Three days relaxing in the mountains, three days serving in the city.  That’s how a group of students from the Cleveland BCM spent their Spring Break this year.  A ton of fun playing and preparing together followed by an intense weekend leading a Disciple Now for an incredible group of high school and middle school students.

The first few days were filled with entertaining time together topped off with super deep, late-night conversations about loving God and loving people.  The typical day included something super fun – racing down the side of a mountain on a self-controlled roller coaster, literally breath taking views from the huge wheel, and trips to the hot tub in fresh falling snow.   And what BCM trip would be complete without late night dance parties, eno camping in 20 degree weather and a photo shoot with the resident bear?  And eating.  Yes, eating.  Three guys on a grill and 10 girls in the kitchen is a recipe for some incredible meals together.  The rest of the time we spent prepping small group Bible studies.

After a quick lunch on Friday, we loaded up and headed to our ministry site for the next few days – “The Tribe” at FBC Madisonville.  The theme of the weekend was love & hate.  We spent some intense time worshiping together and talking about the things God hates and how they are to be replaced with what God loves.  Like lying.  Replaced with truth in our lives.  Small group sessions were all about deepening our love for Jesus and serving with our WHOLE hearts.  Students were changed.  We were changed.

And some fun.  Oh yeah.  Late night ice skating, ultimate frisbee and running the streets of Madisonville.  Have you ever seen a high schooler wrangle down a cow or kiss an alpaca on the lips?  Yep.  We have.  And we’ll never be the same.  Several of our students were able to share with the entire congregation on Sunday morning.  The stories of God working in college student’s lives was a refreshing time for all.

Over all, one of the best 6 days we’ve spent.  Loving God, loving each other and loving a group of incredible middle school and high school students.