Fold Day 5

Fold Day 5

Today was a complete change of pace from the rest of the week.  Instead of beginning the work day at 8:30am, we joined the Fold staff and residents for a morning prayer and praise session.  It was an intimate sneak peek into the lives at the Fold.  I loved that Christians, regardless of home and background, can gather as family.

Afterwards, we packed up and drove to a lake.  Temperatures today remained in the low seventies; coupled with intermittent clouds and cold mountain water, it wasn’t ideal for swimming.  Then again, there was water and junior highers, so conditions were perfect.  The lake didn’t have a place for picnics, so we packed up and spent the remainder of the day at a different lake with facilities.  We had no agenda for the afternoon but to relax and have fun.

Once we returned from the lake, we were invited to dinner with everyone from the Fold at the girls’ house.  There were about 40 people total—our crew, residents, resident instructors, house parents, counselors, office staff, and executive staff.  We had a little opportunity to mingle with “Folders” over dinner before getting into a large circle for a sharing time.  We got to hear about them, and they got to hear about us. 

I think the highlight of the night was getting to hear the testimony of a resident who recently graduated from the Fold.  It wasn’t planning, so it wasn’t rehearsed, so it was polished.  It was raw and pure.  I liked it for two reasons:  1)I love hearing about how Jesus transforms lives.  2)Sometimes when testimonies are practiced too much, they sound fake or worse, slick.  The lady who shared spoke off the cuff from her heart.  I thought that was powerful.

Our group has grown closer as a result of this week.  We feel free to be silly around each other.  But I don’t think we feel comfortable being honest enough to give a testimony like the girl who spoke.  We have one more full day ahead of us.  Would you pray that our devotion and debriefing sessions would unite us in an authentic way?  Pray that we’d be vulnerable enough to share and compassionate enough to care.