The following student report was submitted by Ambassador League Agent Joshua E. during the 2007-2008 League.
SSI EXPERIENCE REPORT
My SSI experience very positive and has helped me in many ways to become a more conscientious Christian. The accommodations at GLCC were great, and the scheduling was coordinated well to include a good mix of time dedicated to the curriculum, worship services and free time. The speakers were inspiring; it was helpful to hear from people who had tried to run their own lives before they were finally convinced that Jesus Christ is the way to go. The staff was supportive and encouraging in moving us through the curriculum, and it was apparent that both staff and speakers alike really cared about us and wanted to help us mature in our faith.
I have gone to SSI for the past two consecutive summers, first as a Representative and then as a Senator. I thoroughly enjoyed the Mock Legislature track, and would consider trying a different track next year if funds and timing allow. Though fun, the program is a lot of work. The curriculum gives you a head start on defending your own bill and opposing the bill of your neighboring caucus, but if you want sound arguments, you have to do independent research.
One of the best parts of my experience was defending positions that I do not actually believe in. During my first summer, I had to oppose a ban on partial-birth abortion. It was quite a task, made more difficult by the fact that I knew that the bill would pass due to the beliefs of the teens that attend SSI. But I made a decent argument and was happy with my speech and presentation. I found it interesting that, while talking to my parents after the closing ceremony, I related the experience of supporting abortion and found some of my arguments to be sound. Now, my beliefs about abortion and its evil convenience have not been changed, but I do have a better understanding of my opposition's arguments and it has added to my ability to argue my own points.
Voltaire once said, "Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities." This has never been truer than in our present age, as we are awash in a sea of postmodernism and relativism. One of the reasons why I attended SSI is that I feel it is of paramount importance to be able to give a reasonable explanation of Christianity to those who find it implausible. We need more adults who are willing to pass the torch of intellectually-sound Christianity, while still acknowledging the heart-level need for God.
It was great to be in an environment with other teens that are serious about pursuing their faith and furthering the kingdom of God. Sometimes it feels like everyone is falling away; that "church" was only something we did in elementary school, reduced to the level of t-ball as something that completes our childhood experience. Praise God that He still has faithful ones who have not yet surrendered (1 Kings 19:18). Sure, there are kids that only attend SSI at their parents' bidding. But many are there because they have a genuine desire to engage in the culture war. They have caught the vision for the day when they will finally take hold of that for which Jesus took hold of them (Philippians 3:12).
One of the words that often came up at SSI was "destiny." I have come to realize that some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers. When things happen for the best, despite my will, what could it be other than destiny?
Joshua Eby (10/06/07)
