Time Away With Our Youth...

By John Book

    I knew as soon as we began to plan this year’s fall retreat that it was going to be different, new, exciting, and full of memories. It did not disappoint! We had close to fifty students attending this year from two different reservations, a ton of activities, and great speakers. 

    The most popular activity this year, by far, was paintball. We were blessed to have a company come in and run everything for us. From the guns, the gear, and even the specific games we played; they came ready to give us a good time. I did not see one unhappy face coming from the field. Everyone had a blast. 

    A new aspect of our retreat this year was a special time set aside for a service project. I thought for sure it would not have been accepted by the students, but I was totally wrong. The youth took full advantage of the opportunity and did a great job cleaning up brush, and cutting up wood for the American Indian Christian Mission, the location where the retreat was held. I was extremely proud of them. 

     It's no question that God moved at the retreat this year. Through the worship, the speaking, and the small groups; He moved through the lives of our youth. Something else new this year was bringing in a guest speaker, someone that was on the level of our kids and can speak to them in ways that we as an AYM staff could not. Joe Donnell, a Sioux native from South Dakota, brought a powerful series on a new hope for a new generation. He really brought home our theme this year, New generation, new hope. Though it sounds simple, the theme as a whole was extremely complex, and Joe was able to embody the that theme into his series. Our kids learned that no matter what we have done previously, we are all made new in Christ. 

      God provided a great weekend in which we, as a staff, were able to grow closer with out youth, and it was no question that the students had an awesome time. We heard from many of them after the weekend was over that they wished it had lasted longer! Was it exhausting? Yes. Was everyone ready for a couple days straight of sleep? Yes. But I don't think any of us would have traded it for anything. Thank you to all those who made this Fall retreat possible!