Get Away

The name Snoasis embodies our winter youth retreat. It is a combination of the words snow, and oasis. This year, we had our get away at Penn-York campground in Ulysses, PA.  While we had our retreat, much of the rest of the state was being punished by heavy snow squalls. Unlike other years, it snowed very little at the campground. There was enough snow, however, to enjoy the tubing hill. We got away from the snow, but we had a great retreat. The theme for Snoasis was "whiteout." Youth were challenged to be distinct from the rest of the world by refusing to compromise the truth of the gospel and to live as morally transformed people in an immoral society. It was nice to see the kids have fun and to get away for awhile. Hopefully, the getaway served to strengthen the youth to face their peers and stand as a beacon in a stormy world.

Serving Spaghetti

 With the help of ladies in the church, our youth group held a spaghetti dinner fundraiser. The ladies baked cakes for dessert, supplied rolls, applesauce, and cooked in the kitchen, while the youth were charged with serving guests and waiting tables. The dinner not only raised funds for the youth group, it also provided an opportunity for the kids to practice servanthood. They were not simply serving spaghetti, they were serving people. The kids did a great job. they were eager to please the guests and were quick to respond to requests for coffee, rolls, and dessert. The way they pitched in and worked to satisfy others showed maturity and a care and concern for others that many adults would do well to copy.

Those who are great in the world's eyes are served by others. They are honored above others and put on a pedestal to admire. They do not seek to serve, but seek to be served. This is exactly opposite of the Bible's picture of true greatness(Matt. 23:12). In the Bible the ladder of greatness goes down, not up. The greatest example of servanthood is Jesus and whoever wants to be great in the kingdom of God must follow his example (Matt. 20:28; Mk. 10:43-45; Jn. 13:12-15). We are told that we are to make the most of opportunities to serve others, especially those of the household of faith (Gal. 6:10).

As I saw the ladies step up to the plate (pardon the pun) it was great, and my estimation of them was not diminished, but enhanced. Though the dinner was to benefit the youth, their attitude of service was an inspiration. It may have only been a spaghetti dinner, but it was a chance to see servanthood put into practice.

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.

Lock-in

We had about twenty at our youth lock-in last night. After a devotional about spiritual warfare ( Eph. 6:10-17) we watched C.S. Lewis" The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe and Prince Caspian as an allegorical interpretation of the ultimate spiritual battle. Youth were also involved in playing Jenga®, Uno®,Twister®, hide-and-seek, Wii Sports®, playing ball, conversation, listening to music, and just lounging around. We consumed seven pizzas, two cases of soda-pop, four bags of chips, three dozen donuts, and a half gallon each of milk and juice. The food, fellowship, game involvement and close proximity served to help us get to know each other better, and the sleep deprivation served to push us to the limits of our endurance.

There are many influential alliances that can affect the lives of young people today. Groups and cliques form and influence youth in both positive (Matt. 5:13-16) and negative (Prov. 1:10-16; 1 Cor. 5:6-8) ways. The purpose of the lock-in was to form alliances around elements that would have a positive influence (Psa. 34:3). I pray that the event was a positive one for the youth.