Hebrews 4:13, “Nothing in all Creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him who must give an account. ”

Southwest Youth Councils 2014 was a smashing success.

Delegates from all over Arizona, New Mexico, and the bottom tip of Nevada gathered together with over 200 of our closest friends for a weekend of hanging out with friends, and spending time in the presence of God.

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In each of the four main meetings we focused on a different aspect of the story of the woman at the well from John 4. We talked about how we all have secret stuff, full hydration- the living water we have in Christ Jesus, God’s forgiveness and accepting salvation instead of trying to earn it, and saving grace/tell your story. We also had special guest Jonathan Taube from the Central Territory’s Youth Department who led praise and worship.

Friday night we had 2 gender panels where delegates had a chance to ask any question that was on their mind. These ranged from Coke or Pepsi to asking tough questions about depression and self-harm. It was good to be reminded that we all have junk in our lives, but God doesn’t want us to go through life alone. He created us to be in community with him and others. Life isn’t as hard when you’re living it with people who get it, and want to be there for you.

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Saturday was packed full of workshops, Corps devotions, and 2 great meetings. In between all that, we had a blast at free time. Some jumped around on inflatables, took too many pictures at a photo booth, ran in the color run, or played laser tag. The day started out in pouring down rain, snowed in the middle, and by the end of the afternoon it was beautiful and sunny.

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In the evening we had a great concert by Propaganda- a great Christian artist who does hip hop and spoken word. He was entertaining and engaged the crowed in cool ways, by talking to us like we were his friends, calling kids on the stage to dance with him, and even asking one delegate to rap with him.

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We were able to come together as the body of Christ, even though we live in different places, enjoy different things, and came with different expectations. Through the weekend we were able to lay our secrets, our shame, and our sin before the Lord, knowing that nothing is hidden from His sight. God showed up and changed the hearts and lives of many.

 

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