It is somewhat late to recall my summer experience in Champagne, Illinois. But part of what I enjoyed there is to never hold my tongue when I speak of the Lord. "If we have an affectionate love to the Lord Jesus, our tongue will be like a pen of a ready writer."
I can scan my notes again to give you a gist of what was said in the conference or I can juggle my memory and reach deep into my spirit to share to you what I really enjoyed during my time there. One word, prayer.
I was the last person from New York to arrive in the university where we stayed because I have to settle some matters with my school. My night was rough before I left home. I refuse to go into details but I can give you a description of what I looked like when I landed in O'Hare International Airport. My eyes were red and swollen. I was walking with a chipmunked face. How to cover this hideousness was the least of my concerns. My mind was preoccupied with the question, "How will I enjoy the conference if I come in with heavy emotions?".
Bus ride from Chicago to Champagne was my longest by far. What seemed to be four hours felt like half the day. The moment I got out of the bus, I called on His name "Oh Lord Jesus". Breathed deeply, hoping that with my exhalation of air my worries will outflow and not find its way back. "Oh Lord Jesus"
I can barely remember how I managed my first night but I realized after the first meeting that I attended, I can no longer pretend that I am enjoying. For I know, there is something blocking my enjoyment. So I prayed and I confessed. Pouring everything to Him, praying for the person that I offended, asking forgiveness for my iniquities. The Lord answered me.
The matter was settled but my prayers increased. He lifted one, then He gave me another. The Lord blessed me with such a strong prayer companion. My companion and I prayed intently for our burdens. It was sweet and strengthening. As a christian, we will never run out of burdens. The Lord will always place us in a situation that even we cannot handle by ourselves. This is when we give up and turn to the Lord. We pray. A christian's life is a praying life. When we pray, He provides. Just like how he provided me with a companion. Praying together strengthened our prayers. In the end, I was shepherded by her, to have a fresh appreciation of the Church more and to be open to the functions of every members.
The Lord wants to return, and He needs His corporate Body to accomplish His goal. Our prayers need to be directed to His purpose and His plan.
