Youth Challenge Blog

Dave 'you know like' Lacey

Scottish Camp 2010 was an absolutely brilliant week.  Here’s what Dave Lacey remembers about it – written as only Dave could!!

Well, on Friday 13^th August Kyle and I headed up to Larne from the centre of the earth, Newtownabbey.  As we weren’t sure who was going to camp it was safe to say we were slightly worried.  You know, since we’re so cool and all that, that maybe people who weren’t as cool as us would be there.  But we headed into the boat terminal and we decided to mingle – you know, to get a feel for the camp and the campers.  I had a chat with a girl called Catherine Laughlin from a place called Ballymena, which I had never heard of, but where they have strange accents compared to the amazing Belfast accent that I have.  In all honestly I still have no idea what she said, even to this day, as my ears had to adjust to the Ballymena accent.  It was also at this point that Kyle approached me and informed me that there were people at the camp from all over the country, including Cookstown!  Personally we just thought that Cookstown was a made up place where sausages were made, but it turns out that it actually is a real place!

Getting on the boat someone (Hannah Skillen) then said, and I actually quote, “This is just like being on the Titanic.”  Turning to her I then asked if she realised that the Titanic sank.  The boat journey wasn’t good for me to be honest.  I spent most of it terrified that the boat was going to sink.  Once the boat docked I was straight off it onto land.  Still shaking from the experience, Kyle and I took to our seats on the bus.  I think we spent most of the journey talking about the fact that so many people weren’t from the Belfast area.  We hadn’t a clue what was going on.  Who were these people?

Judith & Janet

Getting to the Bible Centre we settled into our room and we met our other dorm mate (another David).  He thought it was strange that we hid under our covers when we got there, but eventually we came out.  We got chatting to the girls down the corridor from us.  They seemed nice.  At this point we didn’t realise what a bond would develop over the week, but until dinner time we were still unsettled.  Kyle was crying his eyes out he was so home sick.  My mum had spent the last hour reassuring me that everything was okay and that I’d settle in okay, but it wasn’t until supper that we finally felt comfortable.  This was the moment we laid our eyes on the most beautiful thing we had ever seen.  Kyle nudged me and said “Dave… look!”  It was at this moment we saw the woman of our dreams.  The wind swept hair, the amazingly fashionable apron and the dazzling eyes could only be one person – Janet!  When Kyle and I eventually got up to the counter to get food I couldn’t talk and Kyle actually fainted!  We both went without food that night but we weren’t hungry, we were in love!

The Saturday broke a new dawn.  Up until now we were nervous and worried but after seeing Janet our hearts had its missing piece.  Heading into Glasgow we began to chat away to people.  After a while the accent barriers became a thing of the past.  We could, all of a sudden, speak the language that these country people spoke.  It was amazing!  Heading to M&D’s in the afternoon we had such craic.  People at the park thought that we were plain strange but we had the thought of Janet in our minds so, even when we got soaked on the water ride, we loved it.

Each day we had our Bible study.  This year we studied heroes of the faith from Hebrews chapter 11.  Honestly they were class.  I think this is one of the great things about the camps, the practical side of the teaching.  We found out how characters like Noah and Enoch kept the faith and what we can learn from them.  They were truly encouraging.

Sunday was more of a relaxed day until we did a mystery based game.  Since Kyle and I went to Monkstown, which is actually the smartest school known to man, we were certain we would win.  With the help of Jayne Stewart we set off solving clues.  Honestly we were like Sherlock Holmes, Watson and… the girl from the film.  Happy enough that we had done enough to win, we sunbathed which, honestly, we were surprised about as I didn’t expect the weather to be so good, but it was class.  Kyle and I worked on our tans for Janet and it seemed to work as she actually smiled at us at tea time!

On Monday we headed off early to go tobogganing.  Still gutted that we were cheated out of the mystery game we headed to the slopes.  It’s a snow based sport so I loved it.  I love the snow, love the taste and the feeling of it, and granted the yellow stuff does taste funny, but we’ll say nothing!!  While sliding down a hill at speed you realise that friendship is of no importance as on various occasions Kyle and I shoved each other which usually resulted in either of us flying off somewhere.  It was a lovely Christian day especially when Johnny Hutton headed a train of people down the hill while everyone got great delight from covering the train in snow.

