Over 3,200 people packed into Covenant Life Church for the final stop of the 2008 tour. Momentum is building. What an amazing God.
More pictures and stories to come. If you attended please comment and share your experience! We’re still in Maryland with our entire family enjoying a much-needed vacation week — and rejoicing in God’s goodness!
Photo Credit: Christina Dickson • Mandy Novotny
The Rebelution, Defined:
The Myth of Adolescence:
Do Hard Things:
Why Do Hard Things?
Keep Moving Forward:
The Importance of Character:
The World Is Flat:
The Rise of the Kidult:
Brothers & Sisters:
Modern Day Chivalry
Teens In The News:
Teens and Technology:
Rebelution Videos:
The Modesty Survey:
Real Men, Real Women:
A Teenager's Resolutions:
Comic Strips:
Movie Reviews:
Independent Guest Articles:
Independent Posts:
Créme de la Créme:
July 27th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
WOW!
Praise the Lord.
July 27th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
I can’t thank you guys enough for putting on such amazing conferences. This past Saturday at the Gaithersburg conference was one of the best days of my life. It was amazing seeing so many people there, and seeing so many come to Christ! The shirts sold out. Many of the books sold out. Many of the teens are now sold out for the Lord because of the work that He is doing through you! Thank you, thank you, thank you, from the bottom of my heart for praying and seeking and allowing God to work though you to be a much needed bright and shining light to your generation through the rebelution.
We teens are going to change this world for Christ like never before in history!
July 27th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
Oh, by the way… did you guys find those 12 missing keypads? I sure hope so!!
July 27th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
WOW! My first Rebelution Conference! Alex and Brett, that was awesome! We drove up from Richmond, VA. I know there were a lot of people from much farther out. Everything you said was great. I loved the worship led by your brother too! Now I want to DO HARD THINGS for God. I just joined the forum and hoping I will get accepted. Well thank you so, so, so much. By the way, are you going to post anymore pictures? All mine came out blury. That would be great! Thanks and God Bless!
July 27th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
By the way too, I forgot about the keypads. I hope you found them.
July 27th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
The conference was absolutely amazing! I’m so glad I got to attend. One thing I really liked was how they talked about some of the same things that were in the book, but because they were speaking rather than writing, it seemed like they were able to expound on it and add more to it than before! They also continually reminded us to depend on God’s grace rather than our own strength, which was really helpful. Another thing that really stood out to me was when Brett was listing ways to stay strong / persevere in doing hard things, and he talked about “re-arranging the furniture in your life”…God really convicted me through that! I also learned that doing hard things is a way to be reminded of the Gospel. When I’m doing that, I can remember that I’m not just doing hard things for the sake of doing hard things, but that I’m doing it for the Gospel and for the glory of God. God showed me that I can be constantly reminded of the Gospel throughout every day by doing even small hard things, and not just save it for a dramatic, once-a-week moment, if you know what I mean.
Oh, and I also had the pleasure of meeting / talking to Josh Harris for a moment, for which I’m very grateful!
The Rebelution was amazing! Thank you so much, Alex and Brett, for all your hard work and your ministry! Thank you for stepping out and starting a Rebelution. And, most importantly, thank you for constantly pointing us back to the Gospel!
PS: The “first shower” story was hilarious.
July 27th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
Wow, what an awesome conference! God truly did amazing things yesterday. Everyone I went with had a blast. So many people there! Although, this was kind of a double-edged sword; seats were scarce (I didn’t get to sit next to anybody I went with) and even the bathroom had lines! But I’m glad this many people could hear the message. Was this the most people you’ve had at a conference?
I regret that I wasn’t able to get a t-shirt though; I was really looking forward to getting one (I had wanted a paint style one, but they were sold out after lunch). Oh well. Do they sell out at every conference?
I also got Alex’s signature in my copy of the book! Along with a nifty picture! Pity I wasn’t able to get Brett’s though.
Anyway, thanks for everything, and enjoy the vacation; you deserved it.
July 27th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
thank you guys so much for all the hard work you’ve put into this conference and every other one! i go to cov life, and i was able to volunteer. I’m so glad i could help out… it was such a blessing to be behind the scenes and watch people like casey and sam serve so wholeheartedly. i enjoyed my time so much, and i’m so grateful to God for the blessings he poured out on us yesturday.
Great to see you guys at church this morning… tell your dad thanks for the awesome message! how long are you staying here? until next sunday, or not that long? well, i hope you have a safe trip home!
God bless,
rachel
ps - oh yeah, how many of the keypads did you find? i’m so sorry that there were so many missing!
July 27th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
Jasmine Thanks for asking! We did find most of the missing keypads. Hopefully the rest will trickle back in over the next few weeks. That has happened before!
Billy: So sorry we ran out of t-shirts on you! You can purchase them online by visiting here:
T-SHIRTS, BOOKS, AND DVD:
http://www.noblebooks.org/the_rebelution_store.html
July 27th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
Hey guys!
You all totally deserve a loooong family vacation — like a whole summer vacation! We’ll be praying for good rest and great times together for the entire Harris clan.
Keep abiding in Him.
God bless,
Nicole
July 27th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
How amazing!
Praise to our amazing God! I wish that I could have gone to a conference…it sounds just so inspiring!
July 27th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
I want to personally thank Brett and Alex and everyone else who worked so hard to make this conference work. I was reminded of the need to Do Hard Things for Christ and to take full advantage of the life that He has sovereignly chosen to bless me with. What Brett said about adults swooning over and giving compliments about things that require little effort on my part really impacted me. I’m now in the process of getting some other Rebelutionaries together to implement some outreaches in the community in order to bless others and hopefully point them to the the Savior. Thank you for encouraging me to Do Hard Things.
Also, two girls from my church who rode to the conference with us prayed to receive Jesus Christ as their Savior yesterday! Praise be to God, and many thanks to your father for faithfully presenting the gospel.
July 27th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
Thank you so much for putting on the conference, I really had a good time, and it has got me thinking: is the book being translated?
July 27th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
I got an interview with Alex and Brett! prolifeteenagers.com/blog. Can you post it here Alex or Brett?
July 27th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
Praise God, He has worked wonders through you two. The events of yesterday went above and beyond my expectations. Many of my prayers were answered, and I now know that I really can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Best of all, my little sister came to salvation. Thank you for being faithful to do the good works the Lord planned for you.
July 27th, 2008 at 6:35 pm
Wow - the conference looks awesome! PTL!!! I really hope I can go to the one in TX this fall.
I too was wondering about the book being translated. I have some friends that could really use it that don’t speak English.
July 27th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
Hey,
I was wondering if there was a chance that I could get the names of the songs we sang during worship. I CANNOT tell you guys how much I enjoyed that time. Each of the songs ministered to me and brought me again to my knees at the foot of calvary. Joel did a fabulous job! Thanks for all the effort you both put into this conference, I was so affected and inspired by your message. I go to Covenant Life here in Gaithersburg and I heard you would be in town for a few days. I hope you have a nice relaxing visit after all the craziness of the touring
July 27th, 2008 at 6:43 pm
An amazing confrence. God truly is an amazing God! I don’t think I have ever felt more moved by speakers, and when the end came I didn’t want to leave! Alex and Brett, you guys are such an inspiration to me! Since I go to public school you guys really are a breath of fresh air from all the other guys around me. It’s so great to see God working so faithfully through you and your family. And I’m so glad you found the missing keypads! Thanks so much for an amazing confrence!!!
