2012 GBC Youth W/R in Review

Written by: Maximino Fernandez
Date Posted: January 17th, 2012
Category: Fernandez Ramblings
Comments: No Comments »

This year the GBC Youth went to West Harrison, Indiana for their Winter Retreat. The name of the camp is Higher Ground, and everything was just great! The annual Winter Retreat has become a highlight, but not for the reason that many people may think. Though we have games and fun, the emphasis of the retreat is the Word of God.

Over the course of two and one half days, the students heard eight different Bible messages. Chad and Laura Braley from First Baptist Church of Milford, Ohio were our special guests. They were a blessing as they communicated the Word of God clearly.

Considering our Hearts:

On Saturday, we had our first joint session by Bro. Braley. He preached about the soils of our hearts. It was a very good message that laid the ground work for the rest of the messages. After this first message, we all loaded up to go to Perfect North Slopes to go tubing. I am sure that there will be some pictures and videos online for you to preview at your leisure.

For both evening sessions, the young men and the young women were separated. Bro. Braley spoke to the young men about the Maniac of Gadara. The point that stood out the most was to “be manageable.” As men, we all need to learn to be teachable. Bro. Braley made another statement that stood out. He said, “If you are a child of the King, act like it.”

Each evening one of our youth workers gave devotions:

- Bro. and Sister Lewis took care of that on Saturday night.

- Bro. Tate Green and Sister Krista Barnett gave the end cap devotions on Sunday night.

They all did wonderful, and a big thank-you to each of them.

Lesson on the Progression of Sin:

The Sunday evening service was a blessing as well. Bro. Braley spoke to the guys about the progression of sin. It was a message of warning for all of the men. Also, on Sunday we made our way to Fountain Square in Cincinnati, Ohio. There we went ice skating and ate ice cream at Graeter’s. The ice skating was out doors and a bit rough, but we all made it out alive: Praise the Lord! The ice cream was out of this world!

The Final Day:

This morning [Monday] we wrapped things up with a final message from Bro. Braley about “Abiding in Christ.” After this, we watched a 2011 Youth Congress Video by Bro. Scott Pauley. The message was entitled Your Part in God’s Plan.

In all it has been a rewarding weekend. The Lord’s Word went forth. Time and proper maintenance will reveal the fruit of this trip. When the student’s were asked about God’s work in their hearts, several raised their hands for prayer. Please pray for the GBC Youth Ministry.