For the first time since the pandemic, students across our district headed to Lake Champion for the annual District Spring Youth Retreat. The two weekends centered around the theme of “Reunited.”
Over 500 students had the opportunity to hear they are united to God because of Jesus (Phil 2:1-11), are united together through Jesus for each other (Acts 2:44-43), and are united together to transform the world through the message of Jesus.
Here are some stories of gospel impact:
Students surrendered their lives to Jesus.
One of the invitations on Saturday night was a call of salvation, and 20 of the students from Penns Valley Youth Center accepted Christ as their Lord. Praise God!
One student who attended had a definite plan to end her life in the next few days. But that Saturday night she gave her life to Jesus! “Her small group surrounded her with love and community,” said our speaker, David Hardie. “There was much crying and rejoicing.”
Another young student came to the retreat believing there was no way that God could forgive her for things she had done. After the message, she spoke with David Hardie, and he walked her through the parable of the prodigal son. The gospel tells us that God the Father is waiting to take us back with open arms. That night she gave her life to Jesus.
Students experienced a newfound love for each other.
“It brought me close to my small group. I feel like before retreat I was only tangentially friends with a lot of them, but now I feel truly close to them and can honestly say that I love them.” – a student from Coopersburg
Students took steps of recommitment to God.
“God cemented my desire to stay true to my beliefs and defend them when I am called to.” – a student from Coopersburg
“God spoke to me by breaking my fears. I think that my sense of worry, doubt, and fear will be replaced with peace. That I know changed for good.” – a student from Lancaster
“I definitely grew closer to Him. The retreat was able to help answer some of my questions that have been on my mind.” – a student from Lancaster
“I’m definitely going to God with more questions, and I know that He is there for me.” - a student from Coopersburg
Thank you to Dan Boal and the EPD District Youth Retreat Leadership Team for the hours you put into these two weekends. We also want to give a shoutout to the students and leaders for raising $2,316 for Envision Acres Farm in Clarkston, Georgia. Thank you!