BATON ROUGE, Louisiana—“God Wants to Rock Your World!” was the theme of this year’s Discovery Weekend at Fontainebleau State Park Jan. 2 to 4 in which 79 teens and adults participated.
Friday night, Jan. 2, began with a praise and worship service led by Travis Washington, a teen from the Baton Rouge church, followed by some mixer games.
Guest speaker Jeff Broadnax, pastor of the Clarkstown, New Jersey, and Middletown, New York, churches, gave the opening message on how “Jesus Keeps It Real.”
Saturday began with more praise and worship after which Pastor Jeff spoke on how “Jesus Keeps It Relevant!” explaining that there isn’t anything Jesus doesn’t understand about our world and the stuff we carry around with us.
After lunch, several of the youths gave testimonials relating how God had been working in their lives. One boy spoke of his experience of getting in trouble and going to jail, but now God was giving him the strength to avoid wrong choices and focus on him. The youths then broke into groups and prayed for one another.
After lunch, Pastor Jeff gave a message titled “Jesus Keeps It Right Now.” The Baton Rouge youths then performed a play called “Mama Grace’s Family,” an inspiring story about a single mom with several children and the challenges they face. They ultimately realize the importance of loving and supporting one another and relying on God. Stan Duhon, a Baton Rouge youth, wrote, directed and played the lead role. The play included several song and dance numbers.
A banquet and dance took place Saturday evening, and on Sunday morning several New Orleans youths performed a dance routine to the song “Awesome God.” Pastor Jeff then gave the final message on “Your Response: Now What or So What?”
Bobby Dees, a college student from the Mobile, Alabama, church, then spoke on what he felt God had laid on his heart as the weekend progressed. He talked about the struggle of maintaining your enthusiasm following inspiring events such as Discovery Weekends. It is always difficult to not get bogged down in our everyday problems, and keep our focus on Christ.
He encouraged the youths to not give up even when they feel they have messed up. God will not condemn them but always loves them and is ready to help them overcome their daily struggles. Joy Cryer.
Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 2004