SYMC Tidbits: Day 3

• A good breakfast really boost the energy.
• A word from God for me in the Morning Session: "Humble yourself, and I will lift you up."
• Duffy Robbins Communication Workshop was such a good refresher. Very practical in both preparation and delivery.
• Sat in on a Q&A with the Penners, Muellers, and Rich Van Pelt on parenting. Greatly appreciated their vulnerability, insight and sage advice.
  
• Got to have a short, but very valuable conversation with Rich Van Pelt on adoption.
• Evening session with the Skit Guys... only confirmed my theory mentioned in Day 1 tidbits.
• Chris picked up some great resources and websites at the tech Q&A.
• I saw DC Talk in concert several times during the 90s. Watching Toby Mac in concert was a a trip. He still has it... and by "it" I mean a heart for ministry and an awesome stage presence.
• All four of us Watched a 30 minute documentary on sex-trafficking called "BahT". Although we've all been researching and learning about this human rights crisis, it challenged us big time. The discussion following was both visionary and introspective.
• I fell asleep at about 1:30 a.m. One of the biggest highlights has been meal time and night time conversations with the guys.
• My heart is with those flying solo in youth ministry. I'm ridiculously blessed to do this with a team, and a freakishly awesome team at that.
  

SYMC Tidbits: Day 2

• I am a part of a surprising legacy.
• There are several people who to receive a letter of deep gratitude from me.
• When communicating to teens, it's important to remember that confession may be misinterpreted as permission.
• P.F. Changs is some top notch Chinese.
• I gained some great insights as well as was refreshed on how to best communicate to teens.
• DC Curry keeps dropping my name letting everyone know we've got a killer internship program. Really humbling. God has definitely blessed, but I'm also realizing we have much to need.
• That word, networking, keeps messing with me.
• Tim Timmons is a fantastic worship leader/teacher.
• SYM Podcast was fun. Chris's story was highlighted, which was really cool.
• I am very challenged, encouraged, refreshed, but honestly, kind of tired.

SYMC Day 1 Tidbits

• It's more like a Family Reunion.
• Laughter is good for the soul.
• Youthworkers are some of the most creative and witty people out there.
• Passion is Irrational, Excessive, and Costly (Phil. 2) - Duffy Robbins.
• Networking is so valuable to youth leaders. As a guy on a team, I have this in my own church when it comes to youth ministries, but what is my responsiblity to those who don't have this?
• I love the team I work with.
• Conference hotels are always dry and give you chapped lips.
• I think the Skit Guys could be great to bring in as the "speakers" for a conference or event.

Among Family

One thing I'm already loving about SYMC 2010 is the statement that was placed in our booklets we received...
"it's less of a conference and more of a family reunion."

I feel it.

I walked by the To Save a Life Movie table and saw a gal with a nametag I noticed...

"Kaitlyn, I'm Derry from Nappanee Missionary Church."
"Oh, hey Derry. So cool to finally see you face to face. How's everything going with you guys."
"Really great."
Conversation continues... Kaitlyn helped us bring the movie into our church for a screening for leaders.

I walk a little further down the hall and see Walt Mueller, and Walt recognizes me.
"Hey Walt. Derry from NMC."
"Ya, Derry this is my wife and son." (to his wife) "This is Derry from Nappanee where I went last March. Hey any of the other guys here?"
"Ya, Jason, Chris, Geoff..." conversation continues.
Pretty cool that Walt would remember a guy he met for one day one year ago.

At lunch, I met three different guys...
One from Franklin, Indiana who has been in Youth Ministry for 25 years.
One from Western Kentucky who took Amtrak to get here.
One from Rockford who was able to bring 6 of his volunteers with him.
We talked about a lot more than just that, but the cool part was that it didn't take long to feel comfortable just connecting.

It's very cool to be among family.

Simply Youth Ministry Conference

I'm currently in Chicago with several members of the NMC Student Ministries team taking part in the Group/Simply Youth Ministry Conference. Over the next few days, I'll be posting (and tweeting) some of my impressions, insights, and lessons learned while here. I've been able to take a little time this afternoon and simply get alone with God. During this time, I've found myself praying that I would be open to new adventures and insights as well as allow God to re-teach me lessons and insights forgotten. Looking forward to an awesome time with God, my teammates, and 2999 other youthworkers!