Poldersport, fun and following Jesus

A couple of days ago a group of Crossroads teenagers and youth leaders discovered the true 'polder' sensation by spending a day in the green fields and refreshing water of De Kwakel.

We did a Polder survival trek which involved different ways of crossing polder watercourses. The whole experience included various ropes, trapezes, rope ways and a raft to get across as well as assorted balancing and agility exercises. Afterwards we had a relaxing picnic in the Amsterdamse bos. A true highlight on our youth ministry calender.

Another highlight on our youth ministry calender is the upcoming Youth Retreat: “Inked”. The Youth Retreat will take place from 1-3 October and we will stay in the group accommodation (not in tents) at De Woensberg near Huizen.

Before I explain the weekend theme “Inked”, a little background information: Most Christians have used the well-known quote from St. Francis of Assisi, “Preach the gospel at all times and when necessary, use words.” It is a challenge to Christians to live the Gospel with their actions - to let their lifestyle display the character and message of Christ.

The challenge for many people is to live that life consistently. When surrounded by church friends and family members we may feel more inclined to visibly demonstrate a commitment to Christ. However, when placed in an environment where we are not surrounded with positive reinforcement, the lifestyle “marks” of a Christian may become less visible and in many cases disappear.

The youth retreat will challenge us to study and apply the attributes of Christian living that can be seen in our lives at all times. Like a tattoo, these virtues can be permanently inked on our lives and are not concealed or removed when we enter an environment that challenges our commitment to Christ.

We will examine different virtues of Christian living, which will demonstrate why a Biblical worldview is the key to having the optimum life experience. It will encourage us to establish a moral integrity when studying Scripture that will leave us marked for life as we apply these lessons to our lives within and outside the church walls.

Please pray for the retreat, the youth leaders and teenagers. Pray that every teenager at the retreat will see himself/herself as our Heavenly Father sees them. Pray that the Holy Spirit will teach all of us the things that we need to learn to fulfill the purpose that He has for us.