Midwinters to show teens ‘nothing else matters’

2007 Midwinter dates
Jan. 19-21, Junior High, Mount Wesley
Jan. 26-28, Senior High, HEB Echo Valley
Feb. 2-3, Senior High, Mount Wesley
Feb. 9-11, Junior High, Mount Wesley
Feb. 16-18, Junior High, Mount Wesley
Feb. 12-25, Senior High, HEB Singing Hills

By Rachel L. Toalson
Staff Writer
They watched 100 students dance through the Kerrville streets surrounding Mount Wesley Conference Center last summer, proclaiming that Jesus was alive and working today.
They joined peers in vowing to show others the love of Christ.
Now members of the Council on Youth Ministries have decided that “nothing else matters.”
That’s the theme for this year’s six Midwinter weekend retreats, said the Rev. Rusty Freeman, youth ministries director.
“The theme reflects the church’s ultimate mission—to bring the gospel to the world,” Freeman said. “Our theme reflects the most important thing. It returns us to the core truths of scripture—to proclaim Jesus crucified and risen.”
Midwinter participants are to:
> Learn how to share their faith stories (evangelism).
> Find out about areas such as helping homeless people (service).
> Be reminded of the call to work in the world regardless of vocation (calling).
> Work on their personal commitment to Christ through developing the spiritual habits of faith (spiritual growth).
Freeman said he expected about 1,000 young people and 200 adults to attend the six Midwinter sessions.
“Midwinter retreats reach a large assortment of students—from those who have been in church for years to those just visiting the youth group who have been roped into going,” Freeman said. “It’s a chance for all to hear about the message of God’s love, grace and power.
“Each youth is special to Christ and will be given a chance to respond in a personal way—a way that is nonthreatening
but powerful all the same.”
This year’s Midwinter retreats include a special “Underground Church Experience” to help students “identify with those Christians throughout the world who are suffering for their faith,” Freeman said.
Cost for the retreats is $90 for students 18 years and younger and $50 for adults and staff.
Registration deadline is 14 working days before the retreat. Online registration is available at www.reachingyouth.org.