Sayconnect 3110

vol. 1 • no. 2 | June 2013

sayconnect.com The Salvation Army USA Western Territory Youth Department

Youth Councils 2013 Golden State youth councils brings 280

Change found at Northwest youth councils

Sierra del Mar youth councils draws 240

Delegates challenged to consider life decisions.

Delegates find motivation in their service for God.

Delegates gathered in Big Bear Lake, Calif.

BY DAVE SHULL, CAPTAIN You can choose your own ending.

That was the message offered during the “Unexpected” Golden State youth councils held at Camp Redwood Glen in Scotts Valley, Calif. In unexpected moments with the resurrected Christ, the 260 delegates were challenged to look at their lives and realize that each decision they make now affects their future.

Guests included Major Steve Bradley, Major Pam Brackenbury, and Captain Roy Wild, all from territorial headquarters, Cadet Robbin Swales from the College

BY BEVERLEY LLOYD, MAJOR At Northwest Youth Councils 2013—“Unexpected”—young people were changed by God. During the Sunday service testimony time, one youth testified that over the weekend her calling to serve as a special needs teacher and to help in her home corps was confirmed; another testified to his call to officership in the coming years. Yet another confessed that God called her to go now to Hawaii to serve on the Revolution Hawaii team.

Delegates found motivation in their service for

GOLDEN STATE, page 4

BY KRYSTINA MACIAS “Unexpected”: not expected or regarded as likely to happen; sudden; unforeseen. These words describe the Sierra del Mar youth councils, held at Pine Summit Camp in Big Bear Lake, Calif.

Over 240 delegates arrived for a weekend of surprises, starting with everyone singing and dancing to “Jesus is our God”—Gangnam style—and enjoying a random candy shower. “Surround the City” (STC), Southern California divisional praise team, performed at the meeting.

NORTHWEST, page 4

SIERRA DEL MAR, page 3

Amid the unexpected, one expectation was definitely met Cascade Youth Councils brings youth to Camp Kuratli

BY STEPHANIE OREFICE Unexpected: bouncy balls, songs about hot pockets, magic tricks, Lt. Colonel Judy Smith showered with pitchers of water, late night worship sessions, a vault full of really big stuffed animals, Jim Sparks’ trophy, Major Bob Louangamath’s testimony.

None of those things were mentioned on the poster advertising Cascade Division’s youth councils, but all of them will remind participants of the “Unexpected” weekend event held

at Camp Kuratli at Trestle Glen in Boring, Ore. Youth councils generated laughter, whether from a Spike Arndt look-a-like beat poet, musical comedy duo Dave and Brian’s songs about Smalltown Gangstas, watching people attempt to throw ridiculous items through a basketball hoop, or watching cabin 6 Up win a bunch of meaningless points.

Amid the crazy, unexpected events was the one part of youth councils delegates expected: the presence and moving of the Holy Spirit. Each morning campers gathered with their own corps for a time of reflection and prayer before hearing the morning speakers, Lt. CASCADE, page 4

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SAY CONNECT • JUNE 2013—PAGE 3

Territorial youth secretary prays for camp Join in praying for 2013 campers and staff

BY ROY WILD, CAPTAIN I am excited for the upcoming summer camp season. Camp is a place where lives are changed—those of both staff and campers. It is a great opportunity to present the gospel to thousands of children from across the territory. I would ask that you join me in a prayer for the ministry of all our camps in the territory.

Lord, We thank you for the opportunity you have provided to minister to youth through summer camps across the territory. Please be with all the staff that will be working this summer and prepare them to be used to show your love to all the campers. Give them the words to say when talking oneon-one or in a group setting. Help them to be aware of their actions so that they will be the example of you and your love in all that they do. We pray that every child who comes to camp will know that they are in a safe place where they can have fun, create good memories, and—most importantly— see and feel your presence.

May you watch over the campers physically. We ask that they be safe.

We ask that campers who do not know you would come to know you in a personal way. We ask that sins be forgiven and souls be saved. May your blessing be on all that happens at the camps this summer.

Lord, thank you for hearing our prayer. We believe that you are going to do great things through the ministry of camp this summer. May you receive all the glory.

Amen.

Finding hope at camp

BY JEFF POTTS Camp is about giving kids hope—a new perspective about who they are and what they can do in this world. I made up an acronym to clarify my vision: Helping Obscured Potential Emerge. With God’s help we encourage kids to see that they have unlimited potential in this world.

A few years ago, an 8-year-old girl with a disfigured face came to camp.

During my first chapel I told the kids, “God loves you” and “God thinks you’re beautiful.”

Afterward, the girl came up to me and said, “God doesn’t love me.”

“Why do you think that? I asked.

“Because I’m ugly,” she said. “Even my family says I’m ugly.”

My heart was sad, but I smiled and said, “You know what? I know God loves you. He says he does, and God never lies. God does think you’re beautiful. And so do I.” She shrugged and walked away.

