The End

My mother said things always happen in threes. Well today INSANE 2010 came to an end. It was a fabulous event, the venue, the leaders and the delegates were all amazing and God did some sensational things in the lives of us all. Today also was the end of my term as TYS and INSANE was a great way to wrap up my 3 years at the helm.

My third end is that I've decided to put Captain Collo to rest. After stepping into the blogosphere 2 and half years ago I have found the spiritual discipline of everyday blogging very beneficial, and it has connected me with so many others along the way. I have really enjoyed the debates, the humour and most of all just a place to journal what God is speaking to me about. So as my 867th and final post I'd just like to thank you for reading and encourage you all to keep dreaming no matter where you are. My final words are simply my favourite quote from our co-founder Catherine Booth "If we are to better the future we must disturb the present."

Just a thought.

INSANE Day 5

a Biblical thought...
As far as I am concerned. God turned into good what you meant for evil. He brought me to the high position I have today so I could save the lives of many people. (Genesis 50:20)

a Book thought...
God's way to bring people to spiritual health is the church body. (p182)
a Dave thought...
The night rallies have certainly been a highlight again at INSANE this year. Tonight will be a sensational evening to watch online @ http://www.isalvos.com/ The night will start with live worship which we are recording and will give as a DVD to all the campers this week. We are also giving the car pictured above away free to a guy who has come a long way with his life. This car was renovated and detailed at INSANE in the "Car Reno" elective. Along with that we have choir & dance performances along with amazing games in the arena. Our new TYS Captain Rowan Castle will be giving a message on "Love without Stopping". Please pray for us as we meet together here at Mountain Valley and as we encourage the youth of this territory to be Brave & True.

Just a thought.

INSANE Day 4

a Biblical thought...
Then Joseph kissed each of his brothers and wept over them, and then they began talking freely with him. (Genesis 45:15)

a Book thought...
The value of discipleship in a group context is that it protects you from the biases and limitations of the one discipling you. (p181)

a Dave thought...
INSANE continues to being an outstanding event. The quality of the programs and diversity of activities is amazing. A huge thanks to the team my amazing wife Kylie, Aaron Mills, Cate Shanks & Miriam Pho without you guys as well as many many others this would not be at all possible!
Last night Major Sandy Crowden preached on Give it all You've Got and reminded us that although we may be ordinary people we can be extraordinary with God. She read the William Booth quote when asked for the secret of his success:

I will tell you the secret. God has had all there was of me. There have been men with greater brains than I, men with greater opportunities. But from the day I got the poor of London on my heart and caught a vision of all Jesus Christ could do with them, on that day I made up my mind that God would have all of William Booth there was. And if there is anything of power in the Salvation Army today, it is because God has had all the adoration of my heart, all the power of my will, and all the influence of my life.

Just a thought.

INSANE Day 3

a Biblical thought...
He took Joseph and threw him into the prison where the king's prisoners were held. But the Lord was with Joseph there, too, and he granted Joseph favour with the chief jailer. (Genesis 39:20-21)

a Book thought...
Paul understood a divided church hinders everyone in it from hearing clearly from God. (p180)
a Dave thought...
Yesterday was another great day with temperatures dropping 20 degrees from Day 1 to Day 2. Delegates attended Bible Study, Active, Think Workshop, Fun Elective and the evening session. As we explored the theme of "Hold Tight to your Convictions" Rowan shared a great message and many responded to the call to be Brave & True. One of the highlights was the foam pit at the Insane arena where those involved in the game had to find fruit in the foam and make a fruit salad. Tonight we have Major Sandy Crowden coming to share with us on "Give it all you've got" and we believe again for another great day as we have fun and experience community together.

Just a thought.

INSANE 2010 begins

a Biblical thought...
Then the man said, "Let me go, for it is dawn." But Jacob panted, "i will not let you go unless you bless me". (Genesis 32:26)

a Book thought...
When Christ communicates with his church, he speaks words of truth that ultimately unify the church rather than tear it apart. (p174)
a Dave thought...
We have had a great opening day at INSANE 2010. Despite temperatures up to 44 degrees Celsius we still managed to keep 392 people safe & enjoy the events of the day. Last night Commissioner Carolyn Knaggs spoke on "Keep Your Eyes Open" with Nath Casey & the team from SA leading worship. The campsite looks amazing as we have 16 marquees set up for guys & girls from each division. If you want to experience our INSANE nights live visit www.isalvos.com Tonight we have Captain Rowan Castle preaching on "Hold Tight to Your Convictions". Hope you can join us online and please pray for all the delegates here as they learn about God and experience community together.

Just a thought.

Amanda Vaarzon-Morel

a Biblical thought...
Once again she became pregnant and had a son. She named him Judah, for she said, "Now I will praise the Lord!" (Genesis 29:35)

a Book thought...
When you are actively involved in a church body, all the members have an opportunity to observe God's activity in your life. (p1690
a Dave thought...
Yesterday our family had the pleasure of attending Amanda's farewell get together in Abbotsford. It was a beautiful afternoon and my first time I'd eaten at Lentil as Anything. The experience was well worth it and anyone who is yet to eat at this pay by donation and ethically sound eatery I encourage you to do so. Lieutenant Amanda Vaarzon-Morel is a quality person who we met over 3 years ago. I was privileged to conduct her soldiership classes while stationed at Box Hill and always found her passion for God and heart for others so genuine and warm. To be part of her journey through to officership has been a real pleasure. As she heads to the NT this week to take her appointment as Assistant CO at Alice Springs I pray that God will inspire and strengthen her as she continues to devote her life to Christ 100%.

Just a thought.

Brave & True

a Biblical thought...
What's more, I will be with you, and I will protect you wherever you go. I will someday bring you safely back to this land. I will be with you constantly until I have finished giving you everything I have promised. (Genesis 28:15)

a Book thought...
Christ alone is the head of the church, and he sets the agenda for the body. (p164)
a Dave thought...
The theme that our 301 delegates coming to INSANE 2010 will encounter this week is "Brave & True." The guiding scripture is 1 Corinthians 16:13 (The Message);

“Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you’ve got, be resolute, love without stopping.”

1- KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN
At this point we begin the journey by challenging the delegates to examine their own life. This wake up call captures the attention of the delegates and introduces our key concepts.

2- HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR CONVICTIONS
We hold no pretense that young peoples’ attendance at this conference is indicative of a committed Christian faith.

3- GIVE IT ALL YOU GOT
At this point of the journey we clarify one of our key concept that To be Brave is to live a life of action for Jesus. Brave in that despite, fears and failures, low expectations and apathy, the delegates would pursue all that God has for them, the world and for eternity.

4- BE RESOLUTE
At this next step in the journey we clarify another of our key concepts that To be True is to stay totally loyal to Jesus. True in that despite ongoing temptations, societal pressures, and all the voices of compromise, they would continue to live a life that models monogamy with Jesus.

5- LOVE WITHOUT STOPPING
This final step in the Brave and True Journey is to reiterate the main points of the scripture and to again invite delegates to live a life Brave and True for Jesus out in the world. A life lived Brave and True for Jesus is bigger and better than any other. It is a life of action and freedom.

Just a thought.