Report of the Youth Director

1996 was an exciting year of adventure and growth for the mid-school and senior high youth groups. The year began with winter retreats at Lonetree Bible Ranch - nine at senior high retreat and twelve at the mid-school retreat. Working together, the youth were challenged to become a Christian community with Christ at the center of the group and in individual lives.

The Navajo Indian Reservation in Arizona was the destination of the ‘96 Mission Trip. Nine senior high youth and four adults packed their bags and spent a week in Arizona - four days in Indian Wells and three days in Winslow. Our time was spent presenting a Vacation Bible School to children in each place and helping with the construction of a new church and the renovation of an old church and manse.

More of our youth than ever attended national summer youth conferences sponsored by Presbyterians for Renewal. We had 15 senior high youth attend "Fun in the Son" at Walt Disney World, Florida. Twelve mid-school youth went to "The Great Escape" in Gunnison, Colorado. It was awe-inspiring to watch our youth participate in youth conferences with 600-1000 other Christian youth! To worship and have fellowship with Christians their own age gave each teenager the opportunity to question and grow stronger in their faith with Christ!

Even though Camp Chimney Spring (CCS) was off to a rough start with a closing due to severe draught and fire danger, the camp had a successful summer! Our church sent 2 mid-schoolers and five elementary kids to camp as well as supplying two counselors. CCS ended the season financially sound and numbers are expected to increase in 1997 with new camps for all ages.

Amazing things are happening at Salt & Light! For the first time, our mid-school and senior high youth groups outnumber the elementary students! This fall, we have averaged 35-40 teenagers every Wednesday night. Our prayers have been answered about reaching unchurched students through our program since most of the new youth are friends of those who have grown up in the church. They do not have a strong foundation in the Christian faith and many have never attended church. It’s exciting to provide a program where teenagers can come and be accepted and loved unconditionally!

Again, our prayers were answered when Tammy and Barry Prahl agreed to be our new mid-school sponsors! They are enjoying the kids and vice versa. Many thanks to Lynda and Art Garcia for all their dedication and hard work in holding this group together for the past five years.

Nationally, the "Presbyterian Youth Connection" (PYC) was launched and Sierra Blanca Presbytery founded its own branch "connecting" youth within its bounds. A Steering Committee of five adults and a senior high from each church makes plans for two annual presbytery-wide youth events. The third one was at our church in November with over 140 kids attending! The Activators from Austin College put on a fabulous event! Nicole Rawson is our representative, Karen Carter is the alternate, and I am an adult representative. In fact, Nicole was elected co-moderator with Kevin Breedyk from Dexter. We meet during every Presbytery meeting.

Thank you for all the support and prayers for me and these kids in 1996. I look forward to my remaining months with you.

Noelle Castin

Director of Youth Ministry

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Last update 2002-06-24 12:44:20