Going into SHouT 2015, I was excited and really nervous at the same time. Excited, because it’s been 2 years since I attended one. Nervous, because I wasn’t just participating, I was also serving: lead a workshop, be the “barker” (the discipliner, the wake up call person) and the worship steward (assigns worship leaders every morning, afternoon and evening). For the workshop, I led the exhortation workshop which was actually very informative and helpful. I definitely learned new things while I was preparing and while I was hearing everyone’s exhortation based on a given theme. Being a barker for the first time, at first it was okay but as soon as I started giving punishments it was hard for real. I’m not used to giving punishments nor I would like to give one. There was one incident where my group got punished because we didn’t finish cooking on time. I was really sad and I felt guilty. But a brother reassured me that I should think of it as disciplining. For the wake up call, I’m not a morning person at all. I wouldn’t wake up early if I don’t need to. But throughout the SHOuT, I found that it wasn’t hard for me to wake up early at all and I woke everyone up before 6. Praise God (truly!!!!!!) for allowing me to fulfill that.
Going into SHouT 2015, my heart was heavy, with the after effects of setbacks, family misunderstandings and sins. I knew I had to go to confession and I did just before the 1st day. I wouldn’t allow that to affect not only my service but also spending time with Him. Throughout the 4 days and 5 nights, He showed me foretastes on how to love Him more from memorizing memory verses, to praying more, to spending more time with the rest of the core group and to spending almost 2-hours with Him through a silent retreat. There were uncomfortable times and situations and moments where I didn’t want to make an effort in praising Him or glorifying Him but He ALWAYS reassured me of His love first through the people & fellowships, through the surroundings/nature, through every meal, through every day and night. I just hope that all the realizations I’ve had during SHouT will stay and will move me to love Him more, my family more and the service He entrusted to me.
Despite early mornings and late nights, I felt really blessed and affirmed because The Lord really showed His love and mercy and persistence to reach out to me. Thank you, “Heartbeat”! Thank you Sumaylo’s for allowing us to stay at your house. #shout2015 #leap2015 #onemountain #cfcyedmcoregroup :)❤️
