Yosemite Summit – The UNconference for Men in Ministry

A No becomes a Wait and then a YES!

It’s hard to believe, but two months from today I’ll be waking up in Yosemite with eight other guys who are seeking a refreshing time with the Lord. Our last “Summiteer” to join us is Lenny Corliss, a veteran children’s pastor from Scottsdale Worship Center in Phoenix, Arizonia. I met Lenny at iFest last summer when Yosemite Summit was still in the dreaming stages. While we had crossed paths a few times in the past at children’s ministry events, I had never been moving slow enough to meet Lenny. But the newer chilled out me who is much more relaxed and relational than in my hyperactive days, met Lenny at iFest and we ended up talking for several hours about my journey in life and ministry, and he shared a very moving story with me that is part of the First Things First Kidology Online Training Leadership Lab video. As I shared my dream and purpose for Yosemite Summit he encouraged me to go for it and hoped he could come. As you know, I did! However, it ended up that he couldn’t come this year due to some scheduling issues, but his encouragement continued. Eventually Yosemite Summit was full, and I was bummed that Lenny wasn’t able to join us, but was hoping perhaps next year it might work out better for him.

Well, as it turns out, one of our hikers needed to back out (ouch) and will be joining us in 2009 instead. I posted the opening for a few weeks with no serious interest expressed, but knew God would bring just the right guy. Well, last Saturday on a drive back from an Easter event I did, I was calling a bunch of my friends to use my long drive time to connect, and called Lenny. He asked how the Summit planning was going and I told him about the opening. Turns out, he had some schedule changes and now could come! In Lenny’s words:

I believe that by a divine appointment our paths crossed last July of 2007 and from the moment I heard of the event I felt I would like to participate but thought it wouldn’t be possible because of conflicting schedules. Thanks to a change in schedule and a phone call at just the right time I will be joining you. Thank God!

Lenny will bring with him much wisdom and maturity that we will all benefit from, but he is teachable too. He’s one of those guys you quickly learn to trust and open up to. He’s been a good mentor to me this past year. As Lenny said to me:

I believe that the men present at this event will be specifically there to bless and help each other. I expect to be both on the receiving and giving end of that process.

When asked why he wants to come to Yosemite Summit, Lenny nailed the purpose and the cry of my own heart:

I have found that I too easily integrate my ministry responsibilities and my personal relationship with God. I would like to spend some time listening to the Lord with my heart without an agenda. It is helpful for me to get out of the normal routine and take a fresh view of things with an open heart for the Lord to direct me.

I am so happy that Lenny will be joining us! Thank you God for again filling up this event. Please say a prayer for Chip and his healing. He is still going to join us for the first evening (he lives locally) and then be a part of the 2009 Summit.

I think it is great that while Lenny first hoped to come, had to say no and wait on God’s timing, but now it is a Yes for him. God works all things together for good for those who trust Him.