Youth get lift from ski retreat

BSC Communications

Nearly three times as many young people as expected attended the first North Carolina Baptist Youth Ski Retreat from Feb. 25-27.

About 800 youth and their chaperones were at the event in Winterplace, W.Va. Baptist State Convention (BSC) officials said hundreds more would have attended if spots were available.

Merrie Johnson, Baptist State Convention consultant for youth ministries, said the skiing was fast and furious in the freezing temperatures at Winterplace, W.Va.

"What an exciting weekend as teens laughed, sang, jumped and worshipped to the sounds of bands Exit East, Todd Agnew and Big Daddy Weeve after skiing all day," Johnson said. "Then, to top off, the weekend Sunday morning worship included USC Football Chaplain, Adrian Despres, and the praise and worship team from youth weeks at Caswell leading in worship songs and drama."

The retreat was based on 1 Cor. 10:31, "Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." "Our desire was to reinforce that our relationship with Christ should be a part of everyday and everything we do, not something reserved for Sunday only," Johnson said.

Johnson said four students committed their life to Christ at the event and many, many more rededicated their lives. The retreat concluded with a special time of prayer where almost the entire group knelt by their chairs, praying for God's direction and courage to be consistent in living and talking about their relationship with Christ and what He has done for them.

Johnson said she heard one young man say, "I thought I was just coming skiing. I'm going home changed!"