My 1st MYC
Welcome Back to Uni for a brand new Semester. This week the page reviews MYC from the perspective of a student who had never attended before. Here is a glimpse into the week that was.
Tuesday 11th - Early Awakening
Alarm went off at 6:30am. My first thought was “It’s way too early to be awake… and in the holidays too”!! But I rolled out of bed quickly because I was excited about going to Mid Year Conference (MYC). I also knew that I needed to get moving because I hadn’t finished packing. I had to make sure that I didn’t spend a week without a toothbrush (or some other vital item!)
Arriving at MYC at about 9:50am, my driving buddy and I were slightly confused as to which way to head! However, we were soon able to identify people from Wollongong, they were the people kicking the soccer ball around and playing Giant Jenga!
Before long we started the activities for the day and I realised that MYC really was pretty intense! I was surprised to learn that Phillip Jensen (PJ) could potentially speak for at least an hour and a half that evening. I didn’t know if I could focus for that long! While he did speak for a while, he was engaging, clear and presented an edifying message about God’s sovereignty and our responsibilities.
Soon after the night session – I collapsed into my warm bed, feeling absolutely exhausted but enthusiastic about the next day!
Wednesday 12th – Cards, Spoons and Lollies
Spent the morning out in the sunshine chewing over the book of 2 Timothy with my bible study group. I really enjoyed having an hour and a half devoted to small group discussion over the meaning of each verse and the way in which we can apply it to our lives. Personal reflection afterwards was also a really helpful time that gave me an opportunity to mull over the things I had learned.
After enjoying chocolate cake with coloured sprinkles, we moved into seminar time. My seminar group must have broken an MYC record by demolishing a packet of lollies within the first few moments of the seminar commencing! But we needed them for brain food as we read and tried to comprehend 95 in about 30 minutes!
Free time was spent playing any number of sport and/or card games! I was involved in a dangerous game of spoons that disintegrated into a bit of a musical session with different people banging their spoons on the table in different patterns to make a very interesting sound!
That night, PJ again proclaimed God’s word as he led us through creation and the entrance of sin into the world and the ongoing impact that this has on us today.
Thursday 13th – The Word of God is not bound!
Shared a filling breakfast with new friends and then moved into small group bible study. I realised that everyone was feeling a bit tired there was a disturbing number of puns. eg after reading “the word of God is not bound!” one friend laughed and said “Yes it is – it’s a hardcover book!”
Joined in a game of ultimate frisbee in free time. Was having a heap of fun despite the fact that my team was losing quite badly - until I had to leave the field in a hurry after twisting my ankle! This made it rather difficult for me to get around easily for the rest of conference, but I was very encouraged by the love shown to me by many people! People brought me some of my things, drinks, food, ice and chocolate (an essential when you’re injured!), strapped my foot, volunteered to do my orderlies, carried me up to the prayer tower, took me to the doctor’s and walked slowly with me so that I didn’t feel like a loser! It is an awesome encouragement to belong to the body of Christ!
Friday 14th – Flanno Friday!
Headed down to breakfast Friday morning dressed in the stylish flanno that I had borrowed especially for the occasion. Of course, we were the envy of all the other campuses! Some people I met from Cumberland told me that they didn’t have flanno’s but that they had lots of lab coats and were planning that they would wear them next year. So be looking out for the Cumberland people on Lab Coat Friday at MYC 2007!
Friday’s schedule was very similar to the two previous days but we spent some time in the afternoon in planning activities for our campus! We learnt a bit more about the upcoming dialogue meeting with the Islamic group in week 4 and spent time in prayer for people at our university. I was reminded of the great opportunity and responsibility that we have to share the knowledge of Christ that we have with others because he came into the world to save sinners (1 Tim 1:15).
PJ’s talk illustrated the work of the Holy Spirit and the Christian in spreading the word of God. He also encouraged everyone to find J.O.Y. in Jesus, Others and themselves (Actually it was Yourself! Because that fits into the acronym!).
Saturday 15th – All Over Red Rover!
At breakfast on Saturday, I was serenaded by two boys working out how to sing the hymn “Be Thou My Vision” in harmony! One of these boys was eating his cereal with milk and jam in it at the same time! It was very interesting!
During the last day we read the Bible and reflected, listened to the final talk and participated in the final seminar. As we thought back over the week, I realised that I had been blessed with many things including new friendships and a deeper understanding of the way in which God reveals himself to us.
[Michelle Graham]
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