http://www.summit.org/blogs/conferences/student/tennessee/ Student Conference - Tennessee en Copyright 2008 Wed, 23 Jul 2008 21:44:22 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss This is my second time attending the Summit. I truly believe this camp is essential for all youth and people of college age. Arriving here a day early was pretty fun. I got to chill with all the staff and see them off the "clock." The staff here are truly amazing. Watching how they act and treat me is inspiring. The staff goes through weeks of Bible study before they even come to the training. Their main goal is to set an amazing example for us. 12:00! Sunday! Registration day! Getting our keys and papers etc... was as easy as could be as I enjoyed watching the energy and very visible cheer and happiness just to be here and welcome the new people. Getting moved into the rooms brought back a lot of memories... due to the fact that all the dorms look exactly the same as last year! But it was amazing to be back on the Bryan campus. Standing in the line on the way to dinner I was a little scared (the food wasn't too good last year.) But to my surprise it wasn't too bad! Oh just to be at a table full of people you do not know is why Summit rocks! We are all here for a common reason. After dinner we all head to our first session, the welcome/introduction/orientation session. Josh Bales was here was again to lead us in worship. At the end Ben Williams introduced David and Allison (the Assistant Directors) who in turn introduced the rest of the staff. They also told us what small groups we are in. my small group leader is David Parker and a bunch of really cook guys are in my group. Not even a few minutes after the first small group meeting a volleyball game broke out! The most important thing about that is the fellowship that all the students share and experience. Through all the sports and meals and free time and other activities we spend a lot of time together and build relationships and friendships. I love this camp and will be back again next year and hopefully work with and for Summit for years to come. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I think I speak for a very large community of students when I say that John Stonestreet is an irreplaceable teacher at Summit. His speaking style is passionate, engaging and winsome. His large amount of knowledge and his obvious desire to tell others about the urgent situation in our world is inspiring to me. While some may find him to be slightly straightforward in some respects (as he readily admits), I think this is one of the things that allows him to communicate the truth in the way that it often needs to be communicated. Additionally, it's obvious that Mr. Stonestreet truly has a heart for our today's youth--his own two daughters definitely included. To me, this is demonstrated not only by the tremendous respect he shows for others who may disagree or question what he teaches, but by his cultural savvy. By this, I mean that he studies what today's teenagers and college students are plugged into. Name just about any song, movie or piece of art. John Stonestreet knows about it, and knows how to use it to communicate his ideas effectively. I suppose I find this impressive because many adult teachers--while they are speaking the truth--sometimes lack the tact to validate where today's generation is coming from. Unfortunately, I can't say that these thoughts quite justify how much I respect and am impressed with Mr. Stonestreet. If you haven't met or at least heard of Stonestreet, then hopefully, by reading this, you're getting something of an idea of how great a role-model and person he really is. http://www.summit.org/blogs/conferences/student/tennessee/2008/07/session_two_day_two.php http://www.summit.org/blogs/conferences/student/tennessee/2008/07/session_two_day_two.php Wed, 23 Jul 2008 21:44:22 -0500 This is my second time attending the Summit. I truly believe this camp is essential for all youth and people of college age. Arriving here a day early was pretty fun. I got to chill with all the staff and see them off the "clock." The staff here are truly amazing. Watching how they act and treat me is inspiring. The staff goes through weeks of Bible study before they even come to the training. Their main goal is to set an amazing example for us. 12:00! Sunday! Registration day! Getting our keys and papers etc... was as easy as could be as I enjoyed watching the energy and very visible cheer and happiness just to be here and welcome the new people. Getting moved into the rooms brought back a lot of memories... due to the fact that all the dorms look exactly the same as last year! But it was amazing to be back on the Bryan campus. Standing in the line on the way to dinner I was a little scared (the food wasn't too good last year.) But to my surprise it wasn't too bad! Oh just to be at a table full of people you do not know is why Summit rocks! We are