A Look Back at the 2010 State Youth Retreat

November 5-7 | Mainstay Suites Conference Center | Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Meltdown

Excitement ran high as 155 Free Will Baptist students from 10 churches gathered in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, November 5-7, for Meltdown, a youth conference for students in grades seven through college. As the season’s first snow blanketed the nearby Smoky Mountains, students were inspired, challenged, and renewed by the weekend’s activities.

“The messages and music were right on target to speak to the hearts of those in attendance,” said Conference Director Ken Akers. “The kids had a great time, and they left relaxed and rejuvenated, ready to face the challenges of life when they returned to their routines on Monday morning.”

Missionary and counselor Neal Gilliland (pictured below) was the keynote speaker for the conference. The Ohio native’s straightforward message combined with an off-the-wall sense of humor made for great communication with his teen audience. Alabama Music Ministers Chad Donoho and Jeremy Robinson led worship, combining classic hymns of the faith with modern choruses in a way that everyone enjoyed.

During Saturday afternoon free time, attendees took advantage of all Pigeon Forge has to offer, from shopping and go-kart racing to iceskating and hiking in Smoky Mountain National Park. Some students even joined the Polar Bear Club with a quick dip in the hotel’s lazy river. Brrrrr.

When the group returned to the hotel on Saturday night, 440 large slices of 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. “I’m exhausted,” she said afterwards. “But everything went great, and our group had a blast this weekend. Each service got better and better, and we especially enjoyed the concert of prayer on Saturday. It made for an evening we will never forget.”

Chris Talbot and Zach Maloney, students from Free Will Baptist Bible College, kept the excitement going strong with a fast-paced mix of games, activities, and contests after evening services.

“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 2011. They will be glad they did.”