At the final chapel of the week, we told the kids they could come up and speak to God about becoming part of his family. This little girl was one of many who spent time talking to God and receiving Jesus in his or her heart.

We asked the campers to tell someone right away about what they did, so I went outside to wait for them to share with me.

One of the last kids out was this girl. She came over to me and said, “You know what?”

“What?”

“God loves me,” she said.

“I know,” I said, and we high-fived.

She turned and started to go, then stopped and turned around.

“You know what else?”

“No, what?”

“God thinks I’m beautiful!” She gave me a hug, turned and ran off.

Hope? New perspective? Yep, we can do that. Amen.

Camp changes lives Sometimes camp is the only port in the storm of life.

BY ED COVERT From the moment Andy stepped off the bus at camp, we knew he would be one to test the boundaries. During his first few days, he quickly moved through the stages of our progressive discipline program. Calls home to his mother for support and trips to my office seemed to have little effect, and so with sad hearts we decided to send Andy home, and called his mother to pick him up.

This is where the story really begins.

That initial call was placed at 9:30 a.m. After numerous follow-up calls, his mother still had not arrived by dinner time.

I finally got her to answer her phone at about 7:30 p.m., only to learn that she was still at the casino and had called Andy’s sister—who was at the boardwalk—telling her that we would be dropping Andy off with her.

So we took Andy to the boardwalk to meet up with his sister. After completing all the necessary ID checks and paperwork, we left Andy in the care of his very unhappy sister.

The following day Andy was put on a plane—unaccompanied—and sent across the country to be picked up by his father...who did not show up. Arrangements were then made for him to be sent back across the country to be picked up by his extremely angry mother.

Upon discovering all this, I called the folks who had sent him to camp and told them that I wanted to have Andy come back to camp for the last session and that we would make it work.

It did work, and here is the second chapter of the story.

Andy was in Brett’s unit for the last session of camp, and Brett was struggling. Brett had been to camp twice already this summer, and he was clearly just too exhausted to cope with the level of activity and noise—he just wanted to fight his way out of camp and be home where he could rest. Brett and Andy had a couple of dust-ups. After some calls home, we decided that Brett had made it as far as he could for this camp session. We called his mother and arranged for her to pick him up while the other kids were at campfire.

While Brett—who by the way is a really good kid—and I waited for his mom at the gatehouse office, Andy’s counselor approached me and asked me if I could give him a minute. Out of Brett’s earshot, he told me that Andy would like to come say goodbye to Brett. Initially, I thought this was not a good idea, but the Lord had other plans. I said yes after the counselor’s persuasive argument, and he hurried back to the campfire pit to get Andy. When Andy arrived, he knelt down in front of a sad and distraught Brett, and lifted his head so that they would be eye to eye.

SIERRA del MAR from page 1

I will never forget the depth of compassion, grace and empathy these two boys shared that night. The words of comfort, caring, and courage that Andy offered to Brett where only possible because Andy had experienced the same authentic unconditional love here at camp when he faced a similar circumstance only a week earlier.

Camp makes a difference in kids’ lives. I saw it with my own eyes and felt it deep in my soul as these two boys embraced and said goodbye. God resides where children are free to love and live—that’s camp. That’s where you’ll find me.

Cari Trivonavich, speaker and performance artist, shared Friday evening how God has worked in his life. “The guy was amazing,” said Amauri NeresPereira from STC. “God struck me like lightning about the gifts he has given us and what we are doing with them.”

Saturday’s surprises began early, with tacos for breakfast and chicken and waffles for dinner, and a chapel Harlem Shake. Captain Roy Wild encouraged delegates to run back to the Father like the prodigal son did, embracing the overwhelming love that the Father has for his children.

Each meeting that day had an “X Spot,” where leaders recognized teens for their hard work, who then got to sit on the “spot” and eat lots of goodies!

Delegates could visit different stations that focused on unexpected love, hope and purpose, along with a “dangers of social media” session. The Saturday afternoon meeting included corps performances from Victor Valley and Oceanside, and special performances by Lt. Ace from the Compton Corps, Victor Cordero and Mahogany, who gracefully shared beautiful spoken word that led to the evening message from Lt. Colonel Edward Hill.

“Silent Chapel,” hosted by Lt. Jay Koebel, took place Saturday night. Sunday’s closing chapel involved the youth band and gospel choir, with guests from Southern California. Captain Lynn Stewart, divisional youth secretary, gave her testimony and a push of purpose reminding delegates of Jeremiah 29:11.

“The most unexpected part of youth councils for me was just how open the young people were to the presence of the Holy Spirit,” said Jude St. Aime from territorial headquarters. “The very first night we started playing the prelude, they stood up and just joined us in worship—there was no need for an invitation. It is wonderful to see young people get excited about worshipping the Lord and praising his name.”

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NORTHWEST

My Bible Bowl experience

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God in their daily lives at workshops on Bible study, missions work, turning failure into an advantage, and missional living.

Youth enjoyed activities including a Nerf war, dance party, carpet ball game, zip line and crafts—or just staying out of the colossal rain storm!