Also, on the way home, it rained…really hard…and my friends and I were wondering if you got to enjoy the rain you miss so much from Oregon!
July 27th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
Thank you all so much!
I was blessed again by the conference and so were dozens of my friends.
My brothers, father and I went to the one in NC (the 1st conference) and now I have been to the last of this tour.
I was in tears during Amazing Grace, and God of Justice has been such an amazing tool in my life.
What an Amazing God!
July 27th, 2008 at 6:58 pm
That was so awesome! I’ve never seen the building that packed! Thank you guys *so* much for running this! I think the thing that stuck most was the “10 honking pounds.” It’s so easy to fall into the mindset that says that you’re doing well, just because you’re doing better than someone else is. The other thing that really stuck was the fact that we need to do the little hard things, not just the big ones.
Hope you guys have fun while you’re hear, and a safe trip home (whenever that is). Hope those keypads are found! Again, thank you so much! God bless!
July 27th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
I had attended the conference and thought it was amazing! My dad wanted to meet your dad really bad.haha. He thought that you were very godly young men. It really inspired me to… well do hard things!
July 27th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
I was there!
Alex and Brett, that conference inspired me. Right now, I’m trying to figure out who my heroes are… I’m also reading… I’m also trying to find the hidden rebelutionaries. Thanks and keep doing what your doing.
July 27th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
That was truly an amazing conference. My mom, sister, and I left touched by the display of God’s grace that day. It was inspiring, thought-provoking, and encouraging. It is so encouraging to see other like-minded people and to meet them at the conference. To see what you guys are doing in the lives of others is truly amazing as well. Thank you so much for all your hard work and for doing what you do.
Glad you found most of the keypads too:-)
July 27th, 2008 at 7:36 pm
I am a 16 year old girl in NY who had the time of her life this past weekend at The Rebelution.I cant even begin to explain how The Rebelution changed my life.I have just arrived home at New York on Sunday evening and I feel like i have more than a mouth full of words to tell everyone at home about this past weekend experience.I am one of those people who stood up to express my new beginning,faith and love in God. This was an amazing experience for me and I know it was for all the other thousands of people who have attended these conferences. It was inviting and fulfilling. It was great to fellowship with other teens and ages.All I have to say is..starting a new beginning was a great start to doing “hard things” for The Lord and I hope I can have this experience again in the future I would love to attend another conference of The Rebelution.Please e-mail =)..Meagan Shippee
July 27th, 2008 at 8:24 pm
This conference is what I really needed. You guys forced me to look at my life and made me realize how I wasn’t doing hard things and always taking the easy road. Every teen in america needs to hear this messege, and together, we will be able to conquer anything we try in this world. Yall’s book is also amazing, and I am going to give all of the people in my family a chance to read it and get them to spread the word. When your everyone had the chance to stand up and choose to start a new like with God, it was an amazing thing to see and am proud to say that I am one of the people that took the opportunity! When you guys come back to the east coast, I will deffinately be there! Keep up the awesome job guys!
And i’m happy about the key pads to :]
July 27th, 2008 at 8:42 pm
Alex and Brett,
I can’t thank you guys enough for what you are doing. You touch so many lives, including mine. When I was at the conference in Maryland, it truely changed my life. It brought me so much closer to God. I did not know exactly how to begin a relationship with God, and had thousands of questions. Most everything that was on my mind, you guys answered! I saw God’s grace that day full force. I was just in awe to think I was standing with so many Godly, happy people. It was indescribable. I was so happy and changed that I couldn’t stop crying. I’m currently reading “The Fight” that you guys gave the kids that stood up during your father’s message, and that is a great help too. My youth group and I were so inspired this weekend, and I don’t know how to thank you enough. God bless you and your family!
July 27th, 2008 at 9:03 pm
OH MY GOSH THAT WAS AMAZING!!!!!! IT WAS TOTALLY WORTH THE 11 HOUR CAR RIDE WITH A VAN FULL OF 15 PEOPLE TO SEE THAT!!!
I am so glad that someone finally stood up for something that they believe in and are actually doing something about it rather than just talking about it. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate what you guys are doing. I will definitly be keeping in touch online.
July 27th, 2008 at 9:08 pm
Brett and Alex, thank you so much for everything you put into this conference. I was so encouraged, inspired and motivated to Do Hard Things for the glory of God. I felt called by God to work with the youth in my church since April of 2007, but honestly, even though I’m still a teenager myself (19), I was nervous to work with them. I was humbled that God would call someone like me to something like this, but still didn’t really take the first step. After this conference and reading your book (which, by the way, I think I read in less time than any other book I’ve ever read–maybe a 1/4 of a day?) I was convicted that I needed to step out in faith and trust God to do whatever He willed in the youth of my church. So now instead of being nervous, I’m really excited!
I think what I was most encouraged by was your motivation to do the small Hard Things. The things that are generally lifelong and don’t get much recognition. For you guys to remind me that God is honored when I endure these “small weights” for a long time really, really encouraged me to keep going and not give up.
Anyway, thank you again for being such godly examples. Thank you for writing your book. Thank you for coming to Baltimore for this conference. Thank you for letting God use you both to bless me and so many other young people. I thank God for you guys and what you are doing.
July 28th, 2008 at 4:15 am
I enjoyed the conference. We can be more than we can be, if we choose to do so.
Have a great time in Maryland, guys!
July 28th, 2008 at 5:32 am
I really liked the meeting and it was very touching, especially when your dad was preaching. I really liked the singing, and I was amazed by how many people were there. It was amazing.
July 28th, 2008 at 5:45 am
Praise God for what He has done! I really wish that I could have been there, but it just didn’t work out. At least two girls from Bloom! were there.
Perhaps I’ll be able to go to a conference next year.
July 28th, 2008 at 5:52 am
It was amazing!!!!!! i wish I could go back and relive that whole time! I was deeply moved to do the Hard Things over the easy things! I got to talk to you guys abit……. not sure if you remember or not but your conference helped me learn to fully forgive my grandmother. Thanks!
July 28th, 2008 at 5:54 am
I attended the Gaithersburg conference and was just blown away. I can’t thank Brett, Alex, the Harris family, and especially God enough for the amazing work that was done there.
Brett, your first session was incredible. I felt very strongly that it was an anointed message. I know that you have probably given it so many times now that it may seem to be repetitive, but the message itself will never grow old.
Also, I don’t know if Mr. Harris reads any of these posts, but if he does I would like him to now that God is using him in a mighty way. When Mr. Harris spoke of his life long desire to be an evangelist and how he never thought it was going to come to fruition until these conferences it proved that Phil 1:6 stands true for all of us. He that has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ, and that can be a lesson to all of us. No matter how long we have a desire and we think that it might never come to pass or that God may not use us in that area, God can still use us if we are willing and patient.
