challenged. We had small group time after the talks which was good, so we could sit and chat for a while about what we had just heard. So overall it was an incredible weekend! I'm exhausted as I'm sure Rose, Paul and Val are as well. I'll get a good break tomorrow though. So for now, thats it because I'm going to bed! Paul will probably have a mini movie or slideshow up on his blog about this weekend if you want to go check that out. His site is www.livingloud.typepad.com. Take care! 

Weekend Away

Hey everyone! Sorry again...for not posting much. These past two weeks have been like a whirlwind with all the activites starting up. Its been great to see all the kids coming out to the youth events! I don't have much time, but I wanted to let you know that we are going on a weekend trip this weekend. Were leaving this afternoon and get back on Sunday evening. Please be praying for our time up at the north coast of N. Ireland. Pray that God will really speak loudly to these kids and that they might learn something deeper and be energized by the time there in Castlerock. Also pray that the weather would be nice, seeing as it has rained all summer, it might be nice to see some sun. Its going to be a great weekend! We are staying in a youth hostal right next to the beach. So we'll be having loads of games and several talks and music and also archery and coasteering. Well sorry for just the short update, but thats about all I have time for right now. I hope and pray all of you are well!
Lauren Stark