BLAST 2006 - Day 3

The Amistad home band (who I blogged about previously) were the band to get us on our feet and pumped up with morning inspiration. I really like these guys, because their energy and the Lord’s spirit really punched through and got everyone on their feet. One of the final songs was a hard rock number called “Defender” written by Blind Stevie, and it was a very power-packed and meaningful song.

The morning class was a famous one given by Phil Q (he’s given it at several retreats) called “Rich Man, Poor Man” and it covers topics that relate to the Endtime, big oil and capitalist society.

While the junior and senior teens were in the main auditorium, the staff were in a nearby meeting room to have our first staff-only class of the BLAST. It was given by Miguel and it was on the subject of Spiritual Power—a fascinating study of existing Word that focuses on all of the spiritual power that can be ours if we study and make ourselves masters in the art of using the new weapons. He touched on the point that all of the weapons are linked together, and how it’s important to be well-versed in each of them. It was only part one of the class, but it was very feeding and enjoyed by all.

The rest of the afternoon was spent in the usual: getout (a highlight) and preparations by each team for the upcoming talent night. Everyone's been scheming to make their talent performance excellent, and I'll live-blog that event tomorrow night. The one other event that everyone was looking forward to today was the evening graduation and prom. It’s a formal event and everyone’s planning and preparing to look their best.

It started off with Ginny from the FED board giving a speech about all that each of the graduates (there were thirteen) had gone through to get to graduation, the sacrifices, perseverance and just plain hard work. One thing I can say for the BLAST crowd of 2006: they love to clap. For everything! They clapped for Ginny, a lot. They clapped and screamed and cheered as each graduate was called to the podium to receive their class ring and prophecies, they clapped when a video tribute to all of our teachers was played on the projector… and they clapped when all of the YA and SGA staff who were there were asked to stand up, for all we’ve done to get through our educations and become the man or woman of God that He’s called us to be. It was a very fun, exciting and also moving event. When it was over the cake was brought out (I estimated it at 3 by 5 feet in size) snacks, drinks, then a dance. Truly a memorable event!

Click to see Graduation/prom photos.

Once our dear teens were safely tucked in, the staff met in a smaller hall for some refreshments and some hilarious games. It's been inspiring to fellowship with other like-minded and dedicated peers. Stay tuned for more news and pics, same time tomorrow. We love you all! It's a revolution... for JESUS!

Click to see general event photos from Day 3.

--Hobbyns