I left Chicago on Friday morning not really knowing where I was headed. I mean, I knew my itinerary was taking me to Jacksonville, FL, but from there I really had no idea where I would be staying for a couple of nights as I spoke to a gathering of Methodist church youth groups from northern FL and southern GA.

I was greeted at the JAX airport by beautiful weather — 65 degrees and very sunny. A far cry from the weather I left that morning in Chicago — 30 something and dark (4am)!

I was overjoyed when we arrived at Epworth By The Sea, a large Methodist retreat center on Saint Simons Island in GA. Epworth has a great deal of history as it claims to be the place where John Wesley began his ministry here back in the day. It is aptly named Epworth as Epworth, England is the “home of the Wesley’s.” Epworth By The Sea is located on the banks of the beautiful Frederica River.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time. The retreat was very creative and had what felt like the right mix of schedule and space. The students were very engaged and I had some really deep, meaningful conversations about God’s story, the mission of God and our role as agents of restoration.

The retreat obviously had been lead well… it was clearly organized with the students in mind and a commitment to their spiritual formation. Below is a pic of myself the youth workers (Bryan, Shannon and George — L to R) who led the event. Great job guys! I am looking forward to seeing you in ATL later on this week at the NYWC.

It is getting harder and harder to be away from my family but I must say that these speaking “gigs” at retreats with students and youth workers over the year or so has been very fruitful and it truly a blessing and privilege.