By: theMOVEMENT Student Conference
Well, last week we officially launched theMovement with students and leaders from over 10 different local churches in our region. It was pretty sweet, to say the least. I can’t tell you how encouraged I am at what God is doing and the faith He’s stirring in the hearts of students and leaders alike. I dare you to read the following testimonies posted on the testimony board and tell me you don’t feel the same excitement. God’s is jealous
for this generation, and they are responding:
--Shawn Withy-Allen--
Q: How has God spoken to you, so far, through the Movement (speakers, friends, etc.)?
A: The first night I come to The Movement, and we all went to different areas for discussion, I heard in my heart, “I love you! You are so precious to me, my daughter.” P.S. I am very happy and am looking forward to having a stronger relationship with God.
– Bethany G. Wright
Q: What is God encouraging you to do, or teaching you in your current relationship with Him?
A: In the past week I have felt strongly that my prayer life needs to grow. Knowing that for that to happen I needed to practice I’ve been praying for all things “The Movement.” It’s very encouraging because my drive to pray (motivation) and focus to pray has already doubled! I am going to continue to ask God to be used in this way, and I can’t wait to see how He is going use me through this!
- Anonymous
Q: Name one thing that God has done in your life that has increased your faith.
A: I was with a church that’s youth group had very bad influences (atheists, emos, and cutters). I thought my faith was strong enough to influence them, but it wasn’t even close. Being their friend, I lost my faith, and an overwhelming confusion about everything in my life came over me. I kept crying out to God, but I heard no answer. I was led to Grace Church in Southern Pines, where I finally met people who didn’t look at me like I was crazy when I told them about these questions and temptations. This was where I came to know Christ. He answered ALL my questions and gave and is still giving me faith that can move mountains. He came to my rescue, and He is my #1 love. Now I have a true, personal relationship with God. He saved me from the deepest depression of my life.
- Caroline
Q: When did you meet God and how did your relationship begin?
A: I was really lost and into a lot of crap before. Then, last year, March 4th 2009, a friend of our family invited my little brother to youth group and me and a friend tagged along. We liked it a lot, and mostly went just to hang out. Sometimes we even ditched. One day, someone (who I am now very close with) caught us. She didn’t tell our parents, but for the rest of the time while everyone else was in youth she sat outside & prayed for us. We confessed to some of the things we had been doing (cutting, smoking, etc.), and she prayed. I felt like someone really cared and I felt the Lord that night. I think that’s when I really began to recognize Him. I am now “straightened out, cleaned up, etc.” As for my friend, she’s doing okay, but is still having trouble. I ask for prayers, and I’m glad I could share my story.
- Anonymous
Q: How has God spoken to you, so far, through the Movement (speakers, friends, etc.)?
A: I knew God spoke to me through music, but this was powerful and not to compare with any other experience I’ve had. Throughout all the may times we sang “My life is Yours, I give it all, surrender to Your Name” I thought I would just be giving it my all this time to stay the person God wanted me to be—pure, good, and for Him. What I didn’t realize though was that He was calling me to do so much more than that. My grandparents have their own church. During yesterdays sessions, prayers, and even the discussion with my parents about what I’d learned I wondered what would happen to the church if they left before Jesus came again. And as we sang, I heard a girl behind me cry—weeping like she knew God was there and that she needed that feeling of revelation to continue. You could tell she wanted to really commit her life to God. The moment I looked forward and realized that (before the thought of me witnessing that—a girl, just like me was not enough) I had my hand on her shoulder and prayed for her. That was the moment that I felt God was calling me to do ministry. I didn’t know why I’d started to cry, I thought it was because I was giving my all into the singing, but I didn’t realize until after that I really was giving my all. I am giving my life to God and this is my calling.
- Anonymous
Q: Name one thing that God has done in your life that has increased your faith.
A: God took me on a trip with him to Scotland where I was totally alone and didn’t know anyone. I’m always the shy person who doesn’t like going up to people, but God put me in a place where I had to completely trust Him. So while being in a place where I didn’t know anyone God allowed me, for the first time in a long time, to open up to people. I met some pretty awesome people and got to know them by stepping out in faith and trusting that God would have the best for me. Going to another country for the first time with nobody that you know is definitely proof of God’s faithfulness to be with you wherever you are and in anything that you do. That’s one way of stepping out in faith. My faith was increased because I knew there was no way I could have done that alone.
- Ashleigh J.
Q: How have you been impacted positively by a friend who had a strong relationship with God?
A: Aubrey Sgro has been such a big light source in my life. I first met her at a RUSH meeting and ever since she’s been really helpful and supportive on my spiritual walk. She always knows the right thing to say and is super encouraging. I feel like God always speaks through her to me whenever I need. She’s become an important part of my life and a great friend. I hope I affect her, and others, half as much as she’s affected me.
- Daniella Rivera <3
Q: What is it that God has been speaking to you about in the past week?
A: Oh heavens!—He has been AWESOME this week! The only thing is that I’m the one who has been doing all the talking this week. Being dependant has never been as clear as it has been this week. It has been hard…but is SO worth it! Having a purpose in life feels so good! Oh yeah, back to the question. When I listen to God He tells me that He is always here with me. This week He has bad to tell me that He is my rock…like—a lot. I’m really happy! ( I LOVE YOU GOD!)
- Anonymous
Q: Has God ever used you to do something you never thought you could do?
A: There have been many things that I thought I could never be able to do, but felt as though I was being called to do it. Reaching out to people that nobody really likes can be a difficult task for all of us, one we think we can’t do. I, personally, needed a little encouragement from my parents to find the strength to reach out to people. Sometimes, all a person needs is for someone to smile at them and tell them that they’re doing a good job. Even though some people looked down on me for talking to a certain person, I felt really great afterwards. All it takes is a little obedience and self-confidence to make a persons day turn completely upside down. I thought I could never be that person to reach out and touch someone, but God used me for His will, and it turn, I felt great about myself.
- Anonymous
Q: Has God ever provided for you in a practical way?
A: I never owned a car until after college. When my Dad told me I was getting one in my senior year, I was told to expect a 1994 Buick. “Anything with four wheels is better than nothing,” I said. But one night, I remember saying, “God, if I may, could I have Kim’s car?” One of my dear friends from college had a red Toyota Echo (2003). I even liked the color. After receiving my degree, I walked into the parking lot when my eyes fell on a 2008 Toyota Corolla in a beautiful cherry red. Kim’s Echo had been discontinued and replaced with a Corolla. Not only did God bless me with a new car (received as a gift—no payments), but also gave me something better than what I asked for. When you are His child, you know you’re taken care of.
- Anonymous
Q: Name one thing that God has done in your life that has increased your faith.
A: One thing I have learned is, the things that increase my faith the most aren’t huge, earth shaking “Acts of God” or monumental phenomena’s. It’s little stuff—if I send a quick prayer to God, or I’m simply stressing out about something and the problem is sowed or the need is provided for. Little, every day miracles that reminds me of God’s complete omnipresence and knowledge of every burden on my heart. Those unexpected blessings are what increase my faith.
- Anonymous
