Renew, Resource, Refocus

Last weekend a number of us attended the NYMW a Christian youth work conference 
organised by Youthscape. It is a brilliant time away where you can refocus on God with lots of opportunities to worship collectively together. We were encouraged and challenged in faith by some brilliant speakers and took time to be still and listen for Gods gentle whisper. 

The conference is also a fantastic opportunity to hear about and explore new resources. We were gifted a number of resources as part of our ticket by Youthscape. Including a great new resource by Open Doors helping young people to discover more about the persecuted church. I also found a couple a new resources in the exhibition where a number of different Christian organisations and charities share the youth work resources they have on offer. I’m excited to use these new resources and see what conversations arise from them. 

One of the best parts of the weekend (other than spending time with God) is spending time with the wonderful people I work with. As well as catching up and spending time with a number of those who are in our St Albans network and those who have been part of our network in the past. It’s great to hear how others are doing and there’s nothing more encouraging than sitting in the main sessions with a large group of familiar faces. 

Which was helpful when against my better judgement I ended up on stage in one of the main sessions after managing to be one of the top six in a game of heads and tails. With a chance to win Step an extra prize a reluctantly went forward to spin the wheel and claim which ever prize we managed to win. AMAZINGLY it was the prize we had wanted from the list!! Two free tickets to next years NYMW!! 

I have taken a lot aways from the weekend. The seminars I attended were great and really though provoking. I have come away with some fantastic resources. It was a joy to spend time with the awesome people I get the pleasure of working with. As always it gave me a chance to renew my enthusiasm for working with young people. And most importantly it was a time spent in worship to God and resting in His presence.
 
Helena :)