The Stand

I honestly can't even begin to explain how amazing this evening was. There are so many different stories and perspectives of this event that one person could never explain how amazing God's plan was. When we got to Madcap the lovely Sheila gave is all twine so that we could make prayer bracelets. I do believe they mean so much more to our students; not only do they cause us to pray for the Anthem but they will always remind us of what our God revealed to us (well except for AJ and myself because cuddle pants (rachael) lost ours!! :p). Some of our students got to help set up this cool sculpture masterpiece. After lunch at madcap we went back to the hotel. The students swam, napped, had small group time and got all dressed up. I thought it was cute that everyone wanted to look really fancy and nice for the Stand. :). We arrived back at Madcap at 4 to have a run through of the evening, finish setting up, and, most importantly, pray. 5:30 and all thought emptied my mind. 15 minutes. The excitement and anticipation of the unknown was making all of us jump and giggle uncontrollably. As the greeters and snow cone people (Jonny, Kenneth,Chantelle, Corey, Holly) were outside chatting it up with people, we were taken off guard by screams from the inside lobby. I checked my phone so fast it almost flew out of my grasp. It was time. Opening the doors, Isaiah and Sierra passed out tickets, while Jacob and I counted the people and ushered them inside. Melanie and Skylar were in the main Lobby directing people to the stairs or elevator. Zigzagged up the stairs were 5 smiling students to welcome everyone. I believe it was: Cj, Deborah, Amiee, Tristan, and Rachael. If you chose to ride the elevator Andrew would be waiting to take you to the correct floor. As the doors slide open you would see the concession stand, multiple merchandise tables and tons of people. Denae's table was run by Nick, Hannah, and Ivorie. Dominic's table was under the watchful eye's of Jackie, Aaron, and Marisa. The Stand started at six with beautiful worship from the Anthem band. At that time there were about 107 people in attendance :D. Denae Templeton was the second to play, she had a lovely folk worship sound. After her set Nick came and gave an amazing message for unbelievers, 12 people came forward. We had some students, as well as other volunteers, act as counselors. It was really cool to see the students learn and partake in explaining the next steps to take in faith. I as beyond proud of them. After intermission/counseling time Dominic Balli played. IT WAS AMAZING!!!!! I believe everyone had fun dancing, singing, and worshipping. Then Nick came back out and talked to all believers pleading with us to stand up and preach the gospel. The room raised up hands and shouts to show that we all agree to Stand for our God. It was so beautiful. Dominic played two more songs that slapped us all in the face with its INTENSITY!! I mean people were jumping, screaming, laughing, dancing and raising up hands out of excitement. It was bliss. After the Stand we ate at In-n-Out and then headed to the hotel for extended worship and prayer with Jonny. It was a truly lovely day. God had such a huge plan. I am blessed I was a part of it :)

There are many other stories of people talking to strangers and just pouring the gospel into their lives. Andrew, Richard, and AJ have some seriously beautiful witnessing stories. Every person was used in a precise perfect manner to make the Stand a huge victory for the Kingdom of God. YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!