Travis Lamb, Director of Youth Ministries
And He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” –Mark 6:31
In all the bustle of schedules, sports, extracurriculars, plain old curriculars, and constant digital noise, it can prove difficult for our students to find intentional space to slow down, be still, and know that God is God. Our youth retreat this weekend is designed to provide precisely that kind of space. It’s a time set apart from the ordinary and often frantic rhythms of life so our youth can focus their hearts and minds on Christ. Throughout Scripture, we see the value of stepping away in order to draw nearer to the Lord. It’s one of the most common activities of Jesus Himself! He often withdrew to find quiet places of restoration, and we do well to model that same pattern for our youth.
The primary goal of this and every retreat is spiritual growth. Through Bible teaching, worship, small-group discussions, and personal reflection, my hope is that each student will gain a deeper understanding of God’s Word and a more personal relationship with Him. Just as importantly, the goal is to foster more meaningful fellowship. All our shared meals, activities, and conversations have at their core countless opportunities for existing godly friendships to be strengthened and new bonds to form. These relationships so often become the very support system that encourages students to live out their faith and speak to each other the things of God long after the retreat ends and we go our separate ways.
Thank you all as always for this and every opportunity to invest in the next generation. In Isaiah, we read that God’s word does not return void. As we make our last preparations to leave, please pray fervently for all of us—that hearts would be opened, faith would be strengthened (or even discovered), unity would bind our students, and that the Lord would be glorified in His direction and protection in every detail. Please also pray for safe travels and a joyful return, with our young people filled with the testimonies of God’s work in our midst. God bless you all.
