The Final Gathering

Pulling up to the parking lot, late Sunday afternoon, we never thought the week would go by so fast.  In the blink of an eye, we were at our final gathering last night. What an amazing way to end such an amazing week! Seriously.  Through the various posts we’ve written throughout the week, you’ve heard about the eye-opening and life-changing experiences we had with the Natives.  We spent four days building relationships with them, humbly serving them, and just loving them as Jesus would do.

Last night at the gathering, we were able to come together with these shared experiences and connect in the most heart-stirring way.  We worshipped together, prayed together, and acted as Jesus did, with a Foot Washing.  What an incredibly moving, humble moment. The connections that were made on this trip between FLY was very evident as you looked at our group taking in Jesus’ purpose for the washing of the feet.

“Then he said, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You address me as ‘Teacher’ and ‘Master,’ and rightly so. That is what I am. So if I, the Master and Teacher, washed your feet, you must now wash each other’s feet. I’ve laid down a pattern for you. What I’ve done, you do. I’m only pointing out the obvious. A servant is not ranked above his master; an employee doesn’t give orders to the employer. If you understand what I’m telling you, act like it- and live a blessed life.” John 13:12-17.

What a overwhelmingly moving way to feel that connection with Jesus.  He calls us to humbly serve others, to love them, and to share his story through our actions.  We prayed, hugged, and cried together as a group, which was built on an incredibly strong foundation and connection.

We ended our gathering with the 10 seniors sharing their thoughts and advice for us all.  What an incredible group of young adults.  These faith-filled kids led by example throughout the week, and watching their leadership develop as they grew in their faith was so inspiring.  What more can we say other than the fact that they make us so proud! It’s going to be hard to watch them go their separate ways, but one thing that we learned this week is that God has a storyline for us, a plan and purpose where he’ll be with us every step of the way.  You can’t help but think of this incredible group of seniors when you hear this.  It’s been awesome to see God working through them this week, and comforting knowing that that will continue on as they branch out and live God’s purpose for them.

This whole week has been about our storylines; how God is moving through us and carving out our plan. Part of our story is to share His story.  We are called to serve.  What would Jesus do?  He would love first.