The carriage compartment of the charter bus was packed as I darted to claim the final seat on Bus #3. After months of preparing, we were finally on our way to Panama City, FL, for spring break 2018. I am pleased to share that for the 17 students that represented MHS for the week, the tame expectations of fun beach games and relaxation by the pool were blown away!
It was nearly the final day of the trip. A once spotless kitchen was now decorated with an assortment of pizza boxes and dirty dishes. The massive suitcases that once held dozens of folded outfits, now lay empty with wet towels and scattered clothes. Aloe vera was a treasured resource. In this house we met for team time each morning, sharing and learning about one another’s lives and about who God is. Every student had their own burdens they carried: pains, struggles, anxieties, fears, and temptations. Mornings were often filled with tears, but the resounding response throughout the week were words of love and encouragement.
“You are God’s beautiful creation.”
“You are lovely.”
“You are unique.”
“You are cherished.”
On the last night, students were given a full half hour of complete silence to sit on the beach and listen to whatever God wanted to share. The powerful waves crashed on the beach. The stars shined bright.
A number of students yelled out “yes” to Jesus for the first time! What were once tears of anger and confusion turned to tears of joy. Testimonies of loneliness and anger became testimonies of being loved and adored by God.
All I can do is yell out praises to God for everything that occurred that week! It was a great reminder that despite the sin, pain, and hate so frequently shared around us, God only makes beautiful things.
Brandon Johnson, Manchester Campus Life
