One of my favorite memories of our week in Leon, Nicaragua was our high-school youth sharing their stories. Whether it was sharing with a person during door-to-door evangelism or during the evening worship services, every student had a chance to share a personal story or testimony.
“And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling.” –1 Corinthians 2:1-3
I think many of our students identified with Paul’s letter to the Corinthians! For some of them, it was the first time they had spoke in front of a group of people, and they were really nervous! For others, it was the first time they had ever shared their testimony. From depression to attempted suicide, these teenagers have faced some tough struggles. I was impressed with their boldness to say, “Yes, Lord; I’ll speak.”
As they stepped out in faith and shared a story of what God had done in their life, the Spirit of the Lord met them there.
Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom!
Freedom came in many ways. Some teens found a new confidence of speaking out and using their voice. Others found freedom from guilt and shame. When the Lord brings freedom from sin, often times Satan jumps right back into the game with guilt and shame of having done those things. When you finally find the guts to share what God freed you from, the chains of guilt and shame break off, too! The testimonies also brought freedom to other listeners who were struggling with some of the same things.
While the teens were learning what it means to “Be Available,” “Be Bold,” and “Be Free” through the journal lessons each morning, they actually did it. They made themselves available to be used by God, they were bold enough to say yes to the opportunities, and the Holy Spirit came and brought freedom.
*Adventures Youth Trip to Leon, Nicaragua: July 2013 Trinity Evangelical Free of Amherst, Ohio and First Baptist Church of Hendersonville, NC*