Mr. Harris, your gospel message was the most theologically sound and comprehensive one which I have ever heard. All my life I have grieved over the “every head bowed, every eye closed” mentality. Just as you said, if these people are not willing to stand now in front of those who will rejoice with them, how can they stand in the world? Also, so many neglect to enforce Romans 10:9-10, which is a clear command of God that we confess with our mouths. I can’t tell you how thrilled I was when you asked that those who wished to be saved would STAND and say that JESUS CHRIST IS LORD. It seems that this Biblical method for salvation has been completely abandoned within churches today and people are left to privately confess a prayer which is being spoken by a pastor. Even though there may be more that go to the altar in the conventional salvation message, when those kids stood on Saturday, I knew it was real and so did they. Because they had the courage to stand there, I am confident that they will continue to stand for Christ in the world, which is the ultimate hard thing.
Thank you, Mr. Harris for letting God fulfill His work in you and waiting patiently for it to come to fruition. Because of your obedience I believe that you are one of the few vessels which are truly following God’s Word when it comes to executing the gift of Evangelism. He which has begun a good work in you is truly performing it until the day of Jesus Christ.
I hope that the entire Harris family is enjoying a much deserved family vacation. By the way, what day do you boys begin your Patrick Henry journey? I hope you are able to rest a little before then. Thank you all for the amazing conference!
July 28th, 2008 at 6:06 am
WOW!!! It was an amazing time of worship and fellowship. This is what I needed and thanks to God that I got the chance to attend the conference. It was a blessing, the worship and ministry was greatly needed as sometimes we drift away from God and we forget the importance of knowing him. The challanges that you guys went trhough and the test that you did to prove that teens shouldn’t have low expectations has inspired me to DO HARD THINGS, most importantly for the glory of God.
Thanks for the hard work EVERYONE did.
I hope you enjoy your vacation here in Gaithersburg!
July 28th, 2008 at 6:08 am
Oh by the way can you guys post your favorite quote.. Alex i believe I asked you to write in the book but you said it was too long!
Thanks
July 28th, 2008 at 6:16 am
My dad summed it all up when he told me, “That was the best teaching and encouragement for your age group that you will ever hear.” I will be going to a secular (community) college in the fall, and I was worried about how to stand out as a Christian. This conference really, really helped me a lot in that area. I can’t even tell you how thankful I am for what you two started! I’m just disappointed that no more people from my youth group showed up.
July 28th, 2008 at 6:46 am
Thank you so much, Alex and Brett! This weekend was absolutely incredible! The music and speaking was awesome! A few friends and I were talking about how we had goosebumps because we could feel the Holy Spirit moving throughout Covenant! Thank you so much for putting this on, and encouraging us to do hard things! I was really encouraged to do things that are challenging to me, and not to do something that’s easy for me because it’s hard for some one else (I’m thinking of Brett’s example of lifting weights with your younger brother!). Thank you so much for following God’s leading, and dedicating you time to encouraging and pushing teenagers around the globe to strive to do hard things for the glory of our incredible God! You guys are awesome, and I’ll continue to pray for you! Thank you so much!
July 28th, 2008 at 6:51 am
Olivia:
Thanks for the encouragement. You can get names of all the worship songs from the conference at this page: http://www.therebelution.com/conference/worship_08.htm
July 28th, 2008 at 7:20 am
http://pearlsanddiamonds.wordpress.com/2008/07/01/do-hard-things/
July 28th, 2008 at 7:23 am
Trying to leave a track back to a review of your book ^above^. Still working on figuring this blogging business out.
Abigail @ Pearls and Diamonds
July 28th, 2008 at 7:53 am
thank you guys so much! i have never heard or thought about how low the expectation level for teens is, it was truly amazing to see god working through the lives of teens my age to rebel against even their own low expectations. i have felt so inspired to dig in deeper, to find more rebelutionaries. god is good.
July 28th, 2008 at 8:04 am
The conference was amazing!! u guys are so funny and encouraging! Thanks so so much!
July 28th, 2008 at 8:32 am
That was absolutley amazing! I’ve gone to Covenant Life Church my entire life and have never seen the place so packed. I cannot believe a man came as far as Kenya to be there! God is so Good!
Thanks so much Alex and Brett for everything you’ve done! You’ve really inspired me! You guys were so encouraging and I’m so glad that God was able to work so much through you!
I’ve been researching heroes like Elizabeth Elliot and such, and I’m putting myself on a major reading list! I’ve already learned so much from reading and researching! Thank you SOOOOOOOOOO much!!!!!!!!
:D
July 28th, 2008 at 8:33 am
Yes! The conference was an amazing–an amazing testimony to our amazing God! I am sure I will be blogging about the conference soon!
I certainly hope more pictures are coming!!
Every blessing,
~Nella Camille
July 28th, 2008 at 8:40 am
I attended and was really blessed by the message that was given. It was awesome to be challenged to glorify God, not only in hard things that are big and obvious but the small things that challenge us. I though you guys made an excellent point when you said that doing hard things isn’t the same for everybody, some people might say it’s really hard to speak in front of large crowds but for other people it comes completely naturally and they really don’t have to do a whole lot to be good at it. Just because the world would say that the person comfortable with speaking in front of large crowds has already done hard things doesn’t mean that they actually have.
I also thought the worship was amazing, I appreciated that Christ was really the center or the whole event instead of promoting our self and the great things that we can do.
It was totally worth the 12 hour drive!
July 28th, 2008 at 8:50 am
hey! your conference was absalutely amazingg.
i didnt want to go at first but then i didnt want to leave haha
it was so impacting and i loved it. hte long drive from nj was worth it
i hope i can go to another one soon. i loved it
thanks so much for being such good examples to younger teens
i wish you guys could come to my church!
thanks again. God really has blessed you guys with a good ministry
July 28th, 2008 at 8:51 am
That was great! All the sessions were good and very thought-provoking. I especially like Mr. Harris’s message though. It really affected me and a lot of my friends. In fact, some of them even were saved! It was a great conference, and I really thank you guys for coming!
July 28th, 2008 at 8:55 am
I was there! It was so cool! Even after lots and lots of extra chairs were brought into the room, there still wasn’t enough room for everybody to have a seat elsewhere than the floor! It was amazing! And people from all around the world were there!
Daniel
July 28th, 2008 at 9:13 am
I just got back from the Rebelution tour at Gaithersburg M.D. it was so wonderful. When I got home I was so blessed that I went out to my yard and just stood outside in my yard and I started crying (I was so grateful for the opportunity to be at the rebelution conference) I was so blessed that God had allowed me to go. I am so thankful to God for the Harris boys and there wonderful example. I now feel better equipped to go and do hard things for the glory of God. I cannot even express how much this conference has meant to me. The teaching was so refreshing and I was so encouraged. I have felt the Lord place a burden on my life to reach out to the young women of this generation and lead them to become godly young women. Even though I had felt this calling I have had many doors closed on me, and only being 15 it has been hard, but being at the rebelution has been so encouraging. I am now praying that God will provide for me other young women that have this same calling but until then I am going to pick up the armor of God and lead by example. Thank you Alex and Brett for all that you are doing, and thank you Mr. and Mrs. Harris for the way that you have lead your sons. Thank you to all of the Harris family you have greatly blessed me by the way that you are serving the Lord. P.S. I have a twin brother who is one minute younger than me. Once again thank you so much for all that you are doing. Keep up the good work.
July 28th, 2008 at 9:24 am
Wow, It looks like it was amazing… I hope you guys get a chance to come to the Orlando area soon!
Samantha
July 28th, 2008 at 9:25 am
Oh ya I forgot! I used to live about 45min from Gaithersburg Md. I would so have loved to come see you guys.. I hope some of my friends from my old church got to come see you guys!
Samantha
July 28th, 2008 at 9:34 am
The senior high group from our church is at camp this week and they are studing “Do Hard Things” this week.
A man, who’s in his 80’s, from our church donated a book for each of the 74 students going to camp!
Praise God for this life changing message!
July 28th, 2008 at 10:04 am
I went to the Maryland conferene and it was amazing! To see more than 3000 people show i was in awe. I had no idea that it was going to be that big. Your messages were really good. And i hope that you found the twelve missing keypads! I had traveled four hours from Jersey with my youth group and parents; it was well worth it!
-Heather
July 28th, 2008 at 10:06 am
Just as a follow-up to my previous comment, my friend Timothy is in one of the Flickr pictures (so is the lower half of my face)!!
July 28th, 2008 at 10:07 am
Man! The conference was great! I loved the way you guys expanded on what you had said in your book. It wasn’t just you two up there reading the book to us (though I was worried after session 3 that might be the case!). You father’s session on the Gospel was the best one of the conference. And to see so many teens and parents follow Christ after the session was amazing! God is doing so much through you guys!
It was great meeting you guys! And yes, the Trailblazers have a good team this year. But remember, in order to win the title they have to get through the defending champs, the Boston Celtics!
In closing, the conference shirts rocked. Thanks so much Alex and Brett! Maybe I’ll see you some other time. God bless and go Celtics.
July 28th, 2008 at 10:10 am
Wow, that was the most amazing coference I’ve attended in a really long time. After I got home from the conference I went right home and started evaluating the way I was spending my time and how God was calling me to change my life and I did takes steps to change. Alex and Brett, I really appreciate your investment in Rebelution. Through it, God has been working in my life and he used you guys to finally get the message through to me.
July 28th, 2008 at 11:15 am
This was the most amazing conference I’ve ever experienced! It was awesome to see how many people attended! Every seat was filled and there were many people sitting in extra seats, on the floor in the front, and in the aisles! Thank you so much, Harris’s, for working as a family to put this on! And thank you to all the volunteers, too! The worship music was uplifting and the sessions were encouraging and empowering. Mr. Harris, you presented the gospel message in a way different from the other ways that I have heard. It was moving to see so many people stand up and give their lives to Christ. Alex and Brett, your words were so encouraging and challenging (and, in the cases of some examples from your own lives, funny!). You gave me much to think about (and do!), and you gave me a new outlook and mindset for my life. At the conference I saw friends that I didn’t know were Rebelutionaries, and I was even able to make a new friend! This comment doesn’t even begin to describe what an awesome time I had at the conference. Alex and Brett, thank you so much for starting and leading the Rebelution.
Catherine
July 28th, 2008 at 11:19 am
P.S. When is your first day of college? I hope you thoroughly enjoy your well-deserved vacation, and I also hope that all of those keypads turn up!
July 28th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
I wish I could have been there! But it was evidently not in my life plan. Oh, well, I look forward to seeing the fruit of good teaching in my friends who were able to go. I can tell they were quite blessed by their experience at the conference. Thanks for stopping in Gaithersburg! It was really cool to see more of the Harris family on that stage (in the pictures). I’ve never seen that room so full! God is truly doing an amazing work through you guys, it’s very encouraging to watch.
Hope you two get a chance to stop for breath before collage starts.
July 28th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
Hmm, I did it again.
College–is the institution of education
Collage–is the art form that combines images or text to make a new composition
My old faithful spelling error.
July 28th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
Dear Alex, Brett, and Harris Family,
Thank you so much for all the time and effort that went into these conferences. God had truly used ya’ll in great ways to reach out not only to the teens in this world but also the hearts of thousands in this world. You maybe havn’t seen the fruit yet but ya’ll have planted the seeds. Now it is up to the Lord to grow those seeds.
I want to personally thank Mr. Harris for your influence on my parents. My parents (Bob and Kerin) went to one of you talks and were greatly moved by the idea of home schooling and have now and still are home schooling thier eleven children. I personally want to thank you because in know that, had i been public or private schooled iwould not be where i am today.
Mrs. Harris - I want to thank you for raising your sons on to good works and going allong side them throughout all that they have done. You have directly obeyed and followed God.
Josh - Thank you so much for what you have done in not only setting an example but showing your younger brothers what God can do with those that are humble and open to Himself. Your books have been great resources for my older syblings.
Joel - I thank God for the talent he has given you with music. I personally get alot out of worship. I was touchd by your willingness to lead worship at the conference. Thank you!!
Alex and Brett - I was blown away at how much wisdom ya’ll have. I can see that you both truly love, respect, and seek to do the will of God. I had been struggling with complacency alot in my life getting away with just doing the bare minimum in every area and aspect of my life. Yall have been some of my heros and i really look up to both of you! I hope to personally meet you one day. Thanks again for the work that ya’ll have done not only in my life but the lives of many others!!
Sarah - Thank you for being a help both physically and emnotionally for your brothers. I know what it’s like to be in the middle of boys. I am one of eleven and it goes boy,girl,g,b,b,b,b,g,b,b,g. and i am the Girl rite in between all the b’s.
Isaac - Thank you for being a help at the conferences. I know that i don’t know all that you do to help but i can only imagine. Even though you didn’t direclty run the conference in a big way you made it happen and in so doing helped reach thousands of lives.
James - I know what a big help little brothers can be. I have 2 little brothers and any time i need thier help they pitch in. I am sure that you are the same way. Your brothers are lucky to have a little brother like you!
Thanks again to all of ya’ll!!
Becca
P.S. Joel, I play violin and have been looking for violin sheet music to the sovereign grace music and i cannot find it anywhere. I don’t know if you know where i could find it or not. If so, that would be amazing and if not, that’s fine i will keep looking. Thanks again.
July 28th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Sorry that was so long
July 28th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
Wow.
God is doing some utterly amazing things. (I really wish the English language had enough words to express more of God’s power and sovereign beauty!)
You want a story of God’s grace in the life of a normal teenager? I got one.
This past year (since February I guess) I have felt a call on my life to evangelize. It started with a 32-year-old agnostic named Brandon on a flight from San Antonio to Baltimore. 20 minutes into the flight, an impression, as heavy as those lead blanket things they put on you for xrays at the dentist, fell on me that I should talk to this guy about God. So my group of friends flying with me started praying and God gave me the words to say. I was terrified that I wasn’t making any sense yet thrilled that God was doing something in Brandon’s heart.
Jumping to June, my pen pal, Kelsey, (who I have met once at age 6 and written to ever since) came from Albuquerque to Gaithersburg for my graduation. She stayed in my house for a week and was brought to CLC on Sunday. God is so after this girl! Muahaha. =) We discussed everything together from politics to ethics, to the original intent of the Constitution, to her passion for high school marching band and my passion for musical theatre, to religion and science, to the Bible, etc. We watched the documentary by Lee Strobel, The Case for Christ, which is an intellectual journey to prove that the Bible is what it says it is and Jesus is who he says he is. But the perfect orchestration of the next events put God’s power and love on display. Her flight to denver from Baltimore was delayed.She missed her connection from denver to albuquerque. So a 17 year old girl was stranded alone in the Denver airport overnight. My mom called the CLC church office and got some contacts of families in Denver’s sovereign grace church. So Kelsey was picked up from the airport by a pastoral intern at the Denver church who happened to be from Albuquerque, used to be in a marching band, and has a 17 year old daughter. They took her home with them for the night and back to the airport the next day. Isn’t our God AWESOME?!?!
So anyway - I have a point in sharing all this, I promise.
After these two encounters where I had the opportunities to share the gospel, I talked with my parents and caregroup about this call on my life to evangelize but I didn’t really know what to do about it.
A few weeks later, your brother kicked off the series about not wasting your life, etc which is so exciting. Then the singles ministry kicked off a series “undone” about our generation becoming undone by the majesty of God that we are so filled with passion and Christ-like activity in our community that it can’t help but notice and be affected. Next, at caregroup one night, we discussed how God bought us with Jesus’ blood and therefore owns us. He owns ALL of us. I was convicted that I haven’t been living like God owned my time, my resources, and my talents. I need to start worshiping him through the proper usage of those gifts - the active usage of those gifts. The fourth puzzle piece fell at a “big meeting” with all the college-age caregroups where Jon Smith used Proverbs to address laziness. He said that our world will not be impacted by lazy people, and if we Christians are lazy, how can the Kingdom of God be advanced in this world? He challenged us not to be the generation who did video games, but the generation that served God. This was 4 days before your Rebelution conference in Gaithersburg about doing hard things. I’m sensing a major theme here. =)
At the Rebelution on Saturday, God met me in many unexpected ways. I learned that an idol is anything you sacrifice for more than for God. I don’t usually sacrifice much time for my daily devotions. Also, i learned that every command God has given us is worthy of pursuit because it is something he intends for our good and to protect us from destruction. I found myself in the character of Mr. Adolescent Complacency and was inspired to use all of my God-given abilities and to “work them out” in order to grow them. Previously my life has been characterized by ability and very little incentive. Alex, when you spoke towards the end, I was struck that i should never miss out on God’s blessings by not honoring my parents. I was convicted that I spend a lot of time with TV shows for companions when i should be choosing my companions more wisely - remembering that media is one of them. Brett, I benefited from your encouragement to find a hero. I realized that I needed a goal, specific to my abilities, and someone whose life points me there. I have been changed by the exhortation to rearrange the furniture of my life and to get rid of things so my goals won’t be thwarted when my feelings change. For me that looks like not sleeping in so long, spending more time getting to know my God, and trading out fiction novels for more John Piper, JI Packer, and Elisabeth Elliot.
My dad is a teacher and i was always raised to work hard and do well in academics. I feel called to be a high school teacher and/or writer. I have always been saddened and discouraged by the degradation of our generations morals. And I have always been afraid at how hard America’s enemies study and train in contrast to how much we Americans ignore the rest of the world and party till we drop out of college. But now - the Rebelution has given me hope. Sitting around and feeling sorry for my generation and our country is not helping anything. I can DO SOMETHING. And I am super excited!! Now my burden for evangelism and passion for literature and performing arts make sense! God has used your book and conference to change my perspective from lamentingly passive to passionately active. Now my heart cries “What can I do? How is God going to use me?” as I search eagerly for opportunities to serve my Savior and advance the Kingdom.
Alex and Brett, your faithfulness to answer God’s call on your lives, your passion, determination, and your diligent preparation are being used by our Lord to impact the lives of people you will never even meet and change our world in ways you will not know until that Final Day when you step forward to receive the heavenly reward from your King. THANK YOU. I wish the font went bigger. T H A N K Y O U ! !!!
~Sarah
July 28th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
Those photos are truly breathtaking. Praise be to God for His grace and His evident power. =D My heart sings!
July 28th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
Hey, those foam rockets you used were fantastic! It was great seeing how enthusiastic people were for the books you were giving away. Do you know where I could get air rockets like those?
July 28th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
Hey there, Brett and Alex, just wanted you to know the impact that it had on me. God had been working on me and I really felt broken before him that afternoon. As I saw the young people stand to accept Jesus as their Savior, something inside broke. Somehow seeing a 16 year old guy in front of me wiping his teary eyes with his tee shirt as he stood to accept Jesus made my faith more real to me. It solidified what really matters, and brought the tears to my eyes too. I saw how selfish and wrong I had been in so many areas. Thank you. My heart now truly does sing along with the closing song… Keep me from just singing, move me into action, fill me up and send me out.
July 28th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
I also go to Covenant Life Church, and was able to serve AND able to listen to the conference. I really appreciate you guys coming to MD and doing this! It was amazing to see that you guys memorized pretty much the whole thing! And like Rachel said, it was amazing to be able to work behind the scenes and watch all of the teams work together! Especially Sam and Casey who, as far as I know, weren’t team captains!
I had recently been talking to a new-found friend during our lunch break and had told her that I wished I was closer to God. During the end of session 4, (and during the 15 second timer for the question “For those of you who said ‘no’ are you wanting to ask God into your hearts again?” (That is what I remember it said)) I prayed that God would speak to all those who said ‘no’ that they would say ‘yes.’ I started choking up seeing the results of those who wanted to dedicate their lives to God. And when Mr. Harris told them to come down to the front and also invited those who wanted to re-dedicate their lives to God, I really started crying. At first I wasn’t sure if that was what he had said, but I had asked one of my friends and she told me that it was what he said and that she will go down to the front with me. During that moment I realized that God hap touched my heart. I couldn’t even sing because I was crying.
I want to thank you guys and Mr. Harris over and over for coming to Covenant Life and for putting all this hard work into it! I hope you guys enjoy your much needed vacation!
::Sophie::
July 28th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
Alex and Brett, thank you so much for coming to Gaithersburg! Our church (CLC) had been earnestly praying for this event and God was SO GOOD! Thank you for making yourselves available for God to use. The entire conference was such a blessing and so was meeting you and your family at church on Sunday. I pray you are refreshed during this week of vacation!
July 28th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
Oh yeah- And I’ve NEVER seen the building SO full in my life! It was amazing! You’d see someone once for like 30 seconds, then they’d be gone the whole rest of the day!
::Sophie::
July 28th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
Wow Guys it was amazing!! I liked the ‘rain’! I was hoping you didnt spray us with water! Keep up the good work! God Bless!
