Alive 2008 Quest Middle School Youth Conference

I just wanted to put a quick post about my trip I took in Late November with my Church's Middle School Youth Ministry Program, TNT (Teens in Transition) to Ocean City, Maryland. For those who live in Virginia, D.C or Maryland, you might be thinking “Fun, the beach in late November?!” Yes, I know, we did have the 30 degree weather and the 20 mile an hour winds so the Board walk was brutal, but the good thing is no one was there to see how insane we were to be there!

We were there to attend the Alive 2008 Quest Middle School Youth Conference Metro Maryland Youth for Christ. The event is very well done. It was well organized, the people were great and there was enough fun to go round for all ages. The band Leedland was phenomenal and they rocked the place all weekend in worship. Some of the speakers and entertainers were One time blind, Joel Sonnenberg, PureNRG, Runks and Leonard Sweet.

My personal favorites were Runks and Joel Sonenberg.

Runks is an insane, funny 6 foot 6 guy who really knows how to connect with everyone in the room. Runks grew up in Midland, Texas and is a graduate of McMurry University in Abilene, Texas. Runks received Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; he then served as a Youth Minister for 7 years and in January of 1998 began traveling the country communicating the gospel to teenagers, college students and adults. He tells stories that make you feel as thought you were right there with him. His presentation and delivery is funny, honest, and inspirational. Did I mention he is insane?

Now Joel Sonnenberg is a guy you would just like to hang out with and bask in the good feeling and passion for life he exudes. When Joel was almost 2 years old, he was involved in a devastating car accident on I95 when a Tractor trailer slammed into his family car at a toll booth that left him with burns over 85% of his body. The only part left unburned on Joel was the area where his wet diaper was. After the accident Joel had a 10% chance of living but, with a lot of faith, love and prayer from many, many people, Joel pulled through.

After a very long road of recovery, Joel has become international speaking minister. Joel’s story is one of heartbreak, love, pain, survival, faith and triumph. I recommend his book “Joel”- pick it up here at Amazon.

The activity section for the kids is packed with tons of things to keep the kids happy all weekend. There were also vendors selling books, T-shirts, music and many other items. They had a huge karaoke set up, Wii, temporary tattoos, hair painting, games and tons of other activities.

I had a great weekend and truly enjoyed ministering to my small group of kids. It was great to take our 55 or so kids and mix them up with 3500 other Christian middle schoolers. I would encourage Churches or anyone, if you have a chance and middle school student to attend this retreat next year. More info here: http://www.mmyfc.org/mmyfc/index.html

Thanks for checking in, God Bless.>>John