Dessert Derby Helps Students Like Candice

Candice attended Winter Retreat this past year like many of our students.  She didn't expect how God would begin to work in her life over the course of the weekend the way that He did.  Here is her story:  

I basically went into the weekend not realizing what an emotional experience it was going to be. But I left Green Lake with a whole new purpose for God. Feeling His presence was life changing. During pod discussions a few people shared some pretty personal stories. I decided it was the right time to let out my story too. I’ve basically been diagnosed with anxiety, which causes me to get nervous and anxious easily. It isn’t something that takes over everyone’s life, but at the moment it is in control of mine. I explained my situation to my group, and basically broke down crying. It was hard to explain but it felt really good to let it out. That is when I felt God’s presence. It was so powerful, so meaningful. The whole time all this was happening, my mind was saying, “It’s okay, God’s here.” God started painting my picture right there and then. I felt like I was dreaming. I guess I was literally “Dreaming Awake”. It seemed as if my relationship with God struck a whole new level. I felt so close to Him. I realized that He is the one that I can trust. He knows who I am, where I have been and who I will be. I know that some friends will let me down, but God never does. He’s always there. I’ll never be able to explain how I felt all weekend, but I know I made lots of memories with God and friends. I can honestly say that I can’t put this experience into words. I’ll never forget Middle School Winter Retreat 2013!