Consumed…

 So people are asking me, “How was the Salt & Light Central Youth Conference?” My mind casts itself back to last weekend. The conference was called “Consumed”. It was hot. The bus ride was hot. The conference was hot. I sweated. Lots. Lots of young people were there – from Winnipeg, Steinbach, Bemidji ( Minnesota ), and Toccoa (Georgia).

 The Holy Spirit was definitely there. The Young people worshiped with all their might. I worshiped with all my might too – I played drums for the worship team. Lots of fast songs. More sweat. I also got the chance to sing a re-worked version of “500 Miles”, set to Psalm 139. The conga line went out of the building and back in again. The neighbourhood must have wondered.

 The messages were genuine and challenging – none of this “me-centered Christianity” nonsense – and the young people ate them up. Then after the messages, they came to the front for more. Lots of prayer happened. Seeing young people responding to Jesus’ invitation to deny themselves, take up their crosses and follow Him was the highlight for me.

 There was lots of fun too! We were treated royally by Steve and the Mount Zionites (not a band). It’s a Church about the size of ours, and they rallied to host about 80 young people and youth leaders in superhuman fashion. Late night snacks of pizza and ice cream, a wonderful day at the park complete with water skiing and tubing, a huge barbeque…the hospitality never ended! Karen and I, and everybody else, were blessed.

 I was proud of our WECC young people. They conducted themselves well at the conference, and the Lord clearly worked in their lives. It was great getting to know them better. And we were extremely thankful for “Uncle Swamy”, who was an incredible help to us there.

 The seeds of the Kingdom were certainly sown at this first ever Salt & Light Central youth conference. Jesus said, “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” I look forward to seeing that fruit in the lives of our young people.

So I smile and answer, “It was great!”

May the Lord bless you,

Rob (www.weccwinnipeg.ca)