The sale of WARdrobe’s “Doing the Most Good” t-shirt raised nearly $1,000 to help support Salvation Army children’s homes in Sri Lanka. In addition, delegates also contributed $668 to sponsor two children from Sri Lanka through The Salvation Army’s Overseas Child sponsorship program.

Jonathan Taube led worship,

ushering in the presence of the Holy Spirit. Messages by Captain Shevaun Malone, Rob Noland and Major Tim Foley led to seekers every night.

Saturday was unexpectedly nerdy as delegates attended a nerd banquet and had a blast at “The Brain Show.” Participants are now dance experts with a repertoire of 15 nerdy dances.

During the most unexpectedly fun weekend of the year, leaders were trained, the Bible studied and friendships forged.

Thanks to our not unexpected God who is faithful and constant and always shows up!

WESTERN MUSIC INSTITUTE

Scripture contest reveals a new depth for one participant.

BY SAM OLIVER Words on a piece of paper—in the beginning that’s all I saw.

The concept of Bible Bowl is simple: you’re assigned chapters from a book of the Bible, you study the questions, you practice with your team, and then you compete with others who have done the same.

What I did not realize until later was the real purpose of it: to glorify God. I had lived in Tucson, Ariz., all my life. That was where I went to school, made my closest friends, and felt truly at home. This year, when my parents, my brother and I moved to the College for Officer Training at Crestmont, I had no idea how my life would play out.

Our Bible Bowl team didn’t start up until January, but just being around the other teens made my new environment feel less foreign. I looked forward to the practices not only because of the won-

GOLDEN STATE August 8-17, 2013 | Pine Summit 700 Wren Dr. Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

GUESTS:

COMMISSIONERS DICK & VIBEKE KROMMENHOEK & SPARK THEATER + DANCE

Saturday 10th, 8 p.m.

Concert with Boston Brass At Pine Summit Tuesday 13th, 8 p.m.

Mid Week Concert at Big Bear Performing Arts Center 39707 Big Bear Blvd Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

Wednesday 14th, 8 p.m.

Soloist Night At Pine Summit Saturday 17th, 2 p.m.

Final Concert at Tustin Ranch Corps

derful people, but also because I enjoyed learning the book of Matthew and memorizing Scripture.

I recall one day before practice started when it all began to make sense.

That day, I went into my study room to get some 40-point questions in my head. Instead of just pulling out my supplies and getting right into studying, I decided to try praying this time. I’m not exactly sure what led me to do this, but I promise when I prayed these words I truly meant them.

This was my prayer: “God, I don’t want to see empty words on plain pieces of paper anymore. I see that when I do geometry homework and other schoolwork. What I want is for you to help me understand what you mean. Reveal to me your Word and let it live in my heart. Show me your truth.

Amen.”

Bible Bowl has been a huge blessing in my life.

It helped me to adjust from Arizona to California, and to apply the book of Matthew to everyday situations. I loved every aspect of Bible Bowl this year and I owe so much to everyone who made it possible. Because of it, I’ve traveled further in my journey with God.

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for Officer Training, and the Santa Ana (Calif.) worship team.

Six delegates left camp Saturday morning to help at a local organic farm; participants said it made them look at their food choices differently. On Saturday afternoon, delegates attended workshops on leadership, prayer, relationships, media, worship, sharing your testimony, bullying, and following Jesus.

Free time choices included messy twister, black light miniature golf, photo booth, dodgeball and the Camp Redwood Glen Amazing Race. Saturday night’s “The Brain Show” got everyone moving and laughing. Afterward, the Santa Cruz Corps and the Emergency Disaster Services team provided homemade tacos.

On Sunday, Brackenbury and Swales challenged Future Officers Fellowship delegates to be unafraid of God’s calling to officership. In the last general session, Bradley encouraged the youth to look for Jesus even amid suffering and pain.

Travis Yardley, Turlock (Calif.) Corps youth leader, said that his group especially enjoyed the worship and the fellowship with other corps. “They gave [the weekend] a 10 out of 10,” he said.

Considering the unexpected, remember, the resurrection changes everything!

Say connect is a publication of The Salvation Army USA Western Territory Youth Department. Visit us online at sayconnect.com.

WYI 2013 visit sayconnect.com

CASCADE

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Colonel Victor Doughty and Captain Paula Wild, bring the Word.

Testimonies from Louangamath and Cadet Dana Walters revealed real-life accounts of God shattering expectations.

Some youth councils memories are fast, loud and unpredictable: those bouncy balls that appeared out of nowhere and turned teenagers into hungry hippos, racing as fast as they could to grab one and redeem it for a prize.

Other memories are more personal, tucked in the heart: the latenight Saturday evening acoustic worship in the Grounded Café, empty Italian soda cups scattered around, voices and hands raised.

The main memory from Youth Councils 2013 was that despite the theme of “Unexpected,” one expectation was met: through every activity and meeting, God was present to all who were at Camp Kuratli.