Tuesday – Sport’s day – the pinnacle of any great camp.  It’s the one day of the week that you take delicate care and consideration in your apparel… an older football top that looks worn, thus giving the appearance you’ve played sport before; shorts that obviously mean you mean business; and football socks that are neither up nor down.  (The reason for this is that it gives the impression you’ve just been running as everyone is aware that socks fall down when you run.)  Finally though, the most important piece of sporting equipment known to man…a bottle of Lucozade Sport.  Every great athlete drinks it and just the bottle itself tells people that you are sporty!  In reality though you spend half the day faking asthma due to the fact that you can’t run the length of yourself because you’re so unfit!  All in all though, sports day is a great day to flaunt your “sports pose” and yes, that is a real thing that I have perfected over the years!

Wednesday was the day that we went to Edinburgh.  It was the day that we had our outreach in the city centre and it went really well.  Reports came back from the people handing out tracts saying that they’d had some really good conversations.  While singing we had our photo taken by one of the official photographers of the Edinburgh fringe festival.  He was really glad to see us as he was a Christian guy and he was pleased that we were doing an open air in a city that rarely sees things like this happen.

Later that evening was the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.  We were honoured that evening to be in the presence of the king of some country that, like Cookstown, everyone knows is a made up place.  Anyway we clapped him and then settled down for the night ahead.  In all honesty, it was like walking into the local estate except it was a lot more synchronised.  The drumming was in time and impressive.  The guys on the bikes, though they cheated death a couple of times, actually knew what they were doing, unlike the local boys from the area.  It was a class night though.  The music was class and so where the people there.  Nicole Erwin and I chatted to an older couple, John and Eileen.  They were lovely and they gave us some great relationship advice.  I guess Nicole and I will definitely aspire to be like them when we are older!

Blind Date Scottish Camp style

Thursday morning was upon us faster than we realised.  After the late night, the lie in was nice, but the last full day of camp was upon us.  Most of the day was spent preparing for the talent show which was so talented it was unreal.  That evening a pleasant young lad from Belfast was on “Scottish Camp’s Blind Date” and somehow he won.  For the life of me, I have no idea how he won.  His answers had no context to the questions being asked and his clothing was tacky, but it was all good.  The highlight of the night had to be the “John McCulla” song – even thought John wasn’t at the camp and many of the campers didn’t know who he was, he still got a mention!

That evening all sorts happened.  I even heard a rumour that a boy broke a rule to help the girls pack their suitcases, and then promptly hid under a bed when Angie appeared.  Haven’t a clue who that would be, but he should be down right ashamed of himself!

The final morning had come oh too quickly and honestly, people were in tears saying things like “Oh Dave how will we ever live without seeing you everyday?!” and “Oh Dave you complete me!”  And it has to be said that those were the comments made by the leaders!!  The comments the other campers made were slightly more awkward as Kyle and I got several marriage proposals, but we couldn’t say yes to anyone.  Janet just looked at us every time someone asked, and we knew that none of these girls would ever match up to her!  Before we knew it, we where on the boat, which, may I add, had to be the rockiest boat I’ve even been on.  I thought that sea sickness was something that people made up and just pretended to have when they felt sick on a boat, but it turns out that it’s true and it’s not pleasant.  The whole time it was happening the thought went through my mind “I’m near certain there was a scene like this in Titanic the film!”

Once on dry land I walked outside the terminal and there was the greatest woman in my life… Irene Lacey.  Oh, it had been too long since mother and I had seen each other.  After saying my goodbyes to everyone mother and I left for home.  On the way home Kyle and I told this exact story of what happened at camp that week.  Since this account is completely true, Irene loved it and I hope you did.  Camp was great and I’d recommend it to anyone who is considering it.  I can’t guarantee that your week will be exactly like my account, but you’ll still have fun.

Dave ‘like…you know’ Lacey

(For more photos of Scottish Camp look under the Camps – Scottish Camp page.)

