South Queensland Youth Councils
FIRST came the rain, then the sunshine and then came South Queensland’s young Salvos. From the time registration opened until the last camper left Sunday’s Riverfest Youth Councils, every young person was soaked with the Holy Spirit – and everyone got free camping chairs!
A live Twitter feed was part of every session creating an exciting atmosphere. A bonfire after Friday night’s session with marshmallows and hot chocolate also helped to create a great atmosphere. The guest for the first session was Captain Adam Couchman who encouraged people to remember that God loves them and is constantly pursuing them. This was echoed by a young guy who had never encountered Christianity. On the way home he was asked what his favourite part of the weekend was and he responded saying, “He loves me!”
Adam led two more sessions on Saturday, challenging young people to dig deeper, to think more broadly and to minister to the people God has placed around them. This saw several young people stand up for missions to Africa, for the call to officership and ministry in their own school. But there was more excitement to come.
For more than 3 hours young people got to experience adventure sports like Rock Climbing and a Giant Flying Fox daring people to get out of their comfort zone. And for those who craved something a little less adrenaline pumping there was a DIY performance space, espresso coffee, a chill out room or hang out time with friends while enjoying the peaceful surroundings of Riverview Farm. It was great to connect and relax with people who love Jesus.
It was also a great privilege to have Commissioners James and Jan Condon lead a workshop on healthy marriage relationships. Majors Mark and Julie Campbell led a workshop on Leadership and Spiritual Discipline. Man V’s Wild was a hit with the under 16 guys and All the Single Ladies was packed for the under 16 girls. The beat mixing, hip hop dancing workshops, punching through spiritual walls, making your vote count and Social Media – WWJD went off!
Saturday night’s worship marathon was kicked off by guest artists Krosswerdz – they were amazing. They rapped gospel truth and rhymed testimony to God’s grace. Centenary worship band followed and Pine Rivers also did a great set. After 4½ hours of worship the Staffers brought it home, finishing at midnight and saw young people get saved, experience an outpouring of the Spirit and give all glory to Jesus.
A combined brass band kicked off worship on Sunday morning and Commissioners James and Jan Condon spoke passionately, inspiring people to give every aspect of their lives to God. At the conclusion of the message people were given an opportunity to respond. An invitation was made for those who were already in the process of applying for college to come forward for encouragement. These people represented more than 20 applicants across the division, with a further 3 coming forward during the appeal time.
Youth Councils closed with the Founders Song played by the combined brass and rhythm bands. It should be acknowledged that more than 40 people contributed to the leadership and organisation of the weekend, many who were junior leaders. It was inspirational to see young people and their leaders from all over the division and interstate sharing their journeys and their dreams. Bring on 2013!
Report by Captain Emma Johnson
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