An LT experience #3
For Tyler Shields, a sophomore majoring in communications and religious studies, his summer at LT was an experience he won’t soon forget. He said it is the kind of fellowship and growth that people dream about and it all happens in the middle of one of God’s most beautiful creations. Here’s more of what he had to say:
Why did you decide to go to LT last year? Why are you returning?
I think in the end it boiled down to giving an entire summer over to God. I felt like if I could be faithful in giving God an entire summer that he would show up in a real way. There was also the added bonus of living in the mountains as well as working at a YMCA that I had visited before and loved.
I’m going back because I feel there is still a lot of work for God to do in me out there. I spent three months out there, but I feel like I barely scratched the surface of what I can learn.
How did God use LT to change your life?
God truly showed me the importance of being with Him. At LT, the world seemed far away. I feel like LT showed me how I could minimize the distractions of this world and focus on God. God showed me the importance of seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness and trusting that all else will be given to me.
What was your biggest highlight from LT 2007?
My favorite story from Colorado LT is about a girl who decided to hang out with our project group. She wasn’t a Christ follower, but something attracted her to our group and our love for each other. Well, about halfway through the summer it was too much for her, and she gave her life to Christ. It felt so good knowing I was apart of a community that showed her Christ’s love in a real way.
It sounds like relationships were a big part of your LT experience, describe the friendships you form at LT.
I still talk to many of my friends from LT to this day. Not only do you meet other believers, but other believers your age who want to lead and to be called to a higher standard. You truly form bonds that will not be easily broken.
Many of these bonds are formed in project group. You will be amazed at how close you get to your project group in so little time. I truly feel I left Colorado with 20 new best friends. Every week you spend a day learning about God, serving God or just experiencing Christ’s love through real relationships and fellowship. I am most excited about being in a project group again and meeting new people and loving those people.
Last summer you worked in day care. What was that experience like?
I absolutely love kids, and the Day Camp was the perfect job for me. Every week brought new challenges, but the difficulties were rewarding knowing I was dealing with children’s lives and working towards making an impact in their future. One of the best parts is that you get to make your own schedule with the kids, so YOU decide what you would like to do during the week with the kids. It really allows for creativity and fun.
My guess is you have some fun memories from working there, too?
Yeah, everyday brought something new, something hilarious. There was the day that the girls somehow got a hold of some makeup and decided it would be a good idea to hold me down and put it all over my face. I looked a mess, but the kids thought it was great.
What was your favorite thing about the living arrangements?
The simplicity. There are no TVs, no regular amenities, just fellowship. One of my favorite parts was just relying on people to have fun.
What was it like living in such close proximity to the Rocky Mountains and Rocky Mountain National Park?
The mountains make the whole experience surreal. The surrounding area gives you a real reason to keep pressing on since you’re in a place where it’s so difficult to deny God’s presence. The park offers many challenging hikes that will instantly grow you closer to anyone you want to hike with. The mountains add the extra flair of adventure to an already amazing summer and help you experience different sides to you and different sides to God, which you can’t easily see in our 9-5 lifestyles back at home.
How would you describe the LT experience?
The LT experience is something you cannot get anywhere else. Working at the YMCA and spending a summer in the Rockies is good enough, but when you add a top-notch leadership program that calls you to the next level, nothing can beat it. I know some people had really tough summers and some people had a lot of fun, but EVERYONE learned something. It’s an experience like no other, and I truly believe it’s one of the best ways to prepare yourself spiritually to not only take on your campus for Christ, but get prepared to live the rest of your life for him.
Links:
