We recently took 14 (mainly all girls) youth to an event called "Nightmare". We traveled nearly three hours to Marshfield, WI to walk through a reality-based simulation highlighting common choices teens make and their consequences. The final room ending with Jesus on the cross and a decision to choose life. Nightmare is run by Believer's Church and is far beyond the corny and cheesy dramas you sometimes see at churches.

Our kids were drawn to the thrill of being scared and had no idea what to expect. It took over an hour and half waiting in line in what I would describe as a gross mushy swamp. It had rained for three weeks earlier and the ground was saturated with standing water. I am so glad I chose to wear mesh shoes that day!

We walked through several rooms depicting a party and then a fatal car crash, a girl who had slit her wrists, a drug room, a suicide room, a gang-related drive-by, hell, and finally Jesus on the cross. All of the rooms were intense and powerful. The event stirred up a lot of emotion and reaction from our kids. Many of them saw themselves somewhere along the way; whether it be from choices they've made or the feelings of desperation shown by the actors.

Since Marshfield, WI is a far way from home, we spent the night in good 'ol Eau Claire, WI, where I went to school. We stayed at Mark and Marcel Hulls' house where they cooked and treated us with amazing hospitality. I came home exhausted and ready for sleep and the kids came back wired and ready for more.

(some of the pictures from the event are posted in my pictures section)