New Around the Mission

Youth in Texas Experience Redemption During Lent

March 29, 2011

A caravan of minivans and utility vehicles loaded with camping gear and teenagers left Spring, Texas, on Monday morning, March 14 for a two-day Lenten Retreat sponsored by STAY student ministries at St. Timothy’s Anglican Church. The 32 teens and eight adults travelled four hours from home in torrential downpours to reach the warm and dry, picturesque Pedernales Falls State Park.

Participants hiked up waterfalls and swam in a watering hole, enjoying the quiet beauty of the park while engaging in conversations about the meaning and disciplines of Lent. Kristin DePue, Youth Director, retells one story in particular about a boy who picked up a rope from the trailer, wrapped it around his body and exclaimed, “God told me to carry it, and I don’t know why.” The reason became evident when a group of boys went into some deep water to cool off and had a hard time climbing out onto the slippery rock. In God’s providence, the rope became useful in rescuing those who were stuck, its length extending the exact distance from one end of the watering hole to the other.

“We never know what God will do on these trips,” remarks Kristin, “but He met with us in many special ways.”

Students spent time in self-examination and prayerful devotion at specified times during the day. On their second night, they walked with lanterns through the Stations of the Cross on painted abstract banners hung from trees in the woods. Afterward they gathered around a campfire to talk about their experience.

“Times like these provide the opportunity for students to get serious, when they would usually be joking around,” notes Kristin. This proved to be a time of valuable preparation for the drive home.

A minivan in the front of their caravan experienced a tire blow out, hit the wall and spun through several lanes of speeding traffic, flying through the air to land on the grass going the other direction. Miraculously, no one was hurt and help came immediately. Kristin reports that Facebook lit up with comments from the students regarding God’s protection afterward. They witnessed a scary event that provides a poignant illustration of God’s redemption and protection during the season of Lent.

Learn more about STAY Youth Ministries at St. Timothy’s Anglican Church.

Posted By: Cynthia P. Brust
Categories: Local Events