Snoasis

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.

Family Bible Camp

Another Family Bible Camp is over and everything is packed up and put away. There may still be a little mud between the toes here and there and some are still probably cookied out. I think every church in our conference sent about twelve dozen cookies to camp, and of course the kitchen crew felt obligated not to waste them. I probably will not eat another cookie for quite a while.

Security was kept pretty busy nights with campers trying to sneak out of the dorms and ring the bell next to the speaker's cottage. The youth seemed to enjoy the many activities. The mud pit seemed to be the favorite, though most seemed to enjoy the slip and slide baseball as well. Junior campers got in on the action with the water slip-n-slide. There was something for everyone, and the "Family" aspect of camp seemed to shine through this year.

The spiritual component of camp was centered around the "whatevers" of the Bible (i.e. Philippians 4:8) and campers of all ages were challenged with messages of commitment and the altar was pressed into service as campers were presented with many opportunities of grace.

Kevin and Lisa Hoffman served as our missionary couple and they were a joy to have with us. It was refreshing to see such youthful enthusiasm coupled with spiritual maturity.

Volunteers were an inspiration, as many of them spent their vacations to be at camp and to give their time and energy to serve others.

I am thankful for our Eastern Conference Family Bible Camp and hope God continues to use it to draw families and churches together in fun and fellowship, encouraging each other and growing together. I am already looking forward to next year.

Fire and Ice

My speedometer hovered between 35 and 45 MPH as my eyes strained to see the road ahead through the blustery snow. The dark wintery landscape was punctuated by flashing lights as police and rescue crews helped accident victims. I was traveling West on Interstate 80 in a fifteen passenger van filled with Youth from my church, headed to "Snoasis," our conference's midwinter youth retreat. I began to wonder if I would ever make it to Whitehall Camp where our retreat was to be held. I had contemplated turning back, but we were well over halfway there.

When we had started out, the sun was shining and the roads were clear. I was surprised to receive a call from one of the other churches saying the fuel lines were frozen in their vehicle and road conditions forced them to cancel. It was fairly warm and our roads were clear. We were traveling along nicely. When I reached the Interstate that all changed. The worse things got, the more I prayed. "Lord, protect us. Help us to be safe."

We finally made it to our exit. It was not far from there to Whitehall Camp, where our retreat is held. What a relief. The lights of the Camp were a sight for sore eyes. As we unloaded and went to register, I learned that several churches would not make it because of the weather. The frigid temperature was carried on a gusty wind. It was almost impossible to keep it from creeping in next to the skin. Our retreat theme was "Fire and Ice." We were sure getting the ice part.

As we began our first session, Mike Anderson, our speaker connected with the youth right away. He communicated in a language and medium they could understand and appreciate. He shared God's Word in a straightforward manner, without pulling any punches. Though the icy wind continued to blow outside, things were warming up on the inside.

On Saturday night, the thaw began. As we lifted our voices in worship I began to sense the presence of God in our midst. As I looked around, I saw that I was not the only one. The Word of God was attended by the Holy Spirit and hearts began to melt. The front of the room was set aside as a sacred space and an invitation was given to surrender hearts to God. About half of the eighty-eight who attended Snoasis answered God's call to that sacred meeting place.

Some gave their hearts to Christ for the first time. Others were called to a deeper surrender. Tears flowed from many who remained in their seats. Confession was followed by testimony as the fire of the Holy Spirit warmed hearts. The love of God was manifest as groups gathered around those needing support and encouragement. There was no hurry to leave, but God continued to minister to hearts in small groups and individually. It was a precious time. Ice had made its presence known, but those exposed to God's Word had their hearts melted by the fire of the Holy Spirit. Praise be to God.