MBCLA Youth Winter Retreat 2005
By the Junior Girls
We came up this mountain, up a curvy road,
Some of us with light luggage, others with a heavy load.
We went to our cabins with bunk beds high and low,
But we had to register before we even said "hello".
With our handy dandy color nametags, we played the pocket
game,
Which ended with a banana-eating competition, earning Kenny
some fame.
After a delicious dinner of mashed potatoes, meatloaf, and
broccoli,
We heard an eye-opening message from Frank, which he delivered
eloquently.
The insight we gained about a makeover from our Heavenly Father
Before, a wretched sinner, turning into a beautiful spirit
after.
We split into small groups after the message that day
Most of us went through introductions, while others decided
to pray.
We signed up for workshops, then we went to sleep
And that marked the first day at winter retreat.
The second day began with a pretty pink sunrise,
Some went to morning worship wide-awake, some with closed
eyes.
Meeting in various places, small groups learned about our
sinful nature
As we walked to breakfast, we pondered how to become more
mature.
During bible study, we learned about some "isms", from relativism
to vicitimism,
Some were so confusing, but we could relate to materialism.
Our first workshop started with a turn of a doorknob,
First on the list, fundamentals of faith, aka the basic nose
job.
Following a special lunch of self-made hamburgers,
We went to free time, and some discovered they were skilled
archers.
Next was workshop number two, one was about family relationships,
In which Joan showed how we could obey,
The world religions workshop was taught by Andrew, the well-known
game leader,
Who subbed for the sick J.J.
Besides those two workshops, was Decision Making and the Will
of God, taught by Jon,
He showed us how the wisdom model is a pro, while a sign that
isn't supernatural is a con.
One table fell victim to Victor's idea of eating with hands
tied together,
A plate of pasta and breadsticks makes it a classic Italian
dinner.
The talent show started with Clara and Crystal on guitar and
drum set,
And it ended with a skit by the seniors acting as Pokemon;
I'm sure you don't want a Team Rocket Pokemon for a pet.
Then came a message from Pastor Alan about metamorphosis,
A natural phenomenon of a caterpillar transforming into a
butterfly,
Where we were to focus on the spiritual change that comes
with knowing Jesus,
A faith that develops as time goes by.
Cup of noodles and chips, from Pastor Alan and Aunty Pauline,
was a surprise that was hard to expect,
There was chicken and shrimp flavor, both flavors were equally
irresistible, that it was difficult to select.
Due to the long message and the limit on time, we had no choice
but to cancel bible study number two,
Then we all went to free time, and then to sleep where we
said "adieu".
The morning of day three was way more than breezy,
The trek up to Hayford Hall was definitely not easy.
After the earlier morning worship, small groups met to do
the postponed bible study,
We further analyzed sanctification, a process in which Jesus
should be our closest buddy.
Before we could lay our hands upon a breakfast of biscuits
and gravy,
We had to face the wind and the rain with courage and bravery.
With a full stomach, we were further nourished with a message
about God's grace and holy living,
Instead of a physical makeover, living in God's grace is the
secret to eternal youthful being.
A time of confrontation, confession, and realization, one-by-one
each person shared their testimonies,
Most of us broke down in tears,
Realizing that before God's
presence, we can't do anything but fall to our knees.
As the rain fell down bleakly, we took our final picture and
rolled the last sleeping bag,
Retreat drew to an end and we loaded up the cars and took
off our nametag.
I along with the other junior girls, hope the future year
will go smoothly
Integrating the lessons into our lives, hoping to leave a
legacy.
Thank you to the melodious worship team,
Your songs worked wonderfully with the theme,
To the counselors and speakers appointed by God to serve,
Thank you for guiding us down our paths without a swerve.
All the admirable seniors of the "makeover-ed" class of o'
six,
As you go out in the world, don't get lost in the mix.
Finally, for Him let us save our greatest applaud,
To the truly faithful and loving God.
