Update & Prayer: Deeper Life Summit 2023
This past weekend 130 Sr. High students, accompanied by 49 leaders descended upon Campfire Bible Camp in Markdale for Deeper Life Summit. We were blessed with the last-minute provision of this campground, which was just big enough to suit our needs this year. Since it has been 3 years since we have been able to provide an overnight retreat for our high schoolers we were thrilled but not surprised to have such an outstanding turnout from the 9 churches who participated. Though the weather brought much wetter conditions than preferred, it was a still a great weekend inclusive of dynamic worship sessions, challenging messages from God’s Word, break-out sessions, games, fellowship and good food. We were even able to squeeze in a camp fire late Friday night and an outdoor wide game on Saturday afternoon during an almost miraculous small break from the constant rain.
A big thank you goes out to the pastors who served in various ways, and a special shout out to Regan Neudorf who prepared 3 sessions challenging us with what it means to go deeper with Jesus and further on mission where God plants us throughout the seasons of our lives. He reminded us that we are called to be disciples and invited into intimate relationship with Jesus who loves us perfectly. It is an outworking of that relationship through which we serve and call others into relationship with Jesus as well.
Wes Dickson used his musical talents to lead us into worship and help set up a space where God’s Spirit was free to move. From the back of the room it was easy to see that our youth were ready to sing and worship, and there was a spirit of anticipation for what God might want to say to each one. There was a freedom present as the Spirit gave boldness and courage to some to step forward with words of testimony to God’s faithfulness in their lives. Five of our pastors led break-out sessions on the topics of prayer walking, solitude, gender and sexuality, the deeper life, and serving in missions. It was evident that God’s Spirit was moving and working in the lives of many which instills much hope that God will continue to build His Church in Canada and around the world through this next generation. As we wrapped up our weekend of worship, fellowship and fun our students were challenged and blessed with 2 words: AUTHENTICITY and AUTHORITY. Prayers of blessing were prayed over each life that these would be authentic disciples of Jesus, living and serving with the authority Jesus Himself gives us as His disciples.
Our churches are blessed with youth pastors and volunteer leaders who love Jesus and care deeply for the souls of our youth. Each time we gather for another such district-wide youth event there is a spirit of servant leadership and collaboration among our pastors as they meet and plan and serve each event. If your church has yet to join us please consider taking advantage of these unique opportunities to invite your youth into community and further in their walk with Jesus.