New Around the Mission

Wait...

December 17, 2009

“Wait until Christmas!” Parents often say this to their children around the holidays, but it's certainly not what kids want to hear! For 88 teenagers, nestled in the mountains of Asheville, NC, the word “wait” took on new meaning that created receptivity and newfound freedom.

Middle and high school youth representing five southeastern Anglican Mission congregations – Church of the Good Shepherd in Davidson, NC; The River in Blacksburg, VA; Church of the Apostles in Columbia, SC; Grace Church and All Saints Church, both in Pawleys Island, SC –gathered at Camp Cedar Cliff to participate in a Winter Retreat weekend December 11-13. Nate Harrison, Youth Director from Grace Church shared the Gospel message with a relevant theme of “waiting” on the Lord; both for His return and in everyday life.

“A number of our students said that they clearly heard the Lord requesting them to lay down certain things and let them go,” shares Sayward Elliott, Student Ministries Director for All Saints. “One even heard clearly that they were to go home and encourage their parents to start a family Bible study, wanting the Lord to be part of their daily life, not just on Sundays.”

Mixers and games kicked off each of four meetings and led students into an ancient-future style of worship led by Todd Murden and Ross Wisle, both from The River. Cabin time allowed kids to unpack what they heard in the message with leaders, and late night activities cultivated laughter and opportunities to deepen friendships.

“The kids really enjoyed meeting kids from other churches. The high school boys even performed their own “rap” that included the line, ‘hangin’ out with my Anglican brothers’,” laughs Sayward.

Posted By: Cynthia P. Brust
Categories: Local Events