“I know who I am”
Something special happens when people get together to relax and worship God (writes Youth Leader Mark Scoulding). London South East Division Youth Councils 2010 was no exception!
Mark
Despite the dull Sunday morning drizzle, Mote Park Leisure Centre (Maidstone) was buzzing as 300 teenagers and youth leaders gathered for worship. Many of the 18-strong Chatham party greeted friends from across the Southeast as the worship band Second Mile (featuring our own Adam Cotterill) warmed up. Divisional Commander Lt. Col. Anthony Cotterill welcomed the excited crowd and introduced the day’s theme: “I Know Who I am.” He also presented Capt. Lynne Clifton and Lt. Nicola Brooksbank, the new Divisional Youth Officers, and led prayers of dedication for them. After lively worship, fun team activities and a poignant DVD clip, Lt. Nicola reminded everyone that their identities are in Jesus Christ. She shared verses from James 1:22-25 and, with honesty and encouragement, pointed out that God wants us all to live consistently as Christians, not acting differently with different groups of people.
Lt. Col. Anthony Cotterill
Second Mile
Adam- laid back?
Lunch gave friends a good opportunity to catch up before they headed off to their various afternoon activities. The teenagers could choose between swimming, a drumming workshop, a football tournament, Wii, a prayer zone and a chill-out area. Meanwhile, the youth leaders met together to share resources and encourage one-another.
Second Mile kicked off the evening session with energetic worship and had everyone on their feet, dancing their praises. Raul D’Oliveira, the world-renowned percussionist who had led the afternoon drumming workshop, then shared his testimony through words and music. He blessed the teenagers and youth leaders by playing and singing prayerfully and prophetically over them. After this, Capt. Chris Carre shared his thoughts on being an apprentice of Jesus and illustrated his points using examples from the BBC show The Apprentice. Lt. Nicola then opened up a time of ministry, encouraging individuals to stand up and declare “I am an apprentice of Jesus Christ.” It was awesome to watch teenagers and adults slowly get to their feet, one-by-one, and confirm their trust in God. Within a few minutes, around 200 people were standing. God’s Holy Spirit was working as a number of young people went forward for prayer. Second Mile concluded the day with the powerful song lyrics:
I was running and you found me
I was blind and you gave me sight
You put a song of praise in me
Oh, I was broken and you healed me
I was dying and you gave me life
Lord, you are my identity
I know who I am
I know who I am
I am yours
And you are mine
Jesus you are mine
