Youth start the year off right
Houston Metropolitan church youth started the year off with a camp out in January.
Houston Metropolitan church youth started the year off with a camp out in January.
Houston Metropolitan church youth started the year off with a camp out in January.
Houston Metropolitan church youth started the year off with a camp out in January.
Houston Metropolitan church youth started the year off with a camp out in January.
Houston Metropolitan church youth went on a camp out at Huntsville State Park this January.
Houston Metropolitan church youth went on a camp out at Huntsville State Park this January.
Houston Metropolitan church youth went on a camp out at Huntsville State Park this January.
Houston Metropolitan — Braving the cold, twenty youth and young adults pitched camp at Huntsville State Park on Friday, January 18. Despite the chilling winds and onslaught of rain, these members of the Metropolitan church's Youth and Young Adults group found themselves surprisingly snug, warmed by each other's company and the bond uniting them all. The focus of this year's annual camping trip was to build up the existing accord among the youth group's members and understand how it could be used to further God's work.
"It was true refreshment in every sense of the word," says Jennifer Rosete Baysa, group member and attendee of the camping trip. "To get away from the city and worship God in the beauty of nature with my closest friends provided a much-needed break from my busy life."
The youth group awoke early Saturday morning to a sizzling breakfast and sparkling lakeside. Following breakfast was a lively worship hour with humorous exercises and group activities. The youth group discussed their goals and objectives for 2008, including how they could help one another withstand the pressures of the times and nurture each other in their walks with Christ by keeping their faith in God and standing together. To top off the worship service, former youth director Bryan Baysa and newly elected youth director for 2008-2009, Ely Don Lagazo, gave impassioned sermons about the power of youth and the importance of the mission to which God has called His young people.
"I was reminded that I have a group of people who mean the world to me and with whom I can share my relationship with God. Their spiritual life and advice helps me to become a better person and draw me closer to Him. That's what camping was all about," says Rosalynn Santos, who also attended the camping trip. After a hearty lunch grilled over the campfire, many of the youth excitedly participated in scavenger hunts and nature walks while others indulged in late afternoon naps. Sundown worship was equally exciting as every member present gave a heartfelt testimony, deep with emotion and sincerity. Many youth members gave emotional testimonies, unable to even look their fellow members in the eye. Others gave testimonies of hope, directing their words to those who had not been active within the youth group for extended periods of time. As a whole, each member expressed his or her thanks to God for providing them with a new year as well as a group of friends upon which they could rely.
"After this camping trip, I know for a fact that I was blessed with these people," says Santos. "I know they will always be there for me, not judge me, advise me, keep my faith strong, and walk with me through the right path." The Youth and Young Adults Group departed early Sunday afternoon after partaking in a large breakfast and playing a revised version of football. Hosted by Jennifer and Bryan Baysa, a barbecue cookout dinner was held to cap the weekend's festivities. "I can honestly say that I left Huntsville feeling excited for our youth's upcoming year," concludes Santos. "I felt like camping was like the kickoff to our new exciting year full of bonding, activities, and spiritual growth."