Below you’ll find the link to Marcus and Jayne’s latest prayer letter.  Take the time to read it and then you’ll be able to pray more effectively for them.  They’d really appreciate your prayers both in the run up to, and during, the summer months.  Thanks.

Marcus Prayer letter May 10

Angie

The sun has been shining and we’ve had a real scorcher of a weekend here in Ireland.  That can only mean one thing – it’s exam time!!  Many of you are working hard, doing lots of revision, aiming to get the grades you need to get back into school or to university or to get your degree.  You’ve made out your revision timetable and you’re sticking to it.  And many of you will be like me – trying to do everything possible to avoid having to do any studying!!  Even cleaning your room is more interesting that revising……and a 10 minute break can last up to 4 hours!!!  (So stop reading this blog and get back to work!!!)  I remember those days well!

The only advice I can give you is –  Keep Going! Keep working hard.  Do your best.  Keep the end in sight, then you’ll have the whole summer to enjoy.  Some of you might be thinking ”I’m a Christian so I’ll get the results God wants me to get, whether I work hard or not”?  But is that right - if you don’t do any revision and get poor marks, is it God’s fault, then?  I don’t think so!!  1 Samuel 2:30 has a lovely promise from the Lord – “…for those who honour Me I will honour…”  But it’s a promise with a condition – if you honour God in everything you do, including your studying, then He will honour you.  How He honours you is up to Him.  For Daniel and his 3 friends it meant they were 10 times wiser that all the wise men in Babylon.  Now, God may not make you 10 times wiser than everyone else doing their exams, but in some way He will honour you.  Work hard at all you do.  Next time you feel like you can’t be bothered to do some revision – stick at it!  Do the best you can.  Remember what Paul says – it includes your revising(!):

“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as unto the Lord and not to men.”

Maybe in the back of your mind you may have that sinking feeling that when you open the exam paper you won’t be able to answer any of the questions!  Help!!  Well, don’t panic.  Just quietly ask the Lord to bring back to your memory all you’ve learned and rely on His help.  He’s not going to abandon you when you walk into an exam room – He’s right there with you.

Whatever you do through exam time, make sure you keep your time with God everyday.  Don’t let the busyness of revision and exams push that time out of your life.  You need to keep close to the Lord, so guard your Quiet Time each day. 

 Those of us in the Youth Challenge team are, and will be, praying for you throughout May and June until the exams are over.  And if you want a wee break then why not come and join us for the SYC Fun Night on Saturday 12th June 2010 – more details later. 

God bless.

Angie

What did you do over the Easter holidays.  Some young people spent it at our Conference in Portrush.  Here’s what Michael thought of it all:

After re-reading previous blogs on this website, I can finally sympathise with Mark Knox, who spoke of his millions of drafts when preparing his report!  However, I’ not  complaining; in compiling this summary of Easter Conference, I’ve been granted a valuable chance to truly reflect on what can only be described as an amazing few days.  Life-changing in fact.  But how can I summarise all that God did in those few days?  It’s impossible.  But I’ll give it a go.

Having conquered Teen Camp, New Year Camp and 1^st Year of SOTW, I figured it was time to see what the fuss of Easter Conference was all about.  I was slightly apprehensive; this would be the first CEF camp I’d been to, where I wouldn’t be enjoying Rosemary Law’s wonderful hospitality at Seaview (she told me to say that!)  Apparently the format would be different, if not even slightly intense.  As per usual, my worries were pointless, as I am currently looking back on an amazingly blessed number of days.

It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces again upon my arrival on Friday.  A group of around 35 young people (I include Angie, Marcus and Chris in this group, so that I can be invited back next year!) stayed in the youth hostel in Bushmills, a group which enjoyed great fellowship throughout the Conference.  Friendships were both made and strengthened, and it was a privilege to be part of the group.  After a rather relaxed Friday evening together, we eagerly anticipated plunging into the Conference itself. 

