Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/358103
youth councilS >> 'The Stronger Games!' MELANIE ORTIZ 'Strong identity' CAPTAIN SHAUN P. BELANGER On Friday night of the Southwest Ohio & Northeast Kentucky Division's (SWONEKY) Youth Councils, 250 del- egates had an opportunity to place their hands on a black– lighted Cross to symbolically identify with Christ's crucifi x- ion and resurrection in a most dramatic and unique way. As the committed delegates lifted their hands, they were amazed to see their fi ngerprints clearly illuminated on that Cross. From April 25–27 at Camp SWONEKY, the delegates explored additional ways to identify with God's message in Ephesians 6, which called them to put on the "full armor" of God and, after hav- ing done that, to stand. Also on Friday night, the keynote meeting focused on the struggle to claim one's identity. The SWONEKY Worship Band set the tone with powerful music. Captain Shaun Belanger, youth & candidates secretary, spoke on understanding our true identity in Christ. "Friday Night Live" was in full force as Ian Evans, Jonathon Shaftstall, and Chuck Goodin, members of the Territorial Arts Ministries team (TAM), led a time of improvisation and interactive fun. The Dragon Slayerz, the special guests, rocked the house with their music. On Saturday, delegates focused on God as the source of their identity and the origin of their armor. A game show, identity sessions, and archery tag fi lled the day's activities. Colonel Janice A. Howard, assistant chief secretary, challenged the delegates to pursue their walk with the Lord. Following a bonfi re, the Bucket Boys shared their mu- sic and comedic talents with the group. The weekend culminated on Sunday morning as Major Phil Lloyd, territorial youth secretary, delivered a pas- sionate message on living out your identity. The National Rainfor- est, El Yunque in Luquillo, P.R., was the place where God's presence manifested powerfully during the week- end of May 2–4. Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands Division's youth converged on Camp Yuquibo to receive spiritual training and to be strengthened in the knowledge of the word at "Youth Councils: STRONG." Delegations from St. Thomas and from Puerto Rico also forged new friendships. On Friday evening, the Divisional Drama Group introduced "Selfi e," a char- acter who made a variety of appearances throughout the weekend. GAAD, the divisional praise & worship group, led worship through songs, praise, and dance. Special guests Colonel Ste- ven M. Howard, secretary for personnel; Colonel Janice A. Howard, spiritual life develop- ment secretary; Major Thomas M. Lyle, candidates depart- ment secretary; Major Laura E. Lyle, associate candidates secretary; and Cadets Jimmy and Rebecca Susa ministered through testimonies, dance, spiritual songs, and most es- pecially, through the word. On Friday night, delegates discussed with their corps offi cers strategies for staying strong and for keeping their minds away from temptation. At 7:30 on Saturday morn- ing, the youth battled through heavy rains to attend a workout, which underscored the importance of also staying physically strong. Spiritual ex- ercises entitled "The Stronger Games Bible Challenge" of- fered an intense Q & A on the Bible. The Mayagüez Corps emerged victorious. During Saturday night, everyone gathered at the pool for "The Stronger Games Water Challenge." This activity served as a time of fellowship and lighthearted competition. On Sunday morning, the holiness meeting became a spiritual battleground where many young people commit- ted themselves to resisting the enemy by using the strategies they had acquired during the weekend. Some delegates also answered the call to offi cership. —Melanie Ortiz is the divisional youth & young adult coordinator 13 www.saconnects.org