MQ: SYS 2008 student reflections
Coming home was really interesting for me, because the very next morning I went on a school field trip. We had to use tons of leadership skills. It was so interesting to see the skills I was trying to apply in contrast to the way others in our class led…or didn’t lead. Many of the people in our class seem to think that leadership is about being in charge, having power, dominating…so that experience really just showed me what I learned at MQ both times. I think I learned a lot about being a leader AMONG the people I’m leading, not above them.
– Abi, KS
I discovered more about my spiritual gifts at SYS than I ever have before. The gifts inventory didn’t surprise me in any way; but just the focus we put on them was really great. Usually when I take an inventory people just hand me a list and say "Okay, here’s your gifts…hope you know what to do with them". At SYS it was important to know and develop those gifts.
I really felt a call to start a Bible study at my church while I was at SYS. I’m not sure of the details but it’s one think I feel I need in my life and I feel I can bring to other people. It’s been in the back of my head for a while but the night we told each other our spiritual gifts, a lot of people said they could see me leading a Bible study (when I heard that I kind of went – "Oh, hey God"). I’m excited to see where God will take me.
– Allison, CA
You were right…I’m really not the same person I was at the beginning of Ministry Quest! God has changed my heart so much as He’s shown me how all the passions and gifts He’s given me are all part of His plan for me. He’s brought things into focus for me. He’s drawn me closer to His heart. He’s given me a new love for the people around me. He’s made me excited about life! I can’t thank you enough for pouring yourself into Ministry Quest! It’s made such a difference in my life, and I’m totally excited to see where God is going to take me next!
– Clarissa, SD
Just looking around all the sessions we had and all the people there I really began to see the uniqueness of our groups and the many different aspects and gifts that all of us brought to the table. What is so important to take away from that is the fact that in a team setting it’s really important to have a core group of a variety of people and gifts and abilities. It was so uplifting to have such a diverse group of people as we worshiped and learned about leadership together.
My heart and my understanding of God has changed in that God has really given me a desire for Mongolia. I’ve really felt a tug on my heart towards that particular country and I’m not sure where that’s going to take me. Along with that I’ve learned that God definitely speaks in his own time. He never told me, “you will be a missionary to Mongolia.” He just planted that country within me and gave me a desire to learn about it more and more. In a way it’s really frustrating because I want to know what God has for me, but I also think that God will reveal to me what his plans are in his own time. It’s really cool thought that Sam also talked about Mongolia in his session. It was an affirmation from God.
– Joel, SK
It is encouraging and inspiring to see God working in other kids just like me. God is not dead, and he has not stopped working, even when things are hectic in this world. This next generation has what it takes, as every generation before it has, to bring light to the world and open the eyes of those who don’t know the life-changing and soul-saving news of Jesus Christ. I get excited thinking about what just our small group of thirty-three can accomplish if we keep God at the center, let him lead us and guide us, so that we may change the world and run the race he has set out for us.
– Sarah, MB
New insights: the whole idea about using your strengths and not focusing so much on your weaknesses. I guess I’d never really thought about being willing to turn down opportunities if it’s not in my ability to really handle them. I always feel really pressured, because I don’t want to miss anything or miss blessing someone. I think that’s good to be aware of.
– Julia, KS
I learned that two 98 pound women can lift me over a 14foot wall!
I found MQ to be stretching and challenging, both of which are amazing gifts to me. I was made to rely on others, to trust them, and care for them. I was also made to look at myself good and hard, and listen to other people talk about me. I was forced to realize a number of problems in my own life that need dealing with. Lastly I learned surprising details about my own life that both inspire and force thought in me as to God’s will.
– Thomas, SK