Saturday and Monday were similar in structure.  Both days began with a voluntary prayer meeting, followed by breakfast.  It soon became evident that certain individuals had not experienced this time of day for quite a while!  Lead by Marcus, the prayer meetings were the perfect way to start each day, with a short devotional swiftly followed by meaningful, sincere prayers.  A brush of the teeth and grab of the coat, and it was onto the bus, travelling to Portrush Presbyterian Church for the Conference itself.  The Bible study, terrifically lead by Roger Carswell, was swiftly followed by a short coffee break, before we moved back into the main church for the morning seminar.  Each afternoon, the young people were ‘unleashed’ into the likes of Portrush and Coleraine to spend some free time together – many good times were shared, and extraordinary beach volleyball talents were unveiled on Monday!  Before we knew it, it was back to the church for tea, before the evening service kicked off.  A very full and busy day away from the youth hostel finished with a brand-spanking new event called ‘Meltdown’, a more relaxed meeting for the young people, led by Angie, Chris and Marcus where we heard from various missionaries, and found ourselves being incredibly challenged.  One sleepy bus ride later and we were back in Bushmills – the wise option would have been to grab a cup of tea and go straight to bed, however it was hard to resist the lure of group games such as ‘Signs’ and ‘Empires’!  A couple of hours later, and it was finally time to crawl into bed.  Sunday followed the same basic outline, apart from the morning, when we were able to attend a church of our own choice.

As someone who had no clue what to expect during the few days, I spent most of my first moments at the Conference with my mouth wide open – all the people I’ve ever met within CEF, all under the same roof!  The names which so frequently occurred in prayer letters finally had faces!

If asked to describe the Bible studies in one word, it would be ‘refreshing’.  It was universally agreed that our speaker, Roger Carswell, had been given a gift, and he was definitely using it to glorify God.  He managed to connect with people of all ages within the Conference, leaving us all with a lot to ponder and causing key truths to re-emerge in our individual walks.

The seminars really stood out for me as the highlight of the few days.  On Saturday morning, we discovered more about “The Past, The Present and The Future” of CEF in Ireland, from Sam Doherty, Henry Berry and Philip Annett respectively.  I found this hugely informative, especially “The Past”.  Whenever I’m asked to give a short presentation at church, on the volunteer work I do with CEF over the summer, I’ve always thought that it’d be more useful to include a little context.  Now I feel it’s a necessity.  It is astounding to hear of how CEF grew and flourished from its humble beginnings, to what it is today, under the Lord’s help and guidance.  Our God is great!  “I’m down! How do I get up?” by Valerie Murphy, definitely caught the eye when scanning down the programme, and it most certainly did not disappoint.  Combining examples from the Bible with practical advice, God was most definitely present and speaking through Valerie that Monday morning.  Evening meetings were just as mind-blowing, with the report on CEF Ireland encouraging all those present, yet making us even more determined to help continue its development.  Sunday night saw a very interesting report from Pavle Kostadinov of Macedonia and finally the retiring CEF European directors, Roy and Ruth Harrison.  Shortly after their presentation, and being ‘interrogated’ in a interview by Chris and Angie later in ‘Meltdown’, I can confirm that all of the young people who had never before met Roy and Ruth instantly fell in love with them, with quite a few females being quoted in saying “I want to get married, grow older, and be just like that”!!

Another personal highlight was the Saturday night meeting, which was mostly a worship session, with the highly anticipated debut of a small band made up of CEF workers.  Once again, goosebumps were forming on my arms as it was very clear that we were in God’s presence that night.  Finally, a huge thanks to those who spoke at Meltdown meetings; Harry and Wendy Robinson, Pavle, Stan Beamish, Roy and Ruth, Chris, Marcus and Angie.  Suddenly, questions were triggered within my head: Why remain comfortable in good ol’ Northern Ireland?  What is God calling me to do?  Let’s serve this extraordinary God.  Marcus, Chris and Angie had admitted that ‘Meltdown’ was on its trial run, and that they weren’t sure how it would turn out, or what reaction it would receive.  I’ll take this opportunity to say that I thought it was the perfect way to end a day at the Easter Conference.

In finishing, I want to mention the big thing that God taught me during the course of the few days.  The easiest way to explain is to take some of the lyrics from a song we sang on Friday night, during a short worship time;

“Ordinary people are the people God will choose.

Ordinary people are the people God will use.

