Fastbreak 2012

About a week ago, we had a Student Venture conference held in the Pocono Mountains of PA.  Our group took 16 students, the majority of which were either new believers or not yet believers.  There were about 80 total students at the retreat most of which came from Brooklyn, NYC.  It was a really great weekend!  The conference theme was "More."  Basically, the theme was meant to get the students thinking about the things they want more of in life, and if that would really fulfill their desires.  Our speaker, David spoke on his own personal story, while bringing in Biblical teaching and stories about King Solomon and others.  David grew up not knowing Jesus as his savior, so he sought satisfaction in the world.  As he grew up he experimented with women, drugs, and whatever he could find that would please him.  He ended up getting his girlfriend pregnant and leaving the child to pursue the American Dream.  He got a good education, a good job, and made plenty of money... however something was still missing in his life.  A friend of his told him about Jesus, and as he searched for answers in God's Word, he asked Jesus into his life.  He also talked a lot about King Solomon searching for satisfaction and saying everything of the world just vapor, and that our purpose in life is to Glorify God.   

This wasn't a typical church retreat.... mainly because the majority of the kids were from unchurched backgrounds, and tough lives.  Culturally it was very different for me too.  Probably almost 90% of the camp was from a minority descent, making it a really cool experience and overall different atmosphere than I am use to.  The majority of these students had no clue what it meant to have a relationship with Christ, and it was an awesome experience to see light bulbs turn on for students throughout the weekend.  We took 5 football players who came back really interested in learning more about what it means to have a relationship with Christ, 2 skaters I've been spending time with, and 3 three other guys who are active in our ministry.  Katie also had 6 girls who came on the trip and said they had a lot of questions about connecting with God.  Overall it was a great weekend!  Please keep these students in your prayers as they are back at home with distractions again and pray that God will use us and the New York staff to help these students to continue to grow closer to God.

Conference theme "More"

The main speaker David speaking at an evening meeting

Breakfast in the dining hall: Me, Scott (a volunteer from West Chester), Anthony, and Scott