July 28th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
This weekend was amazing. I don’t want to write all the things God has done for me and my youth group because it might take a day to read.. I just want you both to know how much I appreciate you’re hard work, and thank God for placing you in Gaithersburg this past weekend. Who knew it would turn out to be as amazing as it did.. Thanks again
July 28th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
guys..I was very blessed with rebulation conference.. The youth really need this kind of conference to encourage them and inspire their life to do hard things.
God bless both of you,Keep on fire in God.. =)
July 28th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
Alex and Brett,
Many responses to the Gaithersburg Conference have been generated here. Responses that indicate the sovereign work of the Lord in the hearts of men. It must be humbling to receive these responses, knowing that God used two ordinary, yet willing young men to change many hearts. How it must cause you to marvel at the goodness and unfailing grace of God.
At the close of the Conference, you spoke on discouragement and complacency. This particular point struck the cords of my heart, and birthed a heavenly conviction. A few months ago, I was reading through the biography of Amy Carmichael. There was a particular account in her biography that intrigued and inspired me: Shortly before leaving for the harvest fields of India, Amy Carmichael addressed a letter to several local pastors asking if they knew of any women that were wholly devoted to Christ and completely set apart from the world. “Not only do we not have any women like this,” the pastor’s replied, “but we don’t even know of one woman who would fit that description.” This account came to life in my mind as you continued to speak on complaceny. I hardly think much has changed since Amy Carmichael wrote those letters. Not only does our generation, among others, fail to meet this standard, but churches all across America have sunk deep into the waters of complacency and compromise. This description, given by Carmichael, would hardly be fitting for the majority of young people and adults, pew warmers and pastors alike in the twenty first century.
We have willingly submitted ourselves to the mediocrity of modern day Christianity. No longer is our service coupled with competence or cheerfulness; no longer is the aim of ministry anything greater than a spiritual molehill. We fail to recognize our complacency because we are so absorbed in the comfortable existence that mediocrity provides.
But, this is not beyond God. He is capable of changing our complacent, mediocre generation into a generation that is entirely swept up in the pursuit of God and His holiness! Surely, God has already begun this great work.
All too often we get one step ahead of the culture–even the Christian culture–and then, for some strange reason stop all forward movement. But, what if being one step ahead of the culture is ten thousand steps behind where God desires to take us?
What if our generation wasn’t trying to simply be one step ahead of the culture, but instead was entirely enthralled with the glory of God? History would be made!
Praying that our complacency would be put to death in order that we might do hard things for God and give Him the glory that He alone deserves!
Meggan
July 28th, 2008 at 6:34 pm
at the conference, you (alex and brett) said to find a hero. well i’ve had one for many many years. Amy Carmichael. i have read every book i could find on her, including a big fat one. thank you for the encouragement!
shalom,
rachel
July 28th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
Thanks so much for an amazing conference! For the past three years, I really have felt the burden to “do hard things,” though I guess I never called it that. I believe (and have believed for awhile now) I don’t have to be shackled down by a culture that expects me happily to dumb myself down with entertainment, fleeting pleasures, and sinful desires. Hearing you guys talk at the conference last Saturday was amazing and inspiring for me to continue doing hard things.
Thanks so much!
July 28th, 2008 at 9:59 pm
Wow, it’s wonderful to read through these comments. It’s amazing what God did in the hearts of everyone. When we first walked in the doors, I couldn’t believe how MANY people were there! Spilling into the aisles and everything…it was crazy, but good. I was so blessed to be there and be part of this special day, and I enjoyed seeing a few familiar faces and meeting new ones.
I didn’t mention this, but I REALLY needed to hear you guys give this message from your hearts again. Even though I know it’s the truth, I’ve been “tuning it out” in everyday life. (Ouch.) The last session especially challenged me in various ways. Your dad’s session was also a humbling reminder and just that time to realize how MUCH we need God. It was incredible to see the lives that were being changed in that moment. Praise God. Singing “Stepping forward/keep us from just singing/move us into action/we must go” was the perfect note to end the day on.
I had the privilege of meeting “the older brother” Josh, and he was so kind! I think it must run in the family.
Alex & Brett, thank you both for being so giving of yourselves. I don’t take that for granted. Alex…thank you for the note in my book - AND for getting socked twice just to make the video funny! (At least that’s better than bloopers??) I’ll have it posted soon. I appreciate you guys. Enjoy your hard-earned vacation!
July 29th, 2008 at 5:28 am
I finally figured out who you guys remind me of, Samuel Morris (Otherwise known as Prince Kaboo). He was pretty much the first African missionary to American(Although he didn’t know it). Samuel Morris had very simple and strong faith in his Father God and God used Samuel’s faith to spark the faith of thousands of men and women kicking off a massive revival and a surge in the missions.
I think God is using you two in a similar way and I pray that the fruit will be as bountiful.
July 29th, 2008 at 6:11 am
Wow, that is so…I can’t find the words to describe it. So “wow.”
I just saw the pictures, and all I can say is, yes, God is truly amazing. 
Rest well. Have a great vacation!
God bless!
July 29th, 2008 at 8:23 am
Brett and Alex, I’ve been going to my church all my life. When I heard about you coming to our church last month, I was so excited! When the day finally came, our whole family went to the conference. We enjoyed it so much! Brett, I have loved the shower story ever since you told it in the book! Alex, I loved the part you told about the elephant. It would of been so funny if you really did have a elephant! Alex and Brett, I also loved it when we made it rain at the conference, it was so cool! Finally, it was great meeting you on Sunday, I’ve never met such nice people!
July 29th, 2008 at 10:54 am
I’m sorry to say that our church was responsible for a quarter of the missing keypads. (We brought them back though) I hope you found the rest. I really liked how you said what we teens are expected of. (Clean my room without parental help?!?! OH NO!!!!) It was a great day. Just the amazing love for everybody else in the room exerted by everybody (Even the 12 who responded: NO I would not like to be born again) completely had me flabbergasted. Thank you so much. Pray that I can continue to Do Hard Things day after day.
P.S. You two really deserve a vacation.
July 29th, 2008 at 11:16 am
Hey guys… thanks for the wonderful conference. I enjoyed all the sessions. I am in the process of reading your book as well. Great book by the way!
Did you guys find those 12 missing key pads? Hope so…
July 29th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
Wow it looks like you’ve had a good year!
July 29th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
The Lord has done wonderful things for you guys this year!!
July 29th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
Those Trailblazers will be a threat to the Lakers, I’ll give you that Alex.
July 29th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
Hey Alex and Brett,
I just wanted to thank you for putting on such an amazing conference! It was so inspiring and life-changing for me and so is your book! Thanks again and God bless!
Susanna
P.S. Glad you found the rest of the keypads! =]
July 29th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
Where to begin?? This conference was more than I could have ever hoped/imagined. I am just in awe of how God works in such miraculous ways. Mr. Harris’s session really opened my eyes and broke down all the walls I had built around myself for years. I had never realized that I was one of those wolves in sheep’s clothing until that moment. The conference not only changed my life, but it has touched everyone in my family!! My brother and I (who both attended the conference) were reborn that day, but what astounds me the most is how God used that to talk to my sister who did not attend. The night we got back, I stayed up with her for hours talking about God and the next day she took her Bible everywhere, reading it every moment she could (which is something I have never seen her do before!!). We are all hungry for the Word, and it is all because of the conference and the amazing work of our LORD!!