all here for a common reason. After dinner we all head to our first session, the welcome/introduction/orientation session. Josh Bales was here was again to lead us in worship. At the end Ben Williams introduced David and Allison (the Assistant Directors) who in turn introduced the rest of the staff. They also told us what small groups we are in. my small group leader is David Parker and a bunch of really cook guys are in my group. Not even a few minutes after the first small group meeting a volleyball game broke out! The most important thing about that is the fellowship that all the students share and experience. Through all the sports and meals and free time and other activities we spend a lot of time together and build relationships and friendships. I love this camp and will be back again next year and hopefully work with and for Summit for years to come. http://www.summit.org/blogs/conferences/student/tennessee/2008/07/session_two_day_one.php http://www.summit.org/blogs/conferences/student/tennessee/2008/07/session_two_day_one.php Wed, 23 Jul 2008 21:23:28 -0500 As Summit is ending, I look back at the past two weeks and am overwhelmed by all the information I have received. These two weeks have been two of the most uplifting weeks I have ever experienced. They have been exciting, educational, and spiritual. I am walking away from Summit with knowledge of the major worldviews and I now know how to defend my faith against them. Not just using the Bible, but also scientifically and with everyday knowledge. Because of Summit I know feel ready to discuss other people's worldviews as compared to my own. I am no longer frightened about talking to people about their worldviews. Summit has given me the knowledge and resources for me to go out and impact the culture for Christ. Every moment spent in the classroom was well worth it. Every speaker was incredible. We were truly blessed to be able to sit under such Godly men and women. Summit has impacted my life in so many ways. I will always remember this experience as life changing. http://www.summit.org/blogs/conferences/student/tennessee/2008/07/session_one_last_day.php http://www.summit.org/blogs/conferences/student/tennessee/2008/07/session_one_last_day.php Sun, 20 Jul 2008 11:03:25 -0500 First of all, I greatly enjoyed Mrs. Brezina's lectures, especially her analogy of a tree for a person's views. The roots symbolize a person's worldview; the trunk is one's values, and lastly the leaves represent our actions. Also her clear evaluation of our Founding Father's statements to show there obvious belief in God and Divine Providence was most insightful. Our next speaker was Dr. Beisner who, through his use of numerous statistics and other compelling scientific facts proceeded to shed light on many of the misrepresentations and outright lies being propagated by the environmentalist crowd. In addition to all that he taught us how small of an effect mankind can make on our world for good or for ill. After these sessions we all separated into our chosen majors. Mine was economics with Dr. Charles Van Eaton. We resumed our discussion on taxes and how they affect the economy. And he described the difference between tax rates and tax revenues. In our last session, which was quite possibly my favorite, Dr. White discussed Darwin, Freud and Marx. He illustrated how they had all been discredited on several counts and yet are still held as visionaries among the intelligentsia. Well I hope I have shown you a snapshot of the brilliant truths and insights that we at Summit et to soak up each day. http://www.summit.org/blogs/conferences/student/tennessee/2008/07/session_one_day_eleven.php http://www.summit.org/blogs/conferences/student/tennessee/2008/07/session_one_day_eleven.php Sun, 20 Jul 2008 11:02:01 -0500 Well, I woke up this morning around 6:30 a.m. and started preparing for my day. After picking up my room for inspections, I went and played piano around 6:45 a.m. in Brock Hall. Breakfast was spent with friends. We had great conversations about our favorite speakers and the "white water rafting" trip we had been on the day before. After breakfast I went up to the Lion's Den and watched fellow classmates play pool. Our first class this morning was by Dr. Jones where he taught about having a biblical view of literature. Dr. Jones then taught us on the theory of Deconstruction. After a short break we returned to the classroom where Dr. Cleveland taught a class on economics which was surprisingly interesting even for me who has absolutely no interest in economics. Following that class Dr. Cleveland then taught a class on communism and capitalism. After lunch we returned to the classroom again but it was now time for our majors where we got to pick which classes we wanted to attend. We could choose from a wide variety of classes and I had a little trouble choosing which class I wanted to attend but in the end I went to the class on literature. I found the