I have been in Brasov, Romania this week for the AWAKENING, a worship experience with over 200 World Racers. Time and sleep have been a little lacking so I am sharing Seth Barnes’ blog with you about our week.
The setting
Brasov is a beautiful old town with medieval roots three hours
from Bucharest. You take the road or the train through a spectacular Carpathian mountain
valley to get here. The racers have set up their tents in a camp on the
outskirts while the coaches and the rest of us stay at the Atlas Hotel,
site of our daily meetings. The weather has been perfect. In the
afternoons we go into the old city and sit at cafes with large
umbrellas on the cobblestone streets. You could travel the world and
not find a nicer place for a conversation.
from Bucharest. You take the road or the train through a spectacular Carpathian mountain
valley to get here. The racers have set up their tents in a camp on the
outskirts while the coaches and the rest of us stay at the Atlas Hotel,
site of our daily meetings. The weather has been perfect. In the
afternoons we go into the old city and sit at cafes with large
umbrellas on the cobblestone streets. You could travel the world and
not find a nicer place for a conversation.
The peopleRacers from four different squads, plus a number of alumni and
staff are here – 220 in all. Some are two months into their experience
and some are a couple of months from finishing. The atmosphere is
electric – they connect with one another on so many different levels.
They’ve discovered their tribe and are loving it.
staff are here – 220 in all. Some are two months into their experience
and some are a couple of months from finishing. The atmosphere is
electric – they connect with one another on so many different levels.
They’ve discovered their tribe and are loving it.
Our daily schedule
We meet in a room downstairs just big enough to hold us all
seated on the floor. Kim Daniels, Chris Telfer, and Matt Snyder lead us
in a worship service for about an hour and a half. Then we break up
into teaching times in 3-4 venues (I’ve got one). The racers are eager.
They ask good questions and dive into the subject matter.
seated on the floor. Kim Daniels, Chris Telfer, and Matt Snyder lead us
in a worship service for about an hour and a half. Then we break up
into teaching times in 3-4 venues (I’ve got one). The racers are eager.
They ask good questions and dive into the subject matter.
Afternoons are filled with debriefs. We have an evening service
and Andrew Shearman has been preaching his signature message, “The 42nd
Generation.” After the service, we minister.
and Andrew Shearman has been preaching his signature message, “The 42nd
Generation.” After the service, we minister.
Tonight, the place was up for grabs. Ministry was happening all
over the place. The Holy Spirit was landing on people and they lit up
like fireworks. It was one of those rare times.
over the place. The Holy Spirit was landing on people and they lit up
like fireworks. It was one of those rare times.
After it was done, the racers headed to the old city for a night
of connecting, singing karaoke and story telling. They are having a
blast.
of connecting, singing karaoke and story telling. They are having a
blast.
Bottom line
What we’re experiencing here is combustible. Every morning I teach
on “kingdom dreams” and the stuff that comes out of these young people
is amazing. I left a country that seems stuck in a rut of negativism.
The deficit situation, the health care mess, and the rising
unemployment rate conspire to give you a bad day. Out here the racers
own very little, but they are anything but poor. They are experiencing
the reality of the abundant life that Jesus promised. It’s pumped me up
just being around them. God is up to something and it’s a thrill to
have a part in it.
on “kingdom dreams” and the stuff that comes out of these young people
is amazing. I left a country that seems stuck in a rut of negativism.
The deficit situation, the health care mess, and the rising
unemployment rate conspire to give you a bad day. Out here the racers
own very little, but they are anything but poor. They are experiencing
the reality of the abundant life that Jesus promised. It’s pumped me up
just being around them. God is up to something and it’s a thrill to
have a part in it.
For those of you who have been praying, thank you! I wish you
could be here with us. It felt unreal tonight. Young people are coming
alive in so many different ways. We’re truly seeing the kingdom come.
could be here with us. It felt unreal tonight. Young people are coming
alive in so many different ways. We’re truly seeing the kingdom come.
