Last week we had the privilege of staying at Living Springs for Xtend 2024. A group of 11 attended from Y@P (eight young people and three leaders), and God was faithfully stirring our hearts as we grew deeper in relationship with him and each other.
Over the four days we noticed young people becoming increasingly more confident in noticing and naming their God-given spiritual gifts. But not just that, they were becoming more courageous in using them to participate in Christ's redemptive work!
A recurring theme at camp was based around Romans 12, which finishes off with: 'Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil by doing good.' Our young people found this particularly confronting in their present culture and landscape in the world. As disciples of Jesus, we're prompted to respond differently when evil is done to us or around us–and that is a challenge!
But we can take heart knowing that the Holy Spirit is present alongside us as we respond counter-culturally. This was an important takeaway for us all at Xtend; I wonder how it might encourage you in your responses and actions in the coming days?
Dan
144 Sawyers Arms Road
Christchurch, New Zealand
+64 3 352 4227