Each year, students from all three campuses unite under one roof for a discipleship weekend fondly known as WAKE. It is an opportunity for 6th through 12th grade students to grow in their intimacy with God and their relationships with each other.
If you drove past our University Campus on February 24th, you might have noticed an inflatable obstacle course, dunk tank, bubble soccer, and even a snowball truck. Our building was enlivened as over 130 students and 30 leaders gathered for a high-spirited day of fun and fellowship. It was the best kind of chaos – a building full of students embracing the joys of being in community.
However, the jam-packed schedule also included an opportunity to pack 21,000 meals for those in need throughout Southwest Florida. This change of pace provided space for our students to reflect on how God has uniquely gifted them to love and serve others in the places where they live, work, and play.
Perhaps the best part of the day wasn't anything we did but rather just the opposite – resting in God's love for us. Blaize Smith, the Family Ministries Director at our Naples Campus, taught on 1 John 4:7-21. As we looked at this passage, we were reminded that God is love, He loved us first, and that if we know God's love, we must show God's love.
After a day full of doing, these simple yet sometimes hard-to-comprehend truths offered a moment of reflection for our students to receive God's love, reflect on His love, and consider how to better show that love to every man, woman, and child.
“I loved doing Meals of Hope! It makes me feel so happy when I get to help people. Seeing all of us kids working and serving the Lord was so cool. Colossians 3:23 says, ‘Whatever you do work heartily as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. ‘”
“I have had the privilege of participating in many youth events throughout my life. WAKE 2024 stands out from the rest for many reasons. The foremost is that it was such an encouragement to see so many students participate in the service project. The level at which they jumped in, took ownership, and were excited about packing meals for those in need was truly overwhelming.”
“The overall atmosphere of WAKE was so warm and welcoming; I really felt cared for. The sermon was phenomenal, on-point, and straight to the heart. The small group I was in was so intentional and one-on-one. My leader was very kind and loving.”
“An event is just an event until God is made the focal point in every intention and interaction. That’s where the genuine fruit and flourishing happen. I found this evident at WAKE in how the leaders were present with the kids. Every moment of the day was spent showing and seeing God’s love through the service project, fun games, building biblical community, and sharing the gospel. I’m so grateful for all God did in and through His people throughout the day. And I’m confident that God will continue to stir hearts and draw us closer to Him in the days ahead.”
“WAKE was a wonderful experience that greatly impacted my relationships with God and the people around me. Blaize preached on 1 John 4:7-21. They tell us who to love and where love is from. His teaching helped me to better understand and grow in my relationship with God. Not only was WAKE a wonderful time for spiritual growth, but it was also a great time for me to grow in my relationships with others. I made new friends and deepened my relationships with the existing friends through the games, free time, and service time.”
“It was encouraging to see the students serving and putting others’ needs before their own. The students were placed in different roles for Meals of Hope, and it was cool to watch them work together while having positive attitudes. It modeled for the students what it looks like when the body of Christ is working and functioning as one, as we all serve him in different ways!”
“WAKE was an amazing and super fun experience. I connected with others, saw how God is working in their lives, and shared how He is working in mine. I was able to give my worries, doubts, and hardships to God and enjoy the blessings of friends and teachers. Thank you, Summit family, for an awesome day! ”
