Greetings from Montreat

Our group arrived safely on Sunday evening. As Elizabeth and Jeremy walked into the Anderson Auditorium to get us all registered they exclaimed, “You guys must be St. Marys!” As you guessed, we were the very last group to show up! As I write this, we have spent our first full day on the mountain and what a day it has been. The worship leader is Clay Fouse from Charlotte. The keynote speaker is Derek Macleod from Toronto, Canada and the guest preacher is my friend John White, Dean of Students at Columbia Seminary. Tonight John reminded us that it is precisely our doubts and fears that help to humble us before God and one another and that we should always remember through doubt and fear that we are “claimed by Christ!” Our worship leaders led us in the wonderful spiritual Somebody’s Knocking at Your Door. This year’s theme is Throw Open the Doors and if this evening’s worship service is any indication, many doors will be opened this week. Thanks be to God! Tomorrow evening our youth group will be center stage as they present a mini-drama for the entire conference during the evening worship service. Jacob is the Lighting Coordinator for the week. We are teasing him as he looks so “official” with his little headset on and bouncing all over the auditorium. As we now prepare for our “back home” group evening prayers we are grateful for such a wonderful place to rest our bodies and souls, and for YOU, each and every one of you. We sense your many prayers and our youth look forward to sharing their experience with you soon.