Youth Strike for Christ 2014

2014 Youth Strike For Christ (January 31^st – February 2^nd)

Youth Strike For Christ, sponsored by the Iowa Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, is a faith building experience for youth in 7^th through 12^th grades. Youth from all over the state of Iowa (over 400) come for a weekend of music, study, a mission project, and faith development and growth. The United Methodist Youth (“UMY”) from West Des Moines United Methodist Church have participated in YSFC for many years and this year we had 10 youth and our youth leaders represent our church for this energizing and rewarding event.

The 2014 theme was “Hello, My Name Is…” and focused on scripture from Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you, “declares the Lord…”plans to give you hope and a future.” The youth initially focused on how society might label them – short, lazy, dumb, or mean. At the end, the youth were tearing up those old “name tags” as they considered how God calls all of us – we are special, we are loved. The small groups looked at the conversion story of Saul to Paul and what that meant for him to be re-named, redefined, and re-created in Christ. In the end, we accept that we are all children of God, the one true King!

This year’s keynote speaker was Kelly Croy – teacher, artist, and speaker. Kelly began each session with a live art performance using chalk and canvas and combined that with music and computer animation to bring inspiration, encouragement and hope. Kelly’s message is simple yet profound, to live a life uncommon by pursuing your dreams relentlessly, impacting the lives of others, and welcoming discipline and challenges as a way to grow.

Thank you to the WDMUMC congregation for your generous donations as the youth participated in the mission activity of packing Meals from the Heartland. YSFC participants packed thousands of meals that will be used for hungry people here in Iowa and around the globe! Thank you for your support and prayers as these great youth change lives in the name of Jesus Christ!