Wednesday Night Program-WOW
Posted by Matt Loberg on June 30, 2010 under General | 
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WOW is the best word to describe tonight, at least that’s what pops to my mind first when I think about it, then the next thing that pops to my mind is “Undeserved”, which is also the theme for our trip. We have been learning about the prodigal son and how the father waited days after days, looking for his son, waiting for him to come home. As most of you know, the son came home, asking to be a servant-because he thought he was not worthy to be called his son. Tonight we looked at how the father tackled his son when he got home, and the son was welcomed with kisses and many hugs. They got him cleaned up, put a robe on him, had a feast for his home coming, and the father gave him a family ring. Family rings were very important back then, and tonight they gave us a ring that represents that-but first they had us hold our hands in front of us, and make a tight fist. That tight fist represented what we were holding onto and what we needed to give over to God-as He wants us all. We then let go of our tight closed fists and that was representing us giving it to God. If we didn’t open up our hands, we could not put the ring on our finger. For me, when I was holding my fists tightly closed, it hurt-much pressure and it felt like I was holding onto the thing that I have struggled with for a very long time-giving God total control of everything in my life, and not just parts of my life. After letting go, I didn’t really feel anything different, but I felt pressure release from my hands, and there wasn’t that pain anymore. Many faces had tears running down their face, and there were leaders going around comforting people, along with a few of the students. When God speaks-its powerful-no doubt about it! We had youth group devotions and we circled up and prayed, not until then did it hit me hard-God wants everything, even though I am nothing compared to Him, He deserves so much better then what I can offer-and yet He still wants me, He still wants everything in my life and to do His will and His work-and that’s good enough for Him. I don’t deserve His love, His son or anything He has blessed me with-my great family and my great church family, the house I have, the food I eat and clothing I wear, even my health-no matter how good or bad-I deserve worse and I deserve death. But God loves me, and all of us, so much that He gave us the undeserved. He blessed me with all of these things and is continually blessing me-He isn’t finished with me yet! I’m not the only that came to this realization tonight, there were many who were talking through thick throats and tears running down their face. God spoke powerfully tonight and got our attention. He defiantly got mine! Thank you all so very much for the prayers you have said for us throughout this trip and for all the prayers before, and after, and all the support you have given us! We are very blessed with the church family we have!
Tomorrow is our last day here in Colorado. Colorado has been a very fun and beautiful experience. I got to see mountains for the first time ever in my life! Although, when we went up to Estes Park I got very motion sick, and my ear infection has been very irritating with the elevation difference. And then my allergies and all that-but it’s been an enjoyable trip. My crew is amazing-and I am on the same crew as Dane-and there is another kid here who is a lot like Dane and he is also on my crew. We have been to three different sites, and the people who we have helped have been a blessing! There has been God sightings happening daily and they are amazing to hear about them! Another thing we also have going here is a food drive for the food shelf. The first week they got 605 cans, and then the second week they got 608 cans. Maybe we can top them this week! Tomorrow is going to come, and then Friday-and we leave. We are staying in Bellevue, NE and we are hoping to be home about 4 or 5 on Saturday afternoon. We look forward to seeing you all on Sunday!
On a side note-God is great with people in this area. We had bumper problems on the bus, and a few other problems. We called several mechanics in the area, and none of them were open by the time we got back from the day and would stay late and do it. Finally, we had one guy who would stay late and do it. Today after we got back from work sites, my dad brought the bus over, and we had it back tonight! He fixed it quickly and was a huge blessing. The other groups also helped us as we didn’t have transportation, and some of us needed showers (and the showers are 3 miles away) and needed to run to Target for a few things. I am amazed at how great our God is-and all of these is undeserved. It’s been a great experience, and we all are looking forward to the stories to tell!! 
One last thing-please keep in prayers a kid from St. Louis-my dad mentioned it in his blog, but I would also like to remind you. Being so far away from his family and having this tragedy strike. Thanks for your prayers!
See you Sunday!!
-Samantha Loberg
[Isaiah 58:11 ; Jeremiah 29:11]
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