I can not put it into words how much I want to thank you, Alex and Brett, and the rest of your family for that matter. God is using you all to spread His word in so many ways. You all are truly blessed, and I am forever grateful!
Your Fellow Rebelutionary
July 30th, 2008 at 8:12 am
WOW! I’m affected just by reading all of these comments….God was working at the conference and it was truly amazing to watch!!! I have never seen Covenant Life so full before! At the end of your dad’s message I when we has asking the different questions I was sitting there watching the results and it was so sobering and sad that my eyes started to fill with tears. Just realizing how many people were sitting in this room with me who weren’t Christians. How often I take for granted my salvation and the fact that God drew me to himself at an early age. But When all those people stood up at the end I start balling…it was so amazing to me to see God working in all those peoples lives (I’m crying just thinking about it). The conference was truly amazing and such a blessing. The times of worship were so refreshing and I LOVED the songs we sang. (Joel did an amazing job leading us). And you guys work so well together……it is truly an amazing thing to watch God at work. I can’t wait to see what things are generation will accomplish by doing hard things for the glory of God! And what I’ll be able to do and become by stepping out of my comfort zone (which is very small) and doing hard things for God.
July 30th, 2008 at 8:46 am
The confrence was… Marvelous. I was challenged to move out of my comfort zone & change my outlook. One of the guy’s I went with actually stood up & gave his life to Christ & I was in tears… To feel God moving right there in Covenant Life Chruch was amazing. Wonderfully amazing.
Thank you all the staff & volunteers. Where would we be without you? God is using you in ways even beyond what you can imagine. :]
July 30th, 2008 at 9:19 am
Do you ever get that feeling of the presence of the Lord, that little heart flutter, and the unasked tears coming to your eyes? When Mr. Harris spoke, when all those kids became apart of our family, when they stood up in front of 3,200 people to proclaim to the world that they were apart of a generation change, a world change, nothing could have stopped the tears spilling down my face, or the joy filling my heart! I was touched in so many profound ways…the only words I can come up with that even begin to describe what God is doing, and has done in my heart are these, “We must go, live to feed the hungry, stand beside the broken, we must go! Stepping forward keep us from just singing, move us into action, we must go!” The words of that song hit me so hard! Thats what I want to do! I want to live for something that is bigger than me, I want to soar on wings like eagles, I want to run and not grow weary, walk and not faint, I want to go out and change the world, I want to fall more in love with Jesus and along the way bring others into His loving arms! You guys have no idea what God is doing through you…just some teenage kids with willing hearts! Thank you ,thank you, thank you, for allowing Jesus Christ to work through you!
Love in Christ,
Hannah
July 30th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Wow 3,200 people! It always seems like the last conference of each year is always the biggest. I really enjoyed seeing all the pictures.
July 30th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Hey, I don’t know if you knew this yet, but the Gazette today had an article about the conference on Saturday.
July 30th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
The link to the article Sophie was talking about is:
http://www.gazette.net/stories/073008/poolnew205914_32369.shtml
Check this out! Especially if you were at the conference but don’t live in Maryland, meaning you didn’t get this newspaper. Now, not only the people who attended the conference will here of this, but all those you read the Montgomery County Gazette; this story was on the front page. What an amazing God we serve!
-Monica Tanzey
July 30th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
Haha! Thanks Monica! I didn’t think of putting up a link:)
::Sophie::
July 31st, 2008 at 8:20 am
I agree with all of you; the conference was AMAZING! I am so glad my mom dragged me and my siblings there. Thank you for coming all the way here, Alex and Brett!!
July 31st, 2008 at 11:44 am
Hey guys, your conference was AMAZING, even though i was really sick i still loved every minute of it. Its a blessing to know that teens are not alone in trying to glorify God. This was the first conference ive ever went to and i had sooo much fun. Thank you for everything you both are doing:) I cant wait to go to another conference next year!!!!
July 31st, 2008 at 7:32 pm
Sorry if you got my last comment twice….
August 1st, 2008 at 12:50 pm
The radical change that has happened in my children, in myself, and my husband…in our family in general…over the last week since the conference can only be attributed to the working of the Holy Spirit through your conference last week. My daugher shares about it on her blog as well. she is getting ready to start college this fall and what she learned will be carried onto the campus. She and I are already planning on starting a small group for girls to encourage them to do hard things!
My husband and I have been ministering on a Christian college campus for 15 years. The spiritual climate among the students is at an all time low. I become more burdened each year with what I see in the lives of the students. When I think of the message of the conference I become so emotional because I so desire for that message to reach the heart of each and every student on our campus.
I wonder if I would be able to buy your book in bulk to have to hand out to our students. It is such an important message.
I looked at the pictures from the conference and they brought me to tears as I remember the challenge, and how much I long to somehow convey it to our students. I have such a heavy burden for them as we walk along side them and attempt to challenge them.
Keep doing what you’re doing.
I have already bought one of the books and given it to a girl/student.
God Bless!
August 1st, 2008 at 3:27 pm
Wow that was really great. I loved the whole day. I had alread y read Do Hard Things but it was so good to hear you speak. I went home with a passion for christ that will never leave me. Thanx so much!
Maria
August 1st, 2008 at 3:27 pm
Wow guys…thank you so much for the amazing testimony, encouragement, and challenge that you have given to me and my family. The conference was amazing, and I am so excited to see the change that God is bringing about in me…and in my family as well.
Thanks so much. You are doing a great job…keep it up!
Brianna
August 1st, 2008 at 3:28 pm
Oh I meant a big C on Christ.
August 1st, 2008 at 6:16 pm
I was here and it was truly amazing. It came at the perfect timing because I’ve been thinking about this kind of stuff a lot lately. This was just the extra push I needed. It also helped me see specific ways I can apply what I’m trying to do-start a revival among the youth-esp in my church. Here’s what I got out of it specifically though! http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=35014952544&ref=mf
August 2nd, 2008 at 9:25 am
I was so blessed and challenged at the conference! I have caught the message and, by God’s grace, will never let it go. I have already seen the affects in the lives of my aunt and uncle. Their daughter is rebelious and their four year old son has leukemia. They have, I mean had, extremely low expectations. God used my brother and now they have grown in Christ and have faith that God will do what is best in their son’s life. Again God has belssed me through your ministry.
For His Glory!
Sandra
August 2nd, 2008 at 10:58 am
What a great conference! You guys are an inspiration to our generation.
I was really struck when you said what a high percentage of Christians go
to college, and then fall away from the lord. I have alot of friends who gra-
duated this year, and I’m really going to be praying for them. I bet college is
one plce where Satan will be testing there faith more than ever. Let’s all be praying
for college freshman, that they would be able to stay strong in the Lord through
this time in their lives.
