The War College - Chicago Style

Last weekend the War College was so blessed as to have four people attend Chicago's divisional youth councils. It's was a great time of fellowship and fun.

Ian Smith, Matt Armstrong, Nicole Brindel and I had a great time interacting with the Chicago youth and leading a few optional meeting that were - extra early in the morning and extra late at night called special ops. We had the blessing of lead a section in three of the meeting where we finished off a question starter and encouraged the delegates in sharing their testimonies as well. We were also able to be co-leaders/helpers in small groups that happened twice throughout the weekend. This was a time where we divided the 454 delegates in to smaller groups and got down to the tuff talk.

We were fortunate enough to have the wonderful hospitality of Eric and Cathleen Himes and Major Renea Smith as well as to hear the amazing God filled testimonies of two former gang members Luis and Maria Salazar from Los Angeles California

Ian Smith was undoubtedly happy to be surrounded by home. During one of the Special Ops meeting Ian gave a great word based around the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15. He spoke of how what made the son prodigal was not that he left and came back but how wasteful and extravagant he was with his inheritance. He brought up the great point of how in turn the father was the real prodigal, as he was wasteful extravagant with his love and grace toward his son. Ian gave a difficult challenge for us all to be prodigals - extravagant with our love and our lives.

Matt Armstrong was very happy to have Chicago Style pizza and see the actual Rock and Roll McDonald's. (apparently there's a song about this place...) He did a great job at leading the delegates in a few question and answer periods. If you've ever met Matt you'll know he's a pretty quiet and mellow person, but put him behind a mic and the man has a gift. He's wonderful at engaging with the audience and correctly dividing the word of truth.

Nicole Brindle with her fun loving and attractive personality was great at making new friend and really connecting with the youth attending the event. Nicole did a remarkable job at leading a Morning of Special Ops, leading the delegates in a testimonial time with a question starter and joining a group performing for the "Lost Talent Show" - last minute. Nicole gave a great word as well about based around the story of the lost coin in Luke 15 about how sometimes people are lost not by there own ignorance - but by the carelessness of others.

One majorly encouraging thing that I brought back with me from this weekend was to see the unity within the youth of this division. They were very encouraging and loving toward each other. All ways lifting each other up and taking opportunities to pray and edify each other.
My prayer would be that our community would likely be clothed in such unity.