Girls really do know how to have fun…especially when it comes to the ladies in our student ministry.

This weekend I had the wonderful opportunity to spend time with them at our winter retreat.  The theme for the weekend was “Live for Love”.  In our large group sessions we discussed everything from how to love others, why we are suppose to love everyone, the need to have a reputation for Christ, experiencing God’s love, and even a discussion on how being a part of God’s family requires love in action. The girls were led in sessions by Kim Goin, Kelly Dale, and Joni Derrick.  All three of these women were able to share Scripture into the girls’ hearts and about love in their own lives.  After each session, we split into small groups to allow time for discussion.  These groups were lead by other women who volunteer in the youth group.  It was great to see the girls really gravitate towards these women and make relationships with them.  Ultimately these women will continue to be apart of the girls’ lives and this weekend was just a spring board for those relationships.

When I think back on the weekend there are two things that truly pop-out in my mind as memorable. The first being our times of worship together, led by Camee Burdin and Sarah Nierste.  Through Camee and Sarah, the girls were shown what loving God through worship means and how to incorporate that into our lives. This was a time they became excited for. I will say that watching 18 6th through 12th graders worshiping the Lord without hinderance and distraction is a memory I will hold onto for a while.

Other sweet moments from the weekend that stand out include the bonding time the girls had.  There is just something about spending 36 hours straight together-sleeping, reading, playing, studying, exploring, and worshiping-that just gets me excited about Girls Ministry.

-Maria

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