Big Conference

A week in Wales, a week of learning and discussing, a week of making new friends and meeting with old, a week of being in the mountains, a week of comfort and worship. God is good. All the time. But especially these past 4 days. I was with all the other Time for God volunteers, there were supposed to be 90-100 of us, deep in the heart of Wales. I think Wales is the most beautiful place I have been to...full of green green countryside, loads of sheep, mountains, and the air smells wonderful. The week was full of small group time, where we discussed how our year has been going, any problems that we might be having, and where to go next. The last question wasn't quite answered for me yet..but in time...I met so many new people and they were all so lovely and it was a great time being surrounded by other volunteers. I got to see my YAGM friends and that was a blast! As one of them told me, it fills her heart to be with us, and I couldn't agree more. I love all of them so dearly and so enjoy being able to spend time together. So much time was spent giggling and sharing stories, playing basketball and table tennis, bananagrams and drinking tea! We went on a hike up the mountain where I got to really admire the beauty of the country...seeing miles beyond miles of green (and of course some white from snow!) I came home very tired but also awake. My eyes have been re-opened and my heart full. The conference has reenergized me and I am excited to start working again here with my youth. God is good.

Youth Alpha!

Oh my goodness! I just got home from our first run at Youth Alpha. It is a course for 10years + kids, our oldest being 15 and we are basically exploring what it means to be a Christian. We are going to tackle some good, tough questions and hopefully learn a lot about ourselves, God and each other. We had 10 young people come tonight, which is about the numbers we were hoping for. Tonight we talked about "Who is Jesus?" and it was really a great night. I was very nervous, as was my co-leader Stephen, but it was better than I could have expected or hoped for! The kids were very responsive and engaged and gave some brilliant thoughts and questions. God was so clearly there with us, helping the night move smoothly and keeping the YP attentive and interested. Thank you for your prayers, I cannot wait for the next session!

Amanda Ruthe