NEXT

We had no idea what to expect as my wife and I, along with six college students from our church in New Orleans, boarded the plane for our first NEXT (then, Na) Conference, in Philadelphia.  That was 2001.  Our oldest son, who will be in the youth group next year was only three.  We came in for the first main session.  And my wife and I reserved 4 seats on one row and four on the row behind us.  As we all came in the six college students – now good friends – all sat together on the row behind us.  Awkward.  We were new to the church and they had all grown up together.

I suppose this is why, when I think of NEXT, the first thing that comes to mind would be the affect it has had on our relationships with people from our local church.  By the end of our time in Philly we had spent hours taking in truth, talking about how to put it on in our lives, staying up late, laughing deliriously, even (a first for us N’awlins folk) snowball fighting.

Since 2001, the conference has been a yearly highlight for our college/career ministry.  We’ve made many memories.  We have experienced much grace from God in times of singing, praying for one another, and getting to hear soul-strengthening messages from God’s Word.  It’s been almost 10 years now.  Some of our fellow snowball throwers are married and have their own three year olds.  God has been good to us.  He’s used this conference to build us up and draw us together.  And we can’t wait, Lord willing, to take another group in 2010.  Hopefully, they’ll sit with us.