Encounter 2011 was my eleventh retreat and, on the surface, there was nothing really to distinguish it from the past retreats. We still had the usual mounds of junk food (euphemistically named “snacks”), the late nights and early mornings, the pre-session craziness, the typically wet October weather (it even cleared up on the last day, as it usually happens), the pizza and pasta lunches…

But, from listening to the testimonies, it became clear that God had done something different.

In the past, testimonies often ran along the lines of “I felt so far away from God, but I really encountered him on the second night. Now I can feel him all around me and I am so happy.” In contrast, people went up with retreats like, “I didn’t actually feel God this retreat, but he let me know that he’s always there, even when I don’t feel him.”

Even being around the kids from retreat feels different. There is this new sense that they – everyone from the oldest senior to the youngest middle school student – have found something deeper and stronger than the evanescent spiritual high they’d experienced before. It’s like faith has become both a head and a heart thing, rather than just one or the other.

Of course, God does not fill us up simply for the sake of it. God instructs us, “Freely you have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8). I believe God is moving the international youth of Shanghai towards something bigger, something stronger. All we have to do is keep praying, keep holding on to his will, and keep being devoted.

Hearts sing. Tears stream. Joy fills the atmosphere as students laugh, turning to hug their friends in elation over the incredible goodness and grace of God.

Extended worship always marks the highlight of retreat – the night to which everyone looks forward, the night where God’s presence is most acutely felt, the night when lives are changed. Commitments are made. Hearts are devoted.

Devotion itself has been woven through this entire weekend. As the theme of our retreat, it has permeated Turner’s talks, our worship, and our prayers. Tonight, the youth of Shanghai have re-devoted themselves to Christ.

Capping a full day of workshops, two sessions, sports tournaments (a.k.a. nap time for those of us deprived of sleep), our night of extended worship truly displayed the results of two days’ worth of spiritual preparation and transformation in the hearts of these students. Now, as I write, only caffeine keeps my fatigued brain awake, but how marvelous it is to consider that our labor, our exhaustion, our physical sacrifices have resulted in spiritual transformation of infinite significance!

Normally, I weep during altar call nights like tonight. This time, however, tears of laughter poured over my cheeks as I surveyed the room full of changed lives in front of me. Incredulous laughter at God’s unbelievable mercy for sinners as messed up as we are. Thrilled laughter at the visible evidence of God’s presence in the room. Triumphant laughter at how the enemy cowers and glowers, fuming that the unfathomable love of our Lord Jesus Christ would cause Him to personally bear the penalty for our sins, redeeming us from the bondage of evil. For the next half hour after the students dispersed to their small groups, I could not keep from laughing. It’s not funny at all. But it’s laughable.

Praise God for seeing the depths of our hearts and loving us the same . . . because that love is what transforms our hearts, what conquers the sinful nature within us, what destroys the enemy’s claims on our lives. Hallelujah, praise be to the living God, for He has shown Himself to be exactly that in our midst tonight.

Please pray:
- for Turner as he is fighting jet lag and getting over a stomach illness
- that God will encourage those who are serving at this retreat, and grant humility and patience to the leaders.
- for God to impact the hearts of everyone here, and bring to life dead hearts.

Slowly but surely, things are taking shape for the big day tomorrow. There will be buses arriving from three different locations – Gubei, Xujing and SMIC – bringing three hundred and “and fifty-something” students and adults.

At the moment, things seem to be going according to plan. We’ve not had any accidents or major administrative problems, and the chaos that has ensued during set-up is nothing out of the ordinary. The adult and student leaders have met with the speaker, Turner Miles, and had a good time of sharing and logistics.

The only hiccup we’ve had so far is Kenny losing his voice (something that coincidentally happened last year). We’re excited, however, for the new day and can’t wait to get Encounter 2011 started and see what God has in store for us this year.

prayer requests:
Kenny’s voice
All our health, in general
That more people will be added to the Kingdom

Some things to keep in prayer for us:

• That everything that is done – from the messages to the music to the games, would be for the glory of God (Psalm 8:1)
• For health – many of the leaders have been feeling symptoms of sickness. This is quite common before these retreats. We don’t believe this is “natural.” (James 5:15)
• For those students who are considering to cancel and not show up, that God would move their heart to attend.
• For a spiritual awakening to happen in the hearts of all the youth who attend. As one student posted in his registration; “Retreat changes lives.” We pray this for each one of the students here. (Rom 6:4)
• For the leaders – both adult and student – to keep their eyes focussed on Christ, allowing His power to work in and through them, preparing their hearts for the ministry they will have these three days. (1 Cor 2:2)