The Rap on “UnWrap”

Amazing things were happening with YAM’s Christmas social night from its conception as a mere idea. The event, entitled “UnWrap”, was to become YAM’s second large social function since its start in September.

Our event organizers: Christine and Jamillia

The brain power behind the whole event goes to these two beautiful young ladies. With their leadership and charisma, they drew out 55 YAM members to be on what they called their “dream team”. That was an answered prayer: to see our young adults within YAM uniting together and working together for similar purpose.

The event’s draw was nothing short of a miracle. Within two weeks of opening up ticket sales, the event was maxed out at 150. We initially thought maybe 100 people. God blowing us out of the waters by answering our prayers over-and-beyond!

A once empty hall begins transforming 30 minutes into set-up

After a couple of hiccups with another banquet hall, our organizers landed us at Van Dusen Gardens… AND at a great deal! More answered prayers. Actually, more like God’s goodness and blessing upon us even before we asked and beyond what we could ever imagine. God is GOOD!!!

45 minutes into set-up...and 45 minutes before doors open

We were allowed into the facility at 4:30pm. Our event decorator and her crew had less than 90-minutes to set up the place. Sound crew and band members busily set up the stage. And a team of others set up the photo station! What a beautiful picture of the Body-of-Christ working in sync!

Two YAM guys set up a photo booth for the night. Amazing feature!

Then, before we knew it, someone tested the lighting and we got this:

15-minutes before doors open

Guests Arrive!

Chris speaks first to help kick-off the event

After a video introducing our newcomers to what YAM was about, Chris takes the mic and gives us some words to chew on.

Him and I both shared on the theme of: the value of a gift is not the pretty packaging; it lies in who its from, what it celebrates, and how it meets your wants and needs. The purpose of our sharing that night was to sow some seeds onto good soil. I think we did that. Thanks to all those who supported us in prayer. We struggled big time to come up with what we were going to share. But, in the end, I believe we caught the vision and purpose of our organizers intent. Thank you, God, for the final blasts of inspiration.

A few of our young couples had kids, so our organizers made childcare a priority of the night

Here's the band for the night, leading in some carolling time.

The dessert table!!! Mmmmm!!!

Our dessert team contributed an amazing display of sweet selections, enticing both to the eye and to the tastebuds! Kyle did an amazing job leading this crew and working up the dessert menu.

I began driving home from the venue around midnight. I was so tired but wired at the same time. The night was a success. It goes to show what wonderful things can happen when you release people into their skills and giftings. Saturate all that with prayer and you have nothing short of amazing.

I must’ve laid awake till 2am that night. The Lord brought to my mind something that I journaled back in September about grief. My “complaint” to the Lord was how hard it was to “let go” (referring to my past years in Morrison and the community that became more like family than just friends). ”How can I let go when there’s nothing to hold on to here?”

Tonight, I felt the noticeable ground beneath my feet. As I looked out to the crowd, I got a sense of purpose of why I am here. It was small; but it was there. There was a little more “something” to hold on to. I told the crowd that I am seeing them as “precious.” And I meant it. And though I didn’t say it up front, I write it here…that the Lord has increased my compassion and love for my leadership team. I sense an urge to connect more deeply with them; to invest, more purposefully, in them…or, at the least, in the ones that will receive it.