This past weekend we took 11 middle schoolers and 4 adults to Ocean City for Alive. Alive is a middle school conference put together by Youth for Christ. This year they had over 2,000 middle schoolers in attendance.

This is a little summary of what the students learned and experienced:

The theme of the conference was “Game On”. Throughout the weekend the students got to experience great speakers, funny comedians such as “Dave the Horn Guy”, great worship led by “Rush of Fools”, tons of games like dodgeball, and just a fun and encouraging atmosphere with other middle schoolers and adult leaders.

During the Friday night main session the speaker, “Runks”, introduced the theme “Game On” and talked about how God can use all of us. He shared his own story and how God used him through his ADHD.

On Saturday morning during the main session the speaker, Tyra Lokey-Robinson, told the powerful story of her life and talked about how with Jesus we are never “out”. No matter what we have been through or what we have done Jesus will always love us and be with us.

In the afternoon we went to the boardwalk. There we ate lunch, hung out with other Alive students, and played sports on the beach.

During the Saturday night main session Runks gave the Gospel message, and it was powerful to see so many middle schoolers respond. We had 2 of our own students accept Christ and 5 students re-dedicate their lives to Jesus. After the service we talked as a group, and each student shared about what God did in their lives and how they responded. Every one of our students had an amazing story to tell of what God did in their lives during the service, and how they responded. It was a beautiful time of sharing, and bonding as a group.

During the Sunday morning main session they had time for students to share what God has done in their lives this weekend. Two of our students were bold enough to go up front and get in line to share, but sadly the line had to be cut off before they had a chance to share. However, I am still proud of them for having the courage to be willing to share in front of so many people. Powerful stuff. Runks then shared about the “5 minute lies” that satan tells us after events like this, and how we can keep the fire going after the emotion fades. This was a very good practical message about choices the students need to make when the get home.

This was an amazing weekend for our middle schoolers. God moved and the students responded! I want to thank Melody for being so generous with setting us up with a house to stay out in Ocean City this weekend. This made the event so much cheaper for our students, and it was a great bonding time hanging out at the house together. I also want to thank our amazing adult sponsors: Barb, Ashley, and Aubree. We have an amazing team of adult leaders at Elevate, and they really showed that this weekend.

I want to encourage you as parents to ask your student specifics about what God did in their lives this weekend. They were encouraged to share with their parents as soon as they get home about what God has done in their hearts during Alive.

Blessings on you and your family!

Pastor Derek