Repentance & Forgiveness

"It’s been bugging me for the entire year. Would you please forgive me? I was way out of line.”  That comment came from a local high school principal during the wrap up portion of one of our Point Break anti-bullying programs.  Toward the end of the day, we encourage the students and teachers attending to share something they learned during the day, perhaps to seek someone out to ask for forgiveness or just to share a hug.  The principal stood up after a few of the kids had shared.

He spoke to one of the teachers directly and told her that a year ago, they had a conversation in the hallway at school and he responded to her abruptly and in an unkind fashion.  He admitted that his actions and harsh words had stuck with him for the whole school year – and he knew he needed to do something.  He asked the teacher to forgive him for what he said and how he treated her that day.  Then he sat down. The room was silent.

Admitting we’re wrong is not easy.  Recognizing that we’ve done something we regret and need to seek forgiveness can be risky.  Repenting of something in front of a large group of your high school students takes a lot of guts – but he did it.  And the example that principal set for his students and for his staff I’m sure carried on in countless ways into the future.

We’ve seen this in kids, too.  Just recently, City Life’s Cherie Vedder took a group of nine girls aged 10-12 out on a weekend camping expedition.  They slept in tents. They cooked over a fire and small grill. They hiked and explored nature.  One night, Cherie challenged them to write down their bad experiences and choices in life and place them in a box.  As Cherie talked about what it meant to have a relationship with Jesus, the girls started confessing their sins, seeking God’s forgiveness.  Several of them surrendered their lives to Christ that night.  They knew they needed to bring their sin before God and receive His love and forgiveness.  What a blessing to witness the Spirit moving in young lives!

As we rejoice with every story of a changed life, would you also join us in praying for our Edge Climbing Gym staff as they lead a climbing trip to Rumney, NH next week. Pray for open Christ-centered conversations with the kids who go. Also, pray for the two climbing camps coming up August. Lastly, pray for our Schenectady City Life team as they are in the midst of major renovations at the City Life Center on Ontario Street.  Pray for wisdom with contractors and for the timing of the repairs. We would love to see them finished before the start of the school year.

Thank you for praying for us. Thank you for giving generously.  We truly value your partnership with us in reaching lost kids!