Last month I flew to Toronto to speak at The Change Conference (blog here).
Dale Winder and John Latta (two super cool guys) of Canadian Youth Network (a super cool ministry) invited me to 
come speak to a crowd of student leaders. I accepted the invite because I believe in students who are willing to receive training in order to lead their friends to a closer relationship with Jesus.
It’s funny how I went to bless others and in the process I felt like the one being blessed. A few things stuck out to me about the trip:
I met many other ministry-minded people. I’ll be honest. I heard stories about Canada…that people were cold to spiritual topics, that God wasn’t doing much “up north.” Man was I wrong.
I loved connecting with these people: 
- My host Don Bennett = pastor at The Meeting House and key player in theUNDERGROUND. We’ve done some podcasts together and I look forward to another one early next year.
- Aaron Moore of To Write Love on Her Arms(TWLOHA). A fellow Transformist who I hope to partner with for my next project Your Secret Name.
- Amy Sider of nationwares. A cool girl with a huge vision. She’s on facebook and nationwares is the hottest place to do your Christmas shopping. Besides, you’re helping needy people in the process.
- Natalie Armstrong, now Natalie Frisk. Recently married and also at the Meeting House. Congrats.
- Brett Ullman. After all these years of emailing, I finally got to meet the man in the flesh. Thanks Brett for spreading the love in Canada. I consider it a privilege to be on the same team serving with you.
- Todd Bender of City Kidz. Sweet stuff man.
- Laura Bronson. A skater girl (do I have the right lingo?) Founder of Keep it Real. Skaters who tell teens about Jesus.
- Christian Horizons. A ministry to people with special needs.
Here are three videos of the sessions I spoke at. Click links to watch.
- First Session – The Cross of Discipleship (Baskin Robbins pink spoons)
- Leadership Round Table Q & A
- Last Session – The Call of Discipleship (poker chips and a boat for everyone)
So was it worth it…the customs, the travel, the airport security? Here’s one email from a volunteer youth leader that makes me think so:
Words can’t express our appreciation for the time you took with our youth group to speak about the separatists and the conformists. In so many ways, many of the youth and leaders in our group have take one step or another toward becoming transformists, since we last saw you. This weekend was a turning point.
Some, who are sleuths by nature, were truly inspired by the fun theology session, and want to take a road trip to Ohio to do it all again!
Some, who are moved by acts of kindness, were sincerely touched that you took time between your two sessions, and out of your supper break to share God’s love and his word with us. That act of kindness inspired them to dig into the word and be like someone who obviously loves God as you do.
Others were brought to their knees by the call to go “all in” for Jesus. At youth last night, we shared our experiences and some have made significant life changing decisions, some were recommitted and one was born again… a friend who I’ve been taking to church with me since she was 5 years old, received Christ at 17 this past weekend at the edge of the boat.
We’re rejoicing over it all. And we’re so pleased to have made your acquaintance. You haven’t seen or heard the last of us!!
One last thought. Tim Horton’s was pretty sweet to. But I will admit I liked my dinner and Green Tea Smoothie from the Pickle Barrel even more. Ever been there?
I’m praying for the people who responded to the “ALL IN” challenge and believing that the Change Conference will produce some lasting fruit for the Kingdom. Thanks Dale and John for letting me be part of a tremendous weekend.
days at our church training our people in discipleship counseling. Find his resources 
