Andres, Dhaisy and Darlyne are regional youth leaders in the South Coast (Monteria, San Marcos, San Carlos, El Hato, La Ye) who are facilitating a formational process of raising up a new generation of youth leaders. In March, they were a part of the training weekend we held in Medellin and this weekend they put what they had learned into practice to equip others.

I was invited by this amazing team to come and join them for a weekend retreat for youth leaders as teacher and speaker. We spent Saturday and Sunday together with over 20 people ranging in age from 14 to 35. On the first morning as we got to know one another many of them shared their expectation of the weekend was to get to know other youth and see how they could live into their call to serve youth and children. The last night they shared how God exceded their expectations. New friendships were formed and ideas and experiences were shared. Together they prayed and worshipped, played and learned, laughed and practice silence.

On Saturday, I facilitated the training along with Andres, Dhaisy and Darlyne. They are excellent at using their creativity and resourcefulness to engage the participants. The theme was on our primary call as leaders to love and follow Jesus and serve others.

Sunday morning we focused on the ways that as leaders we need to root ourselves in God to have stamina for the long run. We did an exercise that focused on “Who I am” and the importance of understanding our identity in Christ. They had an opportunity to study Scripture together and then practice solitude and different ways of communing with God through prayer, art, meditation, imagination, Scripture.

Check out this quick video here – https://vimeo.com/842271403

After lunch we had an afternoon training that focused on how we work and serve children. That was one of the areas the leaders requested that we focus as they want youth to be able to serve the children in their communities and churches. Through games, Scripture, small groups, art, drama, and presentations they gained deeper understanding of the challenges facing the kids in their communities, as well as the opportunity we have to show love in tangible ways and walk with them on their journey of following Jesus. 

I loved chatting one on one with the youth and hearing a bit more of their stories. One of the girls shared she had never been to a youth camp or retreat before and really appreciated the opportunity to be invited. Another shared how people had been encouraging her to step into a leadership role with youth, because of the qualities and gifts they saw in her. The weekend was a time for her to learn more and discern how God would use her. 

The retreat was held in a country home that had a large back patio with a thatched roof where we spent most of our time. The youth even slept out there as they all brought hammocks, which is really common in the coast as the house only had a few beds. They took turns helping with meals and clean-up, and were continually serving each other. Pray for these youth as they return to their local churches to put into practice what they have learned. They will be gathering again in September for another series of training sessions. Praise God for the work he is doing in and through them.