First - yes I know I graduated from college over two years ago, but I was excited to travel with brothers and sisters and have the opportunity to worship with everyone. Anyway, I was extremely uplifted by this trip. I felt the pressence of the Holy Spirit through out the entire weekend. Not only were the ministers and elders filled God's Spirit, but I felt God near us during the entire drive out and the entire drive back. Actually I think the drive out and the drive back was just as rewarding as the time spent in Peoria.

Theme verse (this is from memory so it may not be exact) - "Let no man despise thy youth, but be thou an example to the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in faith, in spirit, in purity."

I really appreciated the Biblical advice for offering encouragement: Proclaim God's pressence, Proclaim past works of God and His history of delivering His people, Proclaim and claim God's promises (He will never leave us or forsake us), Pray (the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much), and Praise His Holy Name!

Oh, and there were around 21 brothers who slept at the same place Saturday night. It was awesome.

Thank you to all those who opened their hearts and who were willing to share how God has worked in their hearts.

Also thanks to Todd Drayer for moving the conversation along and keeping me from getting in an arguement at the restaurant over theology with the manager:) Sometimes in my zeal for truth, I forget about mercy, or I don't let mercy grace the words that I speak.

May Christ bless and protect each one of you.