More than 80 teens
attend third
Discovery Weekend

WHITE LAKE, North Carolina--More than 80 teens from a variety of denominations attended the third annual Discovery Weekend youth retreat at White Lake March 24 to 26. The Mid-Atlantic WCG district sponsored the weekend with assistance from Impact Ministries, a youth ministry founded by Robby Cloninger.

"What a spectacular weekend!" said Robby. "God's spirit really fell upon the camp, producing incredible messages, immense fun and great praise and worship."

In addition to the many opportunities for spiritual growth, campers enjoyed water sports, basketball, volleyball and other recreational activities. A 1970s retro dance took place Saturday night.

Impact Ministry's praise band led chapel services. Messages were given by Greg Williams, pastor of the Fayetteville, North Carolina, and Dillon, South Carolina, congregations, and Paul David Kurts, pastor of the Hickory and Boone, North Carolina, churches. Messages centered on the weekend's theme, God--a Lamb.

"I enjoy praise and worship the most because that is when you bond with your friends the most, including my best friend and Savior Jesus Christ," said camper Alex Johnston.

Camper Garrett Williams added, "The praise band was into the music, and it helped us to worship more freely."

Frank Ancona, an Impact leader and pastor of the Mount Airy, North Carolina, congregation, said: "All of the campers really wanted to grow in their relationship with Christ. We're really trying to do something special with Discovery and make a major impact that will extend back into the schools where the campers attend. We want them to be walking sermons of the Gospel."

Mr. Williams said: "It is rewarding to be a part of ministry where significant growth is noticeable. We have increased our number of campers from 30 in 1998, to 70 in 1999, to 86 in 2000." John Brian Heath.

DISCOVERY WEEKEND--Teens who attended retreat in
White Lake, North Carolina. [Photo by Warren McKoy]

Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 2000