During the Twin Cities Congress, the event crew tagged me with a very fitting name… “Rookie”. Of course, I could not argue with that name because, in all honesty, it was the truth. Not only was this my first year as an event director, but this year marked the first time I had ever been to a Youth Encounter event! Overwhelming? Yes, but as our good friend Peder Eide says, “God is good, all the time!!”
 
Looking back, the year was filled with both trials and triumph. Rookie mistakes were abundant throughout the year but, as Jesus said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). That was a resounding theme for the year for me. Despite things that could and did go wrong, God continued to show His faithfulness, provision, power, and encouragement. Throughout the various weekends, I was consistently reminded why we were there. To facilitate an opportunity for youth to have fun and worship with their peers, but also to have an opportunity to get to know Jesus a little better or for the first time. That is what makes going through all the trials a triumph. It is such an encouragement to read evaluations from youth who tell of how a simple weekend changed the way they saw God or saw different ways in which they needed to change to become more like Jesus. All year, God used events to plant and water seeds of faith in youth all over the country!! That is exciting!!
 
Finally, looking back, I give thanks and praise to God for all of the people I was able to work along side of in ministry. Thanks to all the youth leaders and volunteers who came along with the youth to invest in their spiritual lives. Thanks to the trek leaders who gave of their time and talents to work with and teach the youth about so many different things. Thanks to the hotels that provided a place for us to meet and served us with patience and joy.  Thanks to the volunteers and Event Crews (especially Chicago and Wisconsin Dells) who volunteered their time to make sure that things ran as smoothly as possible. Thanks to the speakers and musicians who were called to share their faith and encourage youth through their stories and God’s Word. Thanks especially also to Captive Free West Lakes (Nick, Ryan, Rikki, Kira, Annie, and Adam) and Northwest (Alicia, Becky, Colin, Kristen, Matt, and Andy). Thanks to them for working so hard and being all about getting to hang and encourage the youth! Finally and most importantly, thanks to Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior for His hand in all we do to bring glory to Him and further His kingdom. Without Him, events don’t happen.
 
So yeah, this year was full of fun and learning. I am excited for what next year will bring. On behalf of the Events Department, thanks to all who participated and volunteered this year with events. You are much appreciated!! Press on and peace to you all!!!
 
 
It’s not too early to begin planning YOUR youth group’s event experience for next year! Click here to learn more about Youth Encounter Events: www.youthencounter.org/events/!