August 2nd, 2008 at 5:37 pm
Wow…the conference was wonderful! Alex and Brett, thank you so much for letting God work through you in such an amazing way! Your message really impacted me, and it’s wonderful to see how it impacted so many others, too–all these comments are a testimony to that. I had already read your book before coming to the conference, but something about being there and hearing it in person was many times more inspiring. The only let down was that it was only a day long
I was especially moved (to tears!) by seeing how many people accepted Christ that day, and I was extremely grateful that Mr. Harris said, “With every head UP and every eye OPEN.” He was so right in saying that if one can’t stand up for Christ in church, how will they stand up for Him anywhere else?
The rain was so cool, too! I loved it–it really impressed upon me the effect of collaborration
I loved every bit of the day–the worship, all the sessions, everything. There wasn’t one thing said that day that wasn’t life-changing! I especially was encouraged in the area of doing small hard things, and things that are hard FOR ME; not letting myself be content with merely being better than others.
God is amazing, and may He bless you all for blessing so many others!
Caedy
August 2nd, 2008 at 7:17 pm
i did not go but it sounds like a great time to worship.
August 3rd, 2008 at 7:10 pm
Thank you so much, Alex, Brett, all of you that worked for this amazing conference!! I came with four other kids from my church, my Pastor and three parents from our church. It was so inspiring to know that a lot of those people at the conference probably did a study on the Do Hard Things book like we did. It’s kind of like being on an island with only a few people and then finding out that on the other side of the island there a whole group of people who want to encourage you and help you out!!!! Abreath of fresh air!!
Thanks so much,
Morgan
August 3rd, 2008 at 7:15 pm
I LOVE this comment from Caedy-The rain was so cool, too! I loved it–it really impressed upon me the effect of collaboration-I definitely agree!!
August 3rd, 2008 at 9:22 pm
i went to this conference and i know i already commented but that rain thing was soo amazingg. my pastor wants to do it at my church!! where evere did you guys learn that? its so cool. your guys rae such great christian examples. keep loving Jesus.
~hannah
August 5th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
My 12 year old went with two others and a dad from our homechurch… When I excitedly asked how it was b-c I am fully on board with you all, they ALL said they agreed with the message BUT that it was Too long… the length seemed to take away from the power.. any thoughts on this? Kim
August 6th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
The conference was reported on by Ball Hog on a College Sports Message Board with a leading spiritual forum “12 Baskets”.
Great recognition from Ball Hog who is a thoughtful evangelical writer.
http://razorbacktalk.com/board/index.php/topic,22161.msg366429.html#new
Son and I just got back from the “Do Hard Things” Conference led by the Harris brothers. They oversold the event with over 3000 in attendance and the fire marshall was directing where the overflow could sit in the aisles.
We sat with Josh Harris the twins 33-year-old older brother and pastor of the church where this event was held. Josh Harris is a best-selling author as a young man.
The premise of the conference is that our culture shackles teens with low expectations. The twins, Alex and Brett, started a blog about the subject which got the attention of the NY Daily News and other media outlets. They contacted by the Alabama Supreme Court and did a legal internship at the age of 16.
The term teen-ager was first used in Reader’s Digest in a 1941 article. The labor laws of the early 20th century created more educational opportunity and less sweat shop work for young people. It also created an age group that stopped primarily being a producer and became consumers.
The analogy is that in Asia a mature elephant is a beast of burden and yet can be contained with twine around its hind leg attached to a stake. The baby elephant is first chained with a real restraint to a tree. Over time, the elephant forgets about trying to escape its circumstances.
In a similar way teens can miss out on God’s glorious purpose for their lives during their teen years. The current ceiling for accomplishment is really where the floor should be.
They related “Rest of the Story” bits on George Washington, David Farragut, and Clara Barton. George was county surveyor at age 16. Farragut captained a captured British ship at age 12. When the British captain decided this was too much of an insult, young Farragut warned that if he came on deck he would be shot and tossed overboard. The cap’n stayed in the hold. Barton was shy but eventually started the Red Cross.
They related a contemporary story of a teen-ager who started Loose Change to Loose Chains. It encouraged people to donate loose change so that agents could buy persons in Africa out of slavery.
The brothers challenged teens to Do Hard Things including:
1) Fighting sin in their life
2) Battling discouragement and complacency
3) Doing more than is required
The Vikings apparently rowed their own ships rather than use slave labor. They were hard and tough to defeat in battle
4) Getting over our fear of failure.
5) What is Hard Is different for each person. Challenge is to take on the difficult aspect in your area of talent and God-given passion and service.
6) Do the Small Things that seem like Hard Things.
Equip for bigger challenges in the future.
7) Doing Hard Things is not the easiest life but is the best life.
The Christian ideal has never been found lacking, just too difficult.
3 Pillars of Doing Hard Things: Character, Competence, and Collaboration
Character: A true Christian has the heart of lamb inside wolf’s clothing. That wolf is always wanting to express. We bear the fruit of the type of person we really are. Some try to staple fruit onto a barren tree.
The twin’s father Greg led an invitation in which hundreds indicated they had made a first time profession of faith in Christ. At the end of the conference, the father got emotional when he noted that after years of feeling he was less than successful as an evangelist, there is this God glorifying response when his sons were the main speakers.
The twins urged Collaboration:
Do not just go it alone (II Tim. 2:22)
Do not go with just peers. Get wise, mature counsel, preferably from parents.
The twins challenged teens within the next month to:
1) Identify a hero or heroes. Learn about them.
2) Read great books.
3) Take advantage of the Rebelution (blog, message board, conference contacts)
4) Find the closet Rebelutionaries in their church or town to befriend
5) Seek out godly individuals. Ask them “what would you do differently if you had to do it over again?”
6) God is the ultimate companion. Draw closer to God in prayer and Bible Study
7) Change something. Make a conscious choice to change a habit.
The son enjoyed the event. It was a long day but fulfilling.
The message can be controversial but rightly understood, should not be.
August 9th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
Hey guys!
Thank you both sooo much and I hope to get to another one of your conferences soon!!!
Wow! Truly one of the best days of my life! Such an eye opener and inspiration to get out there and do hard things for His glory. My dad and I, along with a few friends, drove up from Hagerstown MD, and boy was the hour drive worth it! (we used to go to CLC before going with a church plant to Frederick, MD.) At first I was a little unsure about it; I didn’t know what to expect either. But your humor, kindness, your love for God’s Word *and* doing hard things made it really really enjoyable! I can’t wait to turn thirteen on the 28th and live out the Gospel as a rebelutionary with a new motivation. Also, I’m reading your book, and I’ve found that I don’t need a highliter…or else I would hilight the entire thing!
~Emmie
Oh…glad you found the key pad thingys!
September 3rd, 2008 at 7:24 pm
My name is Molly Thomas and my mom saw your book and got it for me and my sister now not only I read it but my mom does to.
Some of my friends need to read the book and i will let them when i’m done but i just wanted to say that i love your book so far and it has hit me in a lot of whys.
~ MoMo ~
October 28th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
Awesome!!!!!!!! I wish I could have been there!!!!!!!