Our
Generation LINK staff embarked on the annual GLINK retreat with the purposes of
encouraging one another in truth, building on the relationships that have been
growing since August or before, and dreaming and preparing for the future of
GLINK whether in Clemson or in other locations! What a blessing it was to take
a few days in the middle of December to encourage one another in Gatlinburg,
TN.
As
a first year GLINKer, I had no idea what to expect. I anticipated long days filled with
activities and meetings and I was slow to believe the veterans when they spoke
of merely enjoying togetherness and sharing our hearts with one another. Needless to say, I quickly fell into step
with the other GLINKers as we embraced this four day relaxation process. This entailed copious amounts of snacks,
beautiful scenery, a cabin with games galore, and the people that we serve with
day-in and day-out.
What
I didn’t realize was just how precious and valuable these friendships had
become. In the hustle and bustle of
everyday office life, I fail to sit and reflect on just how beautiful these
relationships are. It is so easy to
speak merely about tasks, rather than to ask deeper questions and learn about
someone’s joys and struggles in ministry.
Romans
15:14-21 set the pace for our retreat, reminding us that God is accomplishing
His mission to bring His people to Himself and receive all of the glory in the
process. He is revealing His mission to
His people by His grace and in the power of His Spirit!
“For I will not venture to speak of anything
except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to
obedience—by word and deed,” Romans
15:18
We
met twice a day each day for a couple of hours to hear from each staff member,
allotting them the time they needed to give updates on their personal life and
their ministry. This was such a sweet
time of listening, praise, and prayer! We
were challenged to bear one another’s burdens as well as rejoice in the blessings
of one another’s lives. After each
person was able to express what the Lord laid on their heart, the floor was
open for the encouragement from brothers and sisters. It was a beautiful time for people to speak
into one another’s lives and attest to the work being done! What a joy to live out Romans 15:18, to speak
of Christ and His accomplishments, to rejoice in His work through each of our
lives this fall, and to spur one another on in a lifestyle marked by grace.
This
opportunity was rare and rich. It
allowed each of us to stop and consider one another and to enjoy and cherish
the people which with we work so closely.
It fostered prayer and community with the intent of refreshed hearts and
revitalized ambitions as we resume life.
Summarizing
my feelings from this trip is very difficult.
I came away rejoicing for my co-laborers and recognizing what Godly,
special people I brush shoulders with every day! I look at my brothers and delight in their
humor and tenderness for one another and the Gospel. I respect our leadership and their care as
they planned a week with the intent of loving us well. Whether our staff are in India, leaving for
India, or returning to Clemson, I can confidently say that Romans 15:20 rings
loudly in each of our minds:
“and
thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel…”
Let
this be our ambition, our passion and our love, to preach the Gospel and to
love the people that the Lord has entrusted to us for His glory.
Written By: Sammi Fife
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