I know some of you have read my previous blogs about the Great Banquet spiritual retreat and how I was so excited to be a sponsor to some lovely ladies, but this particular note will be from the view of a Team member.
I was very, very blessed to be asked to be a part of the team hosting the Great Banquet retreat this year. I was placed as a table leader with a fabulous bunch of young women who have all worked themselves nicely into my heart and prayers. There were weeks of training sessions, but I just gotta say that each and every moment of the training and the retreat were amazing in so many different ways.
This fall I was also sponsor to a beautiful, struggling, daughter of God. I had not known this woman for very long, but in our brief conversations, God laid it on my heart to invite her and I felt that she truly was aching to know God's love. She was so excited to be invited that she accepted almost immediately.
On the evening we left, I explained a few things that would take place over the weekend. I also noted to her that at the end of the weekend she would have the opportunity to give her testimony of her three-day experience. Her response, "No. I don't talk in front of people. I won't do it." I assured her this was no problem and she was not pressured to do anything she didn't want to do.
We completed the first night in silence and gathered for worship and breakfast the first morning. In the morning, we heard three wonderful talks. At lunch, my tired-looking friend said, and I quote, "I can't do this anymore. I have to sleep." So she snuck off to take a nap and skipped lunch. By the evening she was perkier and laughing with the ladies at her table.
Saturday morning, up again early for breakfast. She was laughing, joyful and had made some strong friendships with her roommates and tablemates. We enjoyed another full morning of talks and then shared lunch together. Around this time, we also celebrated the sacrament of holy communion and a powerful event, giving our heaviest burdens to Christ. This was, of course, and emotion-packed and tear-filled time. And it was at that moment, when she laid that burden on the Savior's shoulders, she was a different person. I was in awe of the power of the Holy Spirit working in her and in all the women who shared the experience.
Although she was tired and wanted to nap, her spunky roommate was determined to keep her moving and they strolled through the woods at the campground. That afternoon seemed as if every care in the world seemed to be lifted from her heart. She was smiling nonstop the rest of the weekend and as I was chatting during a break with her table leaders, one said (with a roll of the eyes in my friends direction), "There's great things happening right here!" I knew exactly what she meant because I could see her transforming into the joyous woman she was created to be.
Sunday, the last day of the Great Banquet, can be a rather long exhausting day. The emotions of the first two days can take it's toll on you, making you feel drained and tired. But my friend was perkier than I have ever seen her.
At the end of the day, each woman in attendance receives a cross bearing the words, "Christ has chosen you". Each beautiful daughter of God receives there cross and then exits the chapel into the arms of those waiting in the receiving line of table leaders and speakers. I will never, ever forget when she came through the door, arms held high over her head and shouting WOO! HOO! That moment,is forever etched in my mind.
Upon returning to the main conference room, approximately 150 people were waiting to celebrate these beautiful ladies. Now remember, she had said earlier she would not speak in front of people. However, as the number dwindled to two or three left who had not shared their testimony, I could see her head bobbing up and down trying to get my attention. And then, I saw her mouth the words "will you go with me?" I was on my feet in and instant.
Arm in arm we walked to the podium. She grasped the wooden handcross so tightly I was sure it would be forever embedded in her hand. As her entire body shook and tears streamed down her face, she laid her heart out for the Great Banquet community. Her roommate came up and together we held her tight, lending our strength to keep her standing. I was so incredibly proud of her and in awe of the Holy Spirit that had called her to stand and speak. And THIS, is another memory forever in my mind.
As we packed up our rooms, hugged and loved on our new friends and headed to the car she turned to me and said "I feel floaty!". I just giggled. I had never really thought about how I would explain the end of the weekend feeling, but 'floaty' just seemed to sum it up.
We recently had dinner and over our fried pickles she said, "I still feel floaty". I just love to hear things like that. I am thankful that I could have a small part in setting her afloat in God's unconditional love and grace and I am grateful that I was asked to be a part of the team.
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