literature class very interesting and our teacher Mrs. Impson read us a paper on the role that literature has played in her life and the reasons behind why she became a teacher and writer. We then had free time, which was spent playing pool, talking with friends, reading and even taking a nap. I really enjoy the worship time with Josh Bales and it has been such a long time since I have experienced such open and sincere worship. After worship we had a class by Debbie Brazina on feminism, in which she taught us how America has been moving towards a feminist society. After class we had a small group where we could talk about the things we had learned during the day. At the end of the day I have nothing but good things to say about Summit. I would recommend it to any teenager, whether they are rooted in their faith or stumbling in it. I have learned more about my faith and other faiths in this last week than I have learned in my entire life. Summit has been an all around good idea. http://www.summit.org/blogs/conferences/student/tennessee/2008/07/session_one_day_nine.php http://www.summit.org/blogs/conferences/student/tennessee/2008/07/session_one_day_nine.php Wed, 16 Jul 2008 11:07:21 -0500 Today started rough. I woke to what, at first, I thought to be the smell of eggs and bacon, but was disappointed when it turned out to be the repulsive smell of feet permeating my every corner of my room. I opened one eye to look at my digital clock. It read 8:09 AM. I sighed, not yet realizing my first lecture started at 8:15. My stomach grumbled as I pondered munching on a few cheez-its before preparing to leave. I then realized my predicament. I have always dreamed of flying. I believe I may have reached my goal this morning. My covers exploded as I soared from my bed. After struggling to put in my contacts, I threw on a shirt, grabbed my bible and hit the hallway at a sprint. I decided to take a shortcut to the lecture hall. Frazzled as I was, I forgot to factor my speed to grass friction ratio. I slid/tumbled down the grassy knoll, collecting my own share of morning dew on my pants. I regained my footing at the base of the hill and continued on to chapel. I made it with a few seconds to spare. After brushing off my hands and sitting down, I grabbed my notebook and gave my attention to the speaker. I spent the next several hours with my stomach growling and smelling like a garden gnome. My only comfort was a small bag of teddy grahams I managed to eat when the speaker's back was turned. After the lectures were complete, I returned to my room and cleaned off. I put on caving attire and otherwise prepared to climb into a muddy hole with the stalwart counselor Evan heading the way. Caving was great! There's nothing like crawling through small, dark places listening to someone make Velociraptor sounds. My experience at Summit has been really fantastic. I feel as if I never knew what I needed to know to provide a consistent argument for Christ's supreme authority and a stable Christian worldview. http://www.summit.org/blogs/conferences/student/tennessee/2008/07/session_one_day_seven.php http://www.summit.org/blogs/conferences/student/tennessee/2008/07/session_one_day_seven.php Mon, 14 Jul 2008 09:46:49 -0500 What are the differences between the four gospels? How has religious pluralism affected the US public education system? How have law and government changed since the days of the founding fathers? What is truth? How much faith does it take to be an atheist? And the most mind-boggling of them all: are hamburgers alright to eat, even after flies have been all over it? All these questions and more were answered today, Day six, at Summit. Dr. Gary Phillips, Dr. Terry Moffit, Dr. Paul Boling, and Dr. Norman Geisler were our speakers today. These lectures answered all the questions above except for the final one. To find the answer to that question we had to travel to Fort Bluff. At the nearby camp ground of Fort Bluff, Summit Students played paintball, volleyball, soccer, put-put, Frisbee, and basketball. Bryan College's amazing chefs came along and produced an amazing meal! This meal consisted of hamburgers, hotdogs, baked beans, chips and cookies! As we sat down we quickly found out we were not alone. Thousands of flies wanted to partake of the same meal we planned to eat. Even with the flies on the food, it was still safe to eat and delicious. After finishing our meal and fighting off the flies we boarded the bus to return to campus. Dr. Geilser concluded our exciting day with an excellent lecture. We are all thankful for another intriguing day in Tennessee. Thank you for your prayers. Please continue praying that we would obtain knowledge that would stay with us for a lifetime. Also pray that God will use each one of us for His glory to change the world. We are praising God that every day at the Summit has been an amazing experience! http://www.summit.org/blogs/conferences/student/tennessee/2008/07/session_one_day_six.php