On New Year’s Eve, the Gateway youth went to their annual “Journey” winter retreat at Camp Michindoh. Nearly 100 students and 20 adult chaperones braved zero degree temperatures to learn more about God and worship in the new year!
This year’s theme for the Journey was “Rebirth.” Throughout the main sessions, students walked through the Biblical narratives of: 1) We are God’s creation, and therefore, He is in charge; 2) We have sinned against God in rebellion and rejection of Him; 3) Christ offers us redemption through His finished work on the cross; 4) If we have placed our faith in Jesus, we have been saved for a purpose - specifically to follow Christ and tell others about the hope that is found in Christ alone!
After each main session, the students spent time in small groups with their adult leaders digging deeper into what they had been learning. And even after a night of virtually no sleep, the kids were engaged, and there were some really great discussions. It was so encouraging to interact with the students as they were wrestling with understanding God better and grasping what it looks like to be a follower of Jesus.
Even though it was cold, the snow added a fun element and the sledding hill was quite popular during free times! We did have to keep reminding the kids that coats were non-negotiable, no matter how “short” a distance it was between buildings. We all made it home safe, sound, and mostly healthy, and we are so honored by the support parents and the Gateway body provide for us to serve the students in our community with the hope of the Gospel.
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