I found out that Acquire the Fire (ATF), a touring event that encourages teens’ relationships with Christ, was coming to Fresno one week before the event had been scheduled. I had been to this kind of conference one other time in the past, and it completely changed my life. I could not wait to go again.
When I attended the last time, ATF gave me the opportunity to open up to God, and not feel ashamed of what I believe in. It is the main place that I feel accepted for loving God, and I wanted more.
The event, held the weekend of March 20-21 at Peoples Church, consisted of worship, drama, videos and ministry. One key event I remembered most from the first ATF I attended was the awesome music. For some reason, normal everyday worship songs seemed so much more intense and enjoyable when I was surrounded by strangers praising God with me.
A few skits played by college interns portrayed Jesus’ last days before his crucifixion. A majority of the dramas were humorous; however, when scenes such as Jesus being crucified were re-enacted, I was not able to contain my emotions.
Tears streamed down my face as loud dramatic music played in my ears. The sound of a booming thunder storm penetrated my heart as I looked on the stage to see “Jesus” hanging from the piece of wood. I began to truly realize what sacrifices God had made for me.
Most of the videos presented contained humor and comedy. One video had a list of bad pick-up lines used by guys to attract the opposite sex, such as: “I’m a thief, and I am here to steal your heart” or “Do you have a map, because I keep getting lost in your eyes?”
However, these jokes led to a more serious discussion, requiring all boys to leave the room. At this kind of conference, I expected the “sex talk,” but I surprised myself by being nervous. Our speaker, Megan, shared stories of her popularity in high school, and her tendency to “play with fire.”
She listed excuses guys might use to convince girls to have sex with them, such as: “We’re in love, there is nothing wrong with it” or “Nobody has to know.”
Through this, I thoroughly examined my heart, and decided where I would draw the line as far as even remotely sexual situations. I ended up re-committing my purity to God that night, and expect to follow out my vow to him.
ATF offered several times of worship throughout the weekend, and presented some of my favorite bands, along with a couple I did not know so well. The main worship leaders were the band Unhindered, followed by Leeland, Decyfer Down and Da’ Truth.
I had never seen Leeland in concert, so I was extremely excited that they were appearing at ATF. In addition, I stood in the front row next to the speakers, so I received the full booming impact of the music.
During this worship time, I cried out and thanked God for the opportunities with which he has blessed me. By the time the night ended, there seemed to be a feeling of contentment and satisfaction in the air.
Once outside, I could hear other people excitedly sharing highlights of the past weekend, wishing that it did not have to end.
I, along with hundreds more, experienced what seemed like a supernatural connection with Jesus through ATF. My heart and my soul were wiped clean of everything I have done wrong, and I am ready to continue pursuing a strong relationship with Christ. Acquire the Fire impacted my life, and I hope I can attend again soon.
