What do 1600 light up balloons all strung together have in common? Each balloon represents an individual student here at CIY Move this week, and their commitment to work toward unity in the body of Christ, by letting their light shine brightly for the Kingdom.

The challenge students were given in our group was to think of something tangible that the Lord has placed on their heart, gifted them with, or challenged them to approach in a new way, that will help us together to look more like the church that God has called us to be. From repentance for ignoring parts of the body, to striving to be a better listener, to being more present, to pursuing others needs above ones own… many ideas and convictions were shared this night. After doing so, we each tied our balloons together on a single piece of string, representing how we all belong to one another as the church. Then, we as a group held our string together and walked across campus to join with over 1600 other students from churches all over the midwest to raise our lights together representing our witness together as a big picture of the church united.

God is doing some amazing things in and among our students this week, and we’re striving to take hold of the challenges, ideas, promptings, and ways that He’s shaping us for right now, and for all that’s ahead as we seek Him… no matter what the cost.

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up” James 4:10 (NIV).