Aquire the Fire is a christian evangelical conference for teenagers. Wow. Sounds so boring. Let me translate. Rock Bands, Worship, The Word, Skits, Videos, Education. A good rockin', worship filled, hands raised, time with other believers to learn how to love God the way he wants to be loved! That's better.
Picture courtesy of http://www.scottshotsnv.com/
I decided to volunteer to drive / chaperone the youth group to ATF in San Diego. For some reason, the youth leaders always have a hard time getting parents to volunteer to go. Something about having to take time off of work, find babysitters for other kids and being "on" for three days straight to keep other people's kids safe for a long weekend. Truthfully, I couldn't wait to go! #1 had such a great time while she was there last year, I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. The parents who do go repeatedly go. It's watching a miracle unfold right before your eyes, undeniable & amazing.
First,the car ride down. I drove the Expedition, and had seven (yes, 7!) teenagers in the car with me. There was much debate on seating arrangements which is really irrelevant to the story, but the group of kids I ended up driving were wonderful! My daughter was in a different vehicle, upon my insistence. She needed to be set free to enjoy the drive, not embarrassed by my craziness. San Diego is a 5 hour drive and was a quick, easy drive while being entertained by movies (listening to, not watching - silly), music, teenage conversation (which was surprisingly intelligent - including the editing of one girl's paper for school along the way). How did these kids get so smart? I don't remember spending my free time discussing verbiage and conjugating sentence structure to pass the time at their age!
Once we arrived at the church we were staying at, it was time to unload and head of to the opening night of ATF! It was held in a church called "The Rock" which was a large, modern building, and reminded me of the theatres that are lining the strip in casinos - specifically the one Belle used to have her ballet recitals in at what is now the Planet Hollywood. Phil Joel opened up with about 30 minutes of awesome worship songs. Not his own stuff like I expected, just great songs that are popular in the Christian genre. It was really awesome to see 3500 teens with hands raised singing to God. Then a skit about how Jesus always created trouble wherever he went... the theme this year was "Here comes trouble". Loved it. They ended it by doing a reinterpretation of the Crucifixion behind a LARGE sheet that was back lit. I can't explain it... was very moved. We finished at 10:00 and had to be back by 7:30.... whoa... early.
The second day of ATF was a rush of activity which I can't describe without my ever-present bullets:
- Morning worship with Phil Joel!
- The Sex Talk - they broke up the boys / girls and had the most frank talk with the kids I have ever heard. A cute prego girl (maybe 25?) who actually didn't kiss her hubby (who was giving THE TALK to the boys) until her wedding day (!?!) spoke to the girls about saving their heart for the man God intends them to love forever... it was amazing beyond words. She talked about STD's, Abortion, Sexting, and "Safe Sex" and had the girls enthralled with her own story, which was pretty wild before she gave her life to God. I was completely overwhelmed and had tears rolling down my face for a good 20 minutes of her speech. Wow. One thing she said I heard repeated over and over from the girls all weekend was "A condom can't protect your heart." I pray they remember that and thank God for the courage he gave that speaker to address REAL issues, not just preach or talk down to them. She spoke to their hearts and minds (she did give many statistics and such, I did mention how smart these kids are... they loved it!) It ended by the speaker calling all the girls down who wanted to go to an "Alter call"... but not for salvation. It was to remind them that God will forgive ANY sin - 7 times 70. Every sin is forgotten in God's eyes when asked in Jesus' name (He knows your heart, so if you aren't serious, He knows). Today can be a new day, you can be pure again. Jesus will wash you clean! If you have been molested, had an abortion, had sex, messed around, or just watched shows or movies that put wrong thought processes in your mind, you can be clean again. Just ask for forgiveness and let Jesus cover you in GRACE. Amen, sista.
- The Trouble with Parents - I was absent for this one, as they had a parent class that I went to at the same time. So I got the lowdown from the kids on the way home. They talked about how parents deserve respect and love because they are imperfect, human, children of God, too. They need a teen's forgiveness for not being a perfect parent. Wow. Again... I am amazed. Many kids said this was their favorite part of the talks because they fight with their parents and needed to be reminded of giving grace as well as receiving it. Cool.
- The Parent Talk - LUCKY ME!!!! Phil Joel was the speaker for this one!!!! I was in the fourth row! And yes, a little star struck. I mean, we have been listening to this very talented artist's cd's for a while now and respect his gifts and talents. His speech was a review of the book Re-create, written by Ron Luce who founded and runs ATF. I bought the book, of course. And was reminded that I am in charge of my kids and the environment they grow up in. Thank you. It's not up to Disney or MySpace or MTV to tell my kids what to believe. It starts in my home, with my rules. Amen, brotha.
- Compassion International Alumni speech. An awesome kid who's life was changed by being sponsored by the organization told the kids his story and encouraged them to give another human being a chance. Very moving. This kid now has a college degree and is helping to change the lives of his fellow villagers in Africa.
- Concert by EsterLyn. Awesome music. Band named after their Compassion International Child. Missions minded. God Rocks.
- Concert by Thousand Foot Krutch. This is my kind of Christian Music!! Sounds like Metallica, AC/DC, or Motley Crue. Singing about Jesus. Sing it, boys! I was head-banging and worshiping all at once. Crazy Christians!
- Finale by Phil Joel! 'Nuf said.
Saturday night was a relaxing time for everyone to break off in groups to go to dinner and then return to the church we were staying at. Then time for talking with the kids to see how ATF effected their lives. The youth director issued a challenge to abstain from whatever is tempting them for a month and report back to her (if they wanted to). Several girls are giving up secular music, tv shows or are taking inappropriate posters off their bedroom walls. I thank God for the opportunity to be a part of that night. These kids had a very open, honest discussion about all they had learned.
Sunday was the last day in San Diego - you know my experience at the church already. I also spent some quality time with a friend and Prayer Warrior who is on my side! Then off to the beach for a while (beautiful pacific ocean, cotton candy, shopping, yummy lunch, toes in the water. Nothing better.) Then a fun ride home with 7 surprisingly still not tired teenagers. A car load of teenagers singing "I can only Imagine" over and over and being silly / crazy makes the trip go fast! Loved it!
Life Rocks. Pick Jesus.
Rose & Phil Joel
