There were ninety-five people who attended the winter youth retreat at Penn-York camp sponsored by the Eastern Conference of The Evangelical Church. Our theme was "Faces of Faith." Roy Gearhart and his wife Janice ministered to us with Bible teaching, drama, and music. Activities included basketball, volleyball, tubing, pool, games, and socializing. The buzz of excitement grew as more and more youth arrived. It did not take long before the gym resounded with the bounce of basketballs and the game room clattered with the sound of the pool tables. Some joined together around a guitar and enjoyed choruses of praise, while others laughed and talked standing around the fireplace. It was after midnight before sleep arrived as a welcome friend and the first night came to a close.
Saturday began with devotions and a delicious breakfast, followed by spiritually focused morning sessions. The Biblical character of Peter and how he met Jesus was dramatically portrayed for us the first session, and the second session was filled with instruction on what it means to be connected and in sync with God. The kids spent the afternoon enjoying all the activities camp had to offer, and came back together for the evening session.
As "the rest of the story" of Peter was portrayed, youth and adults alike followed Peter and Jesus down the path of miraculous demonstration, denial, crucifixion, bitter regret, resurrection and restoration. It was exciting to see Peter's story replayed in the lives of individuals as they began to see Peter's life as their own. Peter's witness to Jesus as a miracle worker opened the door of possibility. Jesus can do anything. Peter's confession of Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the Living God, vibrated chords of faith, and tears of repentance were reflected on the faces of many as they identified with Peter's godly sorrow. Drama met real life as young people identified with Peter and came forward for spiritual restoration.
Some people look at the youth of today and can only shake their head. Though there is much to lament, there is also much to celebrate. Every year, Snoasis explores the hope and potential in our youth and seeks to accentuate the positive. Our young people need all the encouragement they can get, but the truth is, when we begin to see God working in our youth it is we who are encouraged. I know I came away from Snoasis seeing great hope for the church. The spirituality of our youth is not to be despised. Instead, when their faith and spiritual energy are strong, they can set the tone for the rest of the church to be revived (Job 32:9; 1 Timothy 4:12). As we packed up and left Sunday morning I was very tired, but very glad for snoasis. Its ministry to the youth is as vital as their ministry is to the church. Both carry the vision of great hope and possibility. Unless we invest in the youth of today, there is not much hope for the church of tomorrow.
