Fuel is 1. (n) something consumed to produce energy or power; 2. (v) to intensify a strong feeling. FUEL Conference was just that "something." On October 19-21, 2007, over 90 college and career-aged young men and women gathered at the Trinity Pines Conference Center in Trinity, Texas for FUEL, the 2nd Annual College and Career Conference. Located on beautiful Lake Livingston, TPCC offered both hotel and dorm style rooms, loads of conference space, and acres upon acres of activities that included putt-putt golf, zip lines, football, canoeing, fishing, and more. Right to the Good StuffThe conference began on Friday night with a time for registration and getting settled into the lodging areas. A few hours later the much-needed, age-focused ministry began. Ps150, a praise band located primarily out of Truth Tabernacle in Denison, Texas, kicked off the first General Session with anointed worship and singing, which was followed quickly by the ministry of God's Word. Bro. Carl McLaughlin, pastor of First United Pentecostal Church in Euless, Texas, took his text from Proverbs 22:1 ("A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches and loving favour rather than silver and gold.") and Ecclesiastes 7:1 ("A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth"). Then, he ministered to us on the subject: "Credibility: An Ingredient of A Revival Church." Bro. McLaughlin stressed the importance of being "whole" as a college/career individual. He taught us that if we are not enough by ourselves, we can never be enough with someone else. He also spoke directly to those who are used in ministry, saying that if we cannot handle the load we bear each day as individuals then we would not be strong enough to bear the responsibility of ministry. He concluded by challenging us to allow the Lord to "make us whole." The altar area filled with almost every person in the room seeking such. What a way to start the weekend! Pizza and snacks were served following the service, and everyone made new friends and acquaintances during a "Murder Mystery" game. Who knew the likes of Marilyn Monroe and John Wayne would be joining our retreat? Super SaturdaySaturday morning saw a beautiful day dawn with breakfast, zip lines, and free time for the activities. After lunch we convened again for the second general session, where, once again Ps150 helped usher in a sweet presence of God with music and singing. Texas District College and Career Director Hiro Nishi of New Life Tabernacle in Beaumont, Texas, shared, "How Long Are You Going to Walk in High Heels?" which was taken from Genesis 37:19-20 ("And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh. Come, not therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams.") Physically, walking a few inches off the ground in high heel shoes throws off the balance of the entire body and, over time, causes permanent damage. Spiritually, a few inches of compromise can destroy our relationship with God. Nishi used Joseph's brothers and the Priest Eli's sons as examples of those who were raised and established in the house of God, used in the ministry, but gave way to a few inches of compromise and lost their place in the will of God. Nishi emphasized our need for a firm, grounded, and solid relationship with God. The message was one which will remain relevant for the remainder of the lives of those present.Balanced PanelsFollowing service the 94 attendees of FUEL were split into distinct College and Career groups for Panel Discussions. The theme of the discussions centered on "Balance." The Career Panel covered topics relating to balancing time between work and ministry. Answers and solutions to questions such as "What do you do when a supervisor asks you to present a product in a misleading way?" and "What do you do when work causes you to miss church?" were discussed in depth. A few of the answers focused on prioritization, one-on-one devotion with Jesus, maintaining integrity, and knowing when to say "no." In the College Panel discussion, the questions related to balancing church among school and other activities. Additional topics covered were, "Is it better to marry before or after college?" and "How do I choose my major?" and "How do I witness on campus?" The one-on-one interaction and participation in these discussions helped give clarity to critical issues that participants face every day.Final FUELAfter dinner and a period of relaxation, we gathered once more for General Session 3. The Holy Ghost came into that service in a mighty way as Ps150 helped us make Jesus welcome in that conference room. Bro. McLaughlin preached "Trust in the Hidden Wisdom of God," using I Corinthians 2:7 ("But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:") as the origin of Saturday night's subject. We learned that God has a plan for our lives which was ordained even before creation, but sometimes He hides it in a mystery. Bro. McLaughlin dumped a puzzle onto the ground and asked us how we would start to put it together. The answer was obvious—start with the edges. In the same way, God puts our lives together beginning with the boundaries just as the worlds He created were framed by the Word of God. He emphasized that God has a plan for our lives; we just have to trust His hidden wisdom to help us fit all the puzzle pieces together. What preaching we heard! And, oh, how the Spirit of Almighty God moved our hearts! FUEL accomplished its purpose—it gave us something to consume to produce the Power of God in our lives. We concluded our time together with a bonfire and marshmallow roast, and many fond farewells. I am confident that the spiritual strength and precious friendships made that weekend will help establish FUEL as the premier College and Career retreat for our movement. I would encourage anyone unmarried between the ages of 18-29 to attend FUEL next year. I promise you will not be sorry if you go. FUEL will change your life!