http://www.summit.org/blogs/conferences/student/tennessee/2008/07/session_one_day_six.php Mon, 14 Jul 2008 09:46:06 -0500 Despite our current level of exhaustion and the fact that our brains are now teeming with new information, Day Five turned out to be a thoroughly enjoyable learning experience. It began with Dr. Phillips' excellent review of how our Holy Bible came into being, which was followed by Mr. John Stonestreet's mind-blowing introduction to Satan's current attacks on marriage and the family. We all knew that these God- ordained institutions were under heavy fire, but the statistics given to us both shocked us and encouraged us to fight back against those who would see the demise of two of God's greatest gifts to mankind. I believe I can speak for all of us when I claim that I now feel better equipped to tackle these hugely controversial issues. No longer must I stand on the side-lines grimacing. Armed with this new found information, my fellow students and I can begin to take further steps to advance God's kingdom. http://www.summit.org/blogs/conferences/student/tennessee/2008/07/session_one_day_five.php http://www.summit.org/blogs/conferences/student/tennessee/2008/07/session_one_day_five.php Sat, 12 Jul 2008 11:00:46 -0500 Today Dr. Ellis spoke to us on Islam. His teachings on the historical background of Islam truly opened our eyes to the dangers of this oft misrepresented religion. Because of his wise words, we are able to see through the world's depiction of Islam and to knowledgably witness to Muslims. We also heard from Dr. Wise about Creation Science. This was a fascinating talk. He described the evidence for the creationist perspective but consistently brought us back to what truly should be at the foundation of our understanding of these issues: our faith in the Word of God. He concluded the evening with a personal and very emotional story of his relationship with his mentor, the famous evolutionist, Dr. Steven J. Gould. Gould was a dear friend and a personal mission field of Dr. Wise. He contracted cancer and was thought to be dying and Wise thought he might be near conversion when Gould received a letter from an angry Christian declaring that he prayed that Gould would get cancer and die! This totally closed whatever openings were developing to the gospel. Gould recovered but died unconverted. Wise's point was to tell us that "no human is your enemy." We can never let the arguments and the big name atheists destroy our Christian love and witness. Over all it was quite a day of learning for us all. http://www.summit.org/blogs/conferences/student/tennessee/2008/07/session_one_day_four.php http://www.summit.org/blogs/conferences/student/tennessee/2008/07/session_one_day_four.php Sat, 12 Jul 2008 10:33:37 -0500 I've been here at Summit for a day and a half. All the other students here are cool and fun to meet. The games that we have played, soccer and a game a lot like capture the flag are quite intense! There is a lot of sweating in the sweltering heat of Dayton, TN. But things are not just fun and games here at Summit. There are deeper things. There are lectures about certain issues like abortion. It completely blasted the arguments of those who are pro- abortion. It also showed, with science and logic, how abortion is indeed the killing of a human being and evil. Summit has just begun and already I've not only have had a good time, but have been inspired to take the Christians view on those issues. I am being trained to show with legitimate and strong arguments that Christianity is the one true worldview. I am being taught WHY I believe what I believe. ]]> http://www.summit.org/blogs/conferences/student/tennessee/2008/07/session_one_day_two.php http://www.summit.org/blogs/conferences/student/tennessee/2008/07/session_one_day_two.php Tue, 08 Jul 2008 23:39:54 -0500 Here we are in Tennessee for the beginning of Session One! As a first year staffer the experience of the Ohio session has been totally new and uniquely challenging. The students all arrived today (Sunday afternoon) and as they trickled in they were guided to their rooms and introduced to their hall mates. I was a student last year and can remember what an exciting experience that move-in day can be! Meeting these new people is exhilarating and a little daunting for both staff and students. But Summit is designed to break down those tricky awkward moments and build a small community of growing Christians. The students have entered a place where they will be challenged intellectually and stretched to think beyond their usual level. As developing Christian leaders, it is vital that they understand both what they and what others believe. Summit will prepare them for the difficulties that crowd around one who attempts to live in the world but not of the world. It is my prayer (and that of all of the staff) that the students will have the physical stamina to focus for these two intense