Going Deeper: 2011 State Youth Retreat
November 11-13, 2011 | Mainstay Suites | Pigeon Forge, TN
More than 125 Free Will Baptist students, parents, and youth workers from nine churches gathered in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, November 11-13, for Submerge, a youth conference for students in grades seven through college. It was worth the trip in spite of heavy holiday traffic and cool temperatures. Students were inspired, challenged, and renewed by the weekend’s activities.
Tennessee native and keynote speaker David Outlaw combined straightforward messages with an off-the-wall sense of humor and fun activities to communicate a vital message to his audience—going deeper in their Christian faith. “The messages and music were exactly what was needed,” said Conference Director Ken Akers. “Every message challenged teens to take their faith to the next level.” Alabama Music Minister Chad Donoho and his band led worship, combining classic hymns of the faith with modern choruses in a way everyone enjoyed.
During Saturday afternoon free time, the group took advantage of the many activities Pigeon Forge has to offer, from shopping and go-kart racing to ice skating and hiking in the Smoky Mountains. Some students even braved the cool fall air to ride “bumper boats” at a nearby amusement park.
When the group returned to the hotel on Saturday night, 516 slices of Papa John’s pizza disappeared quickly during Pizza Pandemonium, an event planned by Jane Franks. Jane was also responsible for acquiring a large number of door prizes that were given away to retreat participants before each group session.
Between services, students enjoyed a fast-paced mix of games, activities, and contests from a life-sized “Angry Birds” game to “Redneck Wet Suit,” sock wars, and the ever-popular balloon stomp.
“If I had to describe the conference with one word, it would be ‘Wow!’” Said Ken Akers, when asked to sum up the weekend. “From the messages to the music to the activities, it was an unforgettable weekend. I hope that youth groups across the state will start planning now to join us for the retreat in 2012.”
For more pictures, visit the TNCE Facebook Page.
