Metanoeo says it all! This summer our tweens and teens took off for our first ever summer camp which came to be known as Camp Metanoeo. This wonderful Greek word used in the Bible means “to be changed or to think differently after being with.” That’s what began this summer and is continuing to happen in the amazing young men and women of Oak Tree.
As our 15 middle school girls are embracing Created for A Purpose afternoons, they are being challenged to see themselves differently, to see Jesus as never before, and specifically see who they are in Jesus. All the while, they’re diving into new experiences and discovering abilities they didn’t know they had. They’ve cooked sweet potatoes three ways, hand built a pottery angel, explored poetry and picture books, and danced with joy for the Lord. We’ve loved having local potter, Faith Patterson, and Artistic Director for The Dance Foundation, Rachel Inman lead us in some of these adventures. Trips to the Alys Stephens Center and preparing and enjoying a Thanksgiving feast with our families and special women in the neighborhood are ahead.
Not to be forgotten are our Oak Tree Warriors, our 11 middle school men who have come together to battle against the struggles that face them in the village and to do battle on the court as they compete this winter in the YMCA basketball league. These young men are learning the Godly traits of hard work, respect, and service as they come together as a team. Following practice, they enjoy a family meal (which they prepare) and study what it looks like to biblically Man UP!, through a curriculum developed by Lecrae and other Christian hip hop artists for at risk, young black men. Our team is led by Coach D, Darius Haney, from Hope Inspired Ministries. We’d love to have you cheer on the Oak Tree Warriors this winter.
Our sweet group of high school women are continuing to spend time weekly with our ever faithful volunteer, Becky Kawell. Becky pours her heart and Biblical truth into these young women as she mentors, prays, listens, reads, and studies God’s word with them. They are walking this transitional and often times difficult time of life together.
So, yes, METANOEO!
Jesus is changing us as we spend time together at Oak Tree being exposed to Him, His Word, and His world.