What a weekend we had up at Good Tidings Bible Conference in the beautiful Catskill Mountains in upstate New York!

BCC Youth joined with Hillside Youth as 65 students and leaders journeyed to our destination on Friday night.  We had 4 vans, 3 cars, and 1 U-Haul trailer and plenty of laughs along the way.  The theme for our retreat was Encounter God.  Simply being in the majesty and mystery of God’s creation, one cannot help but to behold His splendor.

The weekend was divided between meals, free time, group time, and sessions.  Each session consisted of worship followed by an interactive and experiential lesson and opportunity for response.

The first lesson (Christ) was taught by Dave Stradling.  He presented in a wonderful way the truth of the story of God and the story of man.  The message of Christ and the cross was presented and students were given an opportunity to visually depict their thoughts or feelings about Jesus on a wall, using creative arts supplies.  Amazing art took place as our students drew pictures, wrote words, and put their emotions on paper.  For some, it was the first time they have learned about and encountered the radical and unconditional love of God.

The second session (Community) was taught by Pelly on the power and importance of authentic friends and confession. The point was made that without good friends encouraging, challenging, and holding us up, it is very hard for individuals in isolation to grow closer to God.  Pelly spoke about the healing power of confession and forgiveness and students were encouraged to share with each other the baggage they were carrying.  Sins, struggles, temptations, addictions, etc.. were written down on paper and with the help and support of friends, students walked outside to our campfire and tossed the weight away.  God’s spirit moved in amazing ways that evening as students laughed, cried, and made smores under the star filled sky.

The third and final lesson (Commission) was taught by Dan Haugh (me).  After we have encountered Jesus, received his salvation and hope, and found freedom and deliverance and healing, we are called to share this great news (gospel) to our friends and family.  God has blessed us so that we can bless others and point them to God (the giver of all gifts).  We promoted See You AT the Pole, which is the National Day of Student Prayer and students were encouraged to go to their flagpole before school to pray.  Students were also encouraged to commit to praying for their friends and loved ones for 30 days for our Prayer Pledge and to write one letter to a close friend sharing about God’s story and their faith.

Now, what about fun?

We certainly had plenty of that.  The first night we arrived, Baby Nait organized a huge game of Zombies in the dark.  We also brought up a great sound system and projector and had movies playing as well as the Nintendo Wii.  Good Tidings opened their snack bar and game room, and so students played fooseball, pool, board games, and ping pong.

Saturday, about 30 students played paintball up in the woods and loved it!  Others went for group hikes, went “hay bale jumping” and played ultimate frisbee.   We had two movie nights: showing Disney’s Race to Witch Mountain on the first night and then Disney’s Bedtime Stories the second night.

We also had 2 times for Spiritual Formation each day.  30-60 minutes were given for students to spend time with God either reading their Bible or doing one of a few guided devotions:  Silent Retreat, A Walk with Jesus, or Lectio Divina (scripture mediation).

The cabins were cozy and the food was great.  Mr. and Mrs. B always treat us well when we journey up north and program director Mike made sure all of our needs and wants were taken care of.

It was our largest fall retreat in history and it could not have went smoother.  For over half of the students, this was their first time up to Good Tidings, and I am sure they will be back.  It was a great way to start the new youth group year and officially kick of fall.

God kept us safe, healthy, happy, and in His presence, and of course we owe the success of this retreat to Him and Him alone.

Dan H.    Pastor of Student Ministries, BCC Youth