January

By Daniella Rich, Fellowlaborer ‘07-’08

 The word “consolation” indicates something that relieves or encourages. As fellowlaborers with God, we are all able to bring others the consolation of Christ. This world is hungry for such consolation - the question is how do we give others the consolation of Christ? The fellowlaborers discovered how when we traveled to Camp Gilead, Florida in December for the Florida Young Adults Holiday. We saw dynamic young believers console our brothers and sisters by giving Christ’s comfort, love, compassion, and fellowship to each other.

 Believers from Texas to Missouri with diverse backgrounds gathered at Camp Gilead, excited to meet and serve each other. Though many of us had been to the Young Adults Advances held in Tipp City, Ohio, we decided we would make this young adults retreat different from others. That’s why we spent as much time in fellowship as we did hearing the Word. We understood that the Word is delivered just as well in a late night conversation outside under the stars as it is in front of a podium.

 Whether delivered outside or inside, the Word taught us the consolation of Christ. “Fellowship in the body” was the theme, and we took fellowship to a new level. Despite differences amongst us, we experienced the unity of the body that Paul talks about in Philippians 2. Each of the young adults, working with Reverend Tonia Shroyer and Jeff Shroyer, led the way in applying what we learned throughout the week about love, giving, courage, wisdom, and witnessing.

 Fellowshipping didn’t occur only at the campsite. Trekking through Islands of Adventure gave us a fun way to grow closer and declare what we learned to the world. Bonfires provided us a peaceful time to talk as well as a time to minister to each other.  Lives were changed and delivered because we had learned and shared the consolation of Christ.

By the end of the week, we had experienced the pure joy that comes from applying Philippians 2:1-2: “If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort in love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” Let’s continue to share the consolation that can only come by walking with Christ!