The theme this year is "Hooked," a play on the classic Peter Pan tales. Classes, keynotes, worship and even the entertainment touch on this theme. The spiritual impact of the theme is not leveled until the last day.
Worship is extraordinary - and why wouldn't it be? How often do Christian teens get the opportunity to sing with 2800 other students? The mood is dark, though cheerful... meditative, but not dreary. And even when the youth are split up into their smaller focus groups, there exists an unhindered, fearless atmosphere of worship. The result is a loud, racous, energetic, messy mixture of tone, pitch and melody... and it is astounding! Already many tears have been spilled and hearts have opened.
Of course, there is also plenty of time for play! 9-square-volleyball (see if you can figure it out from the photos) is hugely popular, along with all the silliness of youth group games, Ultimate Frissbee, hackey sack, football, coffeehouse bands, etc.
Our youth have quickly and easily found new relationships, built friendships from other Christians in God's Kingdom. Whether they are playing some weird slapping-game on the floor, or gathered around a table in the dining room, their willingness to have fellowship with others is evident.
Pray for us! Pray for our youth: for clarity, for spiritual development, for authentic worship, for closer relationships with each other.
- J.D. Partain
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