weeks and that God will bless our efforts to show them so much more about their worlds. ~Blessings from Dayton~ http://www.summit.org/blogs/conferences/student/tennessee/2008/07/session_one_day_one.php http://www.summit.org/blogs/conferences/student/tennessee/2008/07/session_one_day_one.php Tue, 08 Jul 2008 23:25:50 -0500 As I began writing I wondered what exactly everyone back home would want to hear about. I came up with three things that would probably be on the list. 1. Have there been any injuries? That depends on the severity of the injury. There have been occasional headaches (probably from the amount of material, as well as lack of sleep) and upset stomachs, but nothing a little Tylenol won't cure. Sport injuries from Ultimate Frisbee and Adventure Ball remain minor. 2. Are you making new friends? That has been my favorite part of Summit so far. I've met people from all over the United States. I'm surrounded by people who are so different and yet we're the same, united in a common cause: Christ. I find it funny that no one sits at the same table everyday. At each meal you're surrounded by different people that you've just met or maybe you were standing in line with. As we meet new people there are less and less new faces and more and more new friends. Exciting! 3. Are you learning anything? We are gaining more information than we can possible comprehend. It's going to take weeks to process all of the content that's being thrown at us. Today we listened to Dr. Jeff Meyers teach about Communication Without Fear. In order to become effective ambassadors for Christ we must learn how to communicate effectively. Earlier today Mr. John Stonestreet spoke about Postmodernism and its effects on our society. The discussion of these issues will, no doubt, aid us as we step onto a college campus. There is a little bit of rain coming, so most of us will stay inside for reading or a nap before heading to dinner and then onto worship. Continue to pray for us that we will have teachable and moldable hearts. http://www.summit.org/blogs/conferences/student/tennessee/2007/07/session_x_day_xtitle_if_any.php http://www.summit.org/blogs/conferences/student/tennessee/2007/07/session_x_day_xtitle_if_any.php Thu, 26 Jul 2007 11:03:07 -0500 Sitting here in the cafeteria I begin reflecting upon the past two days. Already it has been an amazing experience, one to be filled with priceless memories. Sunday I believe was awkward for all of us, but looking around this Tuesday evening I see tables upon tables of new friends gathered about them. Anxious faces no longer among us, but instead they are replaced by smiles and laughter. It will never cease to amaze me how we as human beings, so different from one another, can come together in the blessing of friendship by just the small act of saying, "Hello" (or as we say in Texas, "Howdy"). I think back to today's sessions. Though it was a rather damp morning, the sessions were nothing less than they have been. We heard from Dr. Noebel about secular humanism. "Bad ideas have bad consequences; good ideas have good consequences." We had our first day of Biblical Foundations with Dr. Phillips, "The Bible is a pool in which a child may wade and an elephant may swim." We also heard Mr. Stonestreet speak who focused on transcendentalism and theism. All of the speakers and sessions were both inspiring and thought provoking. With our second day quickly coming to a close, I look forward to the following days with much excitement! Please keep us in you players; that we will be prepared for whatever God has for us in the coming days. Hope you enjoyed this …have a splendiferous week! http://www.summit.org/blogs/conferences/student/tennessee/2007/07/session_2_day_2.php http://www.summit.org/blogs/conferences/student/tennessee/2007/07/session_2_day_2.php Tue, 24 Jul 2007 23:42:30 -0500 It's hard to put into words the feelings that flash through one's mind when one of the most highly anticipated moments of summer is upon him. Weeks have gone by since I walked the stage at my high school graduation and prepared to step beyond the doors of the Easton Shore of Maryland. I know that each and every choice that I make will have a profound effect upon the man I am to become. Summit is one of those choices which I know is bound help me become the man of God that I so desire to be. Nevertheless, my task it seems is to draft a brief message that will encapsulate the first few days of Summit and provide an overview for all of you who did not have the privilege of attendance. Arrival on Sunday was a bit interesting. Due to my family's travel plans, we did not have the luxury of coming by at noon once registration had opened. Instead, I was dropped off by 10:30 that morning. This led to quite a lot of spare time to engage in one of my favorite activities: reading. Another guy named Peter was in similar circumstances, and I was able to talk with him while several others slowly filtered in, providing