“Everybody up! You have 3 minutes to be in PT gear and in the hallway. Let’s move!” Sunday morning of week 2 started with a surprise wake-up. Once in the hallway, everyone Enjoying a scrum-dilly-licious breakfastknocked out a few push-ups & flutter kicks before positioning ourselves in the flaming chariot position with hands straight out, palms up. Moments later, ATL Freeman & ALC McClary came around the corner with an unexpected breakfast of homemade cinnamon buns and hot chocolate. Needless to say, Mrs. Ritchie became an instant favorite of our team :-) .

Stephen diligently pours himself into the WordAn objective of Life Focus is for each student to center his life around Christ while developing a focus on the needs of others. Countless opportunities are provided over the course of the program unto this end.

Serving in the dish pit Sweeping in the parking lot Cleaning off the dining room roof

Week two of Focus revolved around IBLP’s annual Counseling Seminar. Tuesday evening an army of mighty young people & parents gathered in ITC’s auditorium for the opening session.

Learning God's Way to achieve Power to perform His work! What a joy it was to have part of the Wilkes Team present! 

Powerful Moment #1

Each member of our team walked away with life changing insights & motivating principles. Team meetings throughout the week provided opportunities to give testimony of how God was working. A meaningful moment was Wednesday evening when each team member prayed a beautiful blessing over their Dad. Asking God to bless them with love and the power to communicate.

Powerful Moment #2

While the students have been diligently working these past A brisk 1+ mile run to the McDonalds was well worth the efforttwo weeks, others have been watching. One recent day, the owner of several local McDonalds in Indianapolis stopped by the training center. Looking out the window, he eyed the wholehearted work of the students and was so impressed by their servant’s hearts that he invited the Good job men! Things done in "secret" shall be made known!team down to one of his McDonalds for a full meal at no cost. This left a powerful reminder that when we wholeheartedly serve with no thought of gain, God takes joy in abundantly blessing!

Powerful Moment #3

Gearing up for another scrumptious meal by Chef Gross & his teamMr. Gross, the Chef here at ITC, encouraged our team to engage in a team building project: singing! We had our first practice Wednesday afternoon and quickly realized it would require some work for our team to harmonize. Mr. Gross had requested that our team sing a song after the final dinner (Friday) of the Seminar. But at this moment, the probability of Blue Team sings at the final dinner of the Counseling Seminardoing so was low. Friday morning, the team hustled up the stairs to floor 13 for another practice session. Rather unexpectedly, the team began to harmonize together. One of the students, Jonathan, has a gift of singing and provided key tips for helping us blend. The result was a beautiful rendition of “Be Thou My Vision.” Mr. Gross’s word in due season provided a meaningful project that drew us together, revealed the power of team work, & manifested the mighty hand of God.

Highlights of the week:

Morning PT - pumping out a 'Dip Pyramid' - Go Blue! Cleaning out the trash dumster Gearing up for room inspection

Thank you Jennifer & Mrs. Ritchie! Those were delicious!

Jennifer quickly became another blessing to our team after she helped Mrs. Ritchie cook up a delicious batch of Apple Dumplings. Not too long after the students went to bed Friday evening, we woke them up & ran up to the 13th floor Mmmmmm.....looking good kitchen for apple dumplings & milk. Good work Blue Team. Way to serve the Counseling Seminar attendees! There is joy in serving others and abundant when Christ is central.

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