Back From Lifest!

Posted July 15 2008

Just a quick update about Lifest for y’all. For the four of us that went from St. John’s, we had a rockin’ good time. Between dealing with the swealtering heat, bugspray, caked on deodorant, sunburn, torential downpours at 2AM for two nights straight, and hurricane like winds, you’d think that we were all professional festival concert goers.
I’ll be honest. I went to Lifest this year not really looking to be inspired or filled up with the Holy Spirit. But, sometimes, that very Spirit that I wasn’t looking for, showed up and once again softened my heart through some incredible teachers like Bob Lenz and Reggie Dabs. Then again, some of the musicians that I heard also lifted me up. Geoff Moore (check him out) is a truly gifted man of God, and anointed with such beautiful voice. Meeting him was very cool. Keith L. Cooper can play the guitar like nobody I have ever heard. Steven Curtis Chapman ministered to us as he definitely invoked a spirit of vulnerability and worship as he is still dealing with his own grief after losing his daughter this past May. This was his first concert back as he is still mourning her loss. I would say that the highlight for me was seeing Skillet play. This hardcore band definitely speaks the gospel through this music that blends heavy and melodic with beauty and inspiration. I am awed by their lyrics and their talent each time I have seen them.
But, I did not go to Lifest for me though. I am glad I went, and I am still feeling the effects of it. But, the kids are the reason I went. I am glad to know that they became even more exposed to positive music, whatever genre of music that may be. And even if they did not really listen to the lyrics, they were all caught up in the messages and energy of the concerts. Each one of them in their own way told me that they loved being there and taking it all in. Apparently, they want to go back next year. Was the Holy Spirit working on them too? I tend to think so. Who says that the Spirit is unable to work in and through teenagers today are fooling themselves.
I was once again inspired by the music and speakers at Lifest event though I wasn’t looking to be. But then again, I was more inspired by seeing thousands of teenagers lifting their hands in prayer, exposing themselves to the gospel message that they are loved and valued in a world that de-values individuality, and uplifts the outer beauty. The youth that I saw gives me hope for the future of the world and for Christ’s church. Our youth here at St. John’s give me an intense hope. They are interested in realizing the gospel for themselves and how intense that gospel looks in the clueless confines of a world that claims there is no god, but the god of the self. This generation is the church of today! God Bless them and their future.

Peace,
Pastor Jason