me with plenty of people with which to converse. That evening, orientation went well, preparing us for what will honestly be a demanding two weeks, but will, without a doubt, be worth the toil. Monday was the true start of the camp, started earlier than some would have liked with breakfast at 7:15. Breakfast was followed by the first true class, basically an introduction to camp and a challenge to make the most of the camp and to grow in wisdom. Worldview was thrown out as a key term for the next two weeks, being defined as the framework that every man uses to interpret the world around him. This in turn will influence his every decision, and thus having a well defined and consistent Christian worldview is crucial for us and necessary to live strongly for Christ. First up was a set of in–depth sessions dealing with just one key point in an authentic Christian worldview: the value and sanctity of human life, even before a person's birth. Scott Klusendorf of the life training institute was our distinguished speaker, and he provided a powerful argument in defense of the lives to the unborn. Following free time, which included an incredible game of adventure ball (basically a combination of various ball sports and capture the flag), the final session of the day was just as powerful, being on the subject of evangelism, presented by Mark Cahill. This man's passion for the Lord and love for his fellow man has given him a great burden to reach others, as well as courage to engage them in conversation on spiritual issues and topics of eternal value. Additionally, he shared the message that whenever we witness, no matter what outcome we have won. Whether we are accepted or merely plant a seed, and even in flat out rejection we have furthered the cause of Christ and have no reason to be ashamed. This being only the first day, and but eight of the numerous hours we will spend in class this week, I cannot wait to see how God will be working for the rest of the week. I really have a hard time thinking of any better way to start my final month before I enter through the doors of college to the world that awaits me. http://www.summit.org/blogs/conferences/student/tennessee/2007/07/session_2_day_1arrival_and_fir.php http://www.summit.org/blogs/conferences/student/tennessee/2007/07/session_2_day_1arrival_and_fir.php Tue, 24 Jul 2007 23:33:48 -0500 This morning tired Summit students trudged to the chapel for the first session. Worn out from over 40 hours worth of sessions, it was starting to become hard to pay attention. While finding seats and opening up notebooks, many of us dreamed of going back to bed. Then with one look at the schedule the students knew they better prepare themselves for a wake up call: Pastor J.R. Kerr. We knew from last night that J.R.'s energy was out of control, and there was no way this was going to be another sleepy session. His previous session was entitled "What is the Church?" and had put to question our different thoughts on how we view the church. We were encouraged to look at the church as something eternal, not just a building limited by time. Life is measured in quantities of time and time on earth is short because of death, but Jesus conquered death. We learned that in our time we must spread life to others by obeying the Great Commission, and that while we do this we must also have confidence in knowing that it's not about us—it's about God. Regardless of how we feel we've messed things up, the end is already written. This morning Pastor J.R. was still very enthusiastic. He demonstrated this by basically pushing passion and energy into the students. The first session was entitled "What to do with the rest of your life". The session took on a more personal feel as J.R. would call on students to share their thoughts, goals and callings. He explained how we should use our talents for God no matter what they were or how odd they might seem. His example was perfect as he told the story of one of his close friends; a male supermodel for Christ and about how we all have an identity in Christ. The next and last Kerr session of the morning was similar to the one directly before it. It was entitled, "Next Level Leadership". J.R. asked how many of us viewed ourselves as a leader, and, in my opinion, a surprisingly small amount of students raised their hands. He went on to explain that leadership ties directly to influence and God has given us as humans the power to influence each other in just about everything we do. Looking back on my own life I realize that what J.R. told us is so true, and now that I realize the effect my life can have on others I am motivated to model my own life after Jesus Christ. I am thankful for Pastor J.R. Kerr's influence in my life as leader. http://www.summit.org/blogs/conferences/student/tennessee/2007/07/session_1_day_9.php http://www.summit.org/blogs/conferences/student/tennessee/2007/07/session_1_day_9.php Wed, 18 Jul 2007 20:54:57 -0500