People who are changed inside, whose hearts have been made new,

Are people who can change the world, that change begins with you,

That change begins with you.”

Time and time again, this theme of ‘ordinary people’ arose.  Henry Berry often coined the expression, ‘We are simply ordinary people, serving an extraordinary God.’ Valerie Murphy’s seminar presented examples of how the people in the Bible were not massively different than us, and they suffered the same setbacks as we often do.  Suddenly it hit me.  Those who work for, or volunteer in organisations like CEF are not in some ‘exclusive club’.  They are by no means unlike any other Christian.  However, where the difference lies, is in the fact that they are fully committed to serving an amazing God.  And consequently, they have been blessed.  Even though we always see them up on a stage in front of lots of people, or leading a camp, amongst other things, they are simply ‘ordinary people serving an extraordinary God’. 

On looking back upon the Easter Conference, I’m well aware that now God has made this clear to me, there’s no excuse.  It’s time to truly commit to serving Him.  Only then, as the song reveals, will God use me.  It’s safe to say that the Easter Conference changes lives, and it’s definitely something I’d recommend to anyone with a desire to hear God speaking to them.

Michael Pollock

Looking for something to do over the Easter holidays?  Why not join us for our annual Easter Conference?  It runs from Friday 2nd to Tuesday 6th April 2010.  The Young People’s Houseparty for those 16+  is in Bushmills.  All the Conference meetings will be held in Portrush Presbyterian Church.

This is the 60th anniversary of CEF in Ireland, hence the theme is “The past, the Present…the Future?”  Mr Roger Carswell will be teaching from God’s Word and Harry and Wendy Robinson from our International Headquarters will report on the work of CEF worldwide.  There will also be times to focus on what God is doing throughout Europe and, in particular, Macedonia.  Seminars on offer include “Spiritual values in a secular world” and “I’m down!  How do I get up?”  For the full programme of event look under the Camps tab and Easter Conference.

We’ve introduced a new event “Meltdown!” every evening to give you the chance to chill out and chat with other young people over some supper, praise God together and hear from some of our missionaries.

It costs £85/€95 for thse in full-time employment or £70/€80 for those in education or unemployed.

 Contact us  for full details.  Or if you’re interested in going, print off  the Application Form, complete it and return it to the address given.

So why not come along and join us for a great weekend – you will be seriously challenged!  Are you up for it??

Angie

Marcus is a dad!!

On 9th January 2010 Marcus and Jayne became parents!  Jude arrived weighing in at 7lb 8.5oz.  Both mum and baby are doing well – and as you can see from the photos Jude is gorgeous! 

Congratulations Marcus and Jayne.

Some of you are already thinking ahead to what you’ll be doing this summer.  Well if you’re 14-16 years old and fancy a week’s holiday, why not think of Teen Camp.  This year’s camp will be held from Sunday 22nd – Saturday 28th August 2010 (DV).  For more details and an application form, go to the Camps tab and look under Teen Camp.

Laura Martin was at Teen Camp 2009.  Here’s what she thought about it:

“Hello y’all.  I am a Teen Camp camper and may I take this opportnity to tell you that Teen Camp is AWESOME!  I doesn’t matter what you are into – whether it is walking mountanious hills, taking beach wanderings, or for the musical minded among you hanging with the guitars and keyboards, I can tell you, Teen Camp has a variety of things to do, and so there is something for everyone to immerse themselves into and enjoy.

But not only is there banter with all the friends that you make so quickly, there is deep spiritual teaching as well.  Adrian Moffett was the speaker who took the morning Bible sessions last year.  He took the theme ‘Ready for the Future’, and through his thought provoking words I can testify many people benefited.

So there is a very brief low-down on some of what is involved in Teen Camp.  There are so many more aspects to it, such as making life-long friendships and being able to learn from the insight of your dorm leaders in the quiet time discussions.  But as much fun Teen Camp is intended to be, it is also a place to get you thinking about God and what He means to you.”

Laura Martin

So why not think about coming along and joining us this year.  You’ll really enjoy it.

(If you want to see more photos of Teen Camp 2009 look under the Camps tab and go to Teen Camp.)