Michael came and spoke at my Grade 11 retreat this week. When I walked into the room I could tell that something was going to change. In the beginning there wasn’t one person who wasn’t crying because they were laughing so hard. All was good, we had lunch, then during the next session, things got deep. Everyone was crying and lives were being changed. Little did he know how many people in the room were contemplating suicide. Including myself. People who didn’t talk, were now embracing each other as they wept. It was amazing to see people who didn’t like each other, being there and listening to one another as they cried together. During the break I snatched Michael away for a couple minutes to talk. Although I didn’t stand up with everyone else who wanted to take their lives, I was not excluded from the group. I told Michael things that I’ve never told anyone, and that was probably one of the hardest, and scariest things I’ve ever had to do. He was extremely supportive and understanding, and that meant the world to me. The day went on, there were more tears and the Holy Spirit was on the move. The next day at school, it was a whole new atmosphere in the classes. I found out from numerous friends that they had tried to take their lives either the day before, or were going to when they got home. But the didn’t because Michael gave them hope. Thank you so much for coming way way north to Peace River and spending the day with us!
