Day 2: Youth Breakaway 1 "Back to Our Future"

Morning began early. At about 5am youth started to awake eager for another day, after only a few hours of actual sleep.

In the morning session, Pastor Brad Noel talked about giving and the importance of this aspect of our Christian life.

Following a dinner of soup and grilled cheese sandwiches, youth assembled for an afternoon of activities. Recreation was as lively as ever, kicking the week off full steam with multiple messy food oriented games. Jr Highers from all over the province proved their ‘strength’ feasting on Mustard Marshmallows, Sardines, Olives, Cat Food Sandwiches and dry Spaghetti noodles (just to mention a few). There were cheesies at one point, but they were thrown at faces covered with shaving cream instead of eaten.

Once everyone cleaned up they waited in a seemingly endless supper lineup for hot beef sandwiches.

Pastor Russ Austen lead a moving preservice prayer. Pastor Matt Howlett and the band prepared the hearts of the youth once again to receive the Word from Pastor Matt Joy.

Pastor Matt began by reminding us the outstanding response we received last night where so many young people committed to going ‘all in’. He insisted that to continue our journey on this path we would need adequate ‘preparation.’ Otherwise it would be a VERY short journey.

He brought to the attention of the youth and leaders assembled the words of Hebrews 12:14b; “...without holiness no one will see the Lord.”

To show the world God, we must first see Him. According to this verse, without Holiness this isn’t possible. To prepare ourselves for the journey, we must seek Holiness.

Pastor Matt introduced the title of his message, “Wanted: Dead AND Alive.” With it’s concept from the 6th chapter of Romans.

He told the Jr Higher’s that it’s is time to get outside the realm of ‘thinking’ we are prepared, to KNOWING in our heart of hearts that we are prepared and ready.

Using an illustration of Julius Caesar’s invasion of British shores, who burned the ships they arrived on so his army would know there was no retreat, it was either win, or die trying. Pastor Matt turned this to the youth saying that there were some ‘retreats’ that we need to leave behind. Anything that may hold us back, or something that we turn to and pulls us from God is a dangerous retreat on this journey.

Romans 6:11-14

“In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.”

We are in a battle, our decisions and trials are no less than tough, there is a war waging for your life. God is fighting for you, He wants you to be dead to sin and alive in him. You are wanted Dead AND Alive!

This has two huge implications!

1. If we are alive in Christ, he has our back. We are united in His power. You will need His help, it is not possible to attain Holiness without Him. Attempting to, is sure failure.
2. if we are alive in Christ, His Spirit is within us. Satan’s most powerful weapon is making us blind to our sin, having the Spirit in us helps to combat Satan’s manipulations.

Remember, going ‘All In’ is a daily decision. Reading the word of God is a must!

You responded to an altar call where they were asked to leave anything behind that might hold them back on the journey.

Day 1; Youth Breakaway 1 "Back to Our Future"

Excitedly the young people gathered at the church, loaded vehicles with their belongings and exhaustive amounts of candy and junk food for the week. It was a short journey, but an exciting one, as it marked the beginning of what we were believing would be a tremendous week for all involved.

Once they settled into their rooms, they enjoyed a supper of goulash or mac and cheese. At 7:30 the service began, about 280 young people worshiped along with the talented worship band lead by Pastor Matt Howlett, and including Steve and Carla Clarke, Pastor Crystal Patey, Pastor Justin Parsons, Jon Collins, and Josh Parameter.

Once their hearts had been prepared through the worship Pastor Matt Joy took us on a journey to ancient Babylon to the rule of King Nebuchadnezzar speaking vividly on Daniel 3 [read Daniel 3 here]. He asked the jr. high students how we can find ourselves on the same path as Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, when faced with an ‘all in’ or ‘all out’ scenario, knowing that serving God and being 'all in' meant being 'toast' in the furnace, regardless if God showed up to deliver them, or not!

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego proclaimed; “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up" (v. 17-18).

We need to get past thinking, 'God I'll serve you as long as...'

King 'Nebbie' (as Pastor Matt affectionately nicknamed him) furious with their attitude commanded that they be thrown into the furnace and turned up the 'heat' making the fire hot hot hot. Only moments later her was shocked to see not only the three men he was punishing walking around safely in the flames, but also a fourth that he did not recognize. He could do nothing less then to let his heart be changed, exclaiming that there is “no other God can save in this way” (v.29).

‘We are not invincible’ we tend live as close to sin as possible, attempting to justify our actions by stating that the Bible doesn't speak specifically about our actions (the ‘grey area’), Pastor Matt suggested that our attempt to justify ourselves is simply proof that the Holy Spirit is convicting us. He asked why we place ourselves in situations we know that we are weak in.

He challenged the youth to step into the shoes of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, knowing that the only way out is to submit to God’s will.

Pastor Matt implored the youth to acknowledge that there will be some costs to going 'all in'. He warned; 'don't let it be a flippant decision.' It won't always be easy.

He reminded them that “the 'son' will shine.” Just as much as God is appalled by sin, He is attracted to faithfulness. Because of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego’s faithfulness King Nebbie commanded that his entire kingdom bow to God. All because three men, went 'all in'.

'God's plan is to shine through you!’ His plan for the province, your friends, family, classmates, school, is to shine through you, to be no less miraculous or no less glorified today than He was in Babylon.

Pastor Matt asked that knees would bow to God and go counter to the culture they live in. And there are only two options, ‘all in’ (regardless of the consequences or surroundings) or ‘all out.’

He proclaimed this the first day of the rest of our lives, launching into a journey with God.

A room of youth accepted his rejected complacency. Committing or recommitting themselves to God.

They prayed the words to the song; “Arm’s Open Wide”
"My whole life is yours, I give it all. Surrendered to your name, and forever I will pray, have your way, have your way."



Continue to pray as our young people encounter God on this Journey.

Stay tuned for Day 2!

Crystal-Lynn

Youth Breakaway 1: Day One

It's finally here! We always look forward in anticipation of our Youth Breakaway events every summer. This marks the begging of summer ministry within our province and we always leave with many positive stories of encounters with God, new friendships made and old friendships strengthened. In past years young people from grades 7 to 9 have left YB 1 filled with the Holy Spirit, an assurance of the call of God on their lives for ministry and renewed passion to keep pressing on in this Christian walk.

We are looking forward to these things happening again this year and we are excited to see what new things God will do. Pastor Matt Joy of Elim Pentecostal in St. John's, NL will be bringing the word this week. Matt is an amazing guy with a great passion for God and youth ministry. I'm excited to hear what God has placed in his heart for our youth. Pastor Matt Howlett of Bethesda in St. John's, NL will be leading us in worship. Matt H. brings a great passion for worship and I believe we can expect powerful worship times as he allows God to lead him.

So, the youth are registered and fed and we are now preparing for Service # one that starts about half an hour from now. Pray that God will minister to our youth this week. We don't want to leave here the same!

PR