by Natalie Shiels
Young Adults in the Central Territory gathered at Camp Mihaska for a transformative experience focused on building community, deepening faith and taking action.
The weekend opened with Peggy McGee, assistant territorial youth secretary, speaking to delegates about finding and building one’s community within The Salvation Army.
“We would not be the same if you were not here,” Peggy said. “The program would still happen, but you have made it better.”
On Saturday morning, delegates participated in small group discussions, unpacking the feeling of belonging and how to help others feel welcomed. The afternoon session was led by ConnectUp prayer ministry.
Focused prayer and worship was led by the band Of Dust, musical guests for the weekend. During free time, delegates socialized over coffee, played friend bingo, and made paintings of each other.
At dinner, delegates participated in “Group Threads,” dressing up in matching costumes. Among the creative displays were a group from the Great Lakes Division who arrived as a pack of crayons, and one from the Midland Division who dressed as characters from the movie, “Despicable Me.”
Territorial Commander Commissioner Evie Diaz told the delegation that The Salvation Army is not only a community to which we belong but also a tangible thing each person has the power to “speak into.”
“When we fall short, speak up carefully and with the Spirit,” she said, encouraging young adults to find ways to participate in the growth of their spaces.
Captain Mike Hanton, territorial youth secretary, closed the weekend by discussing three keys to building the Kingdom of Heaven: convictions, character and community. Convictions and character are the foundation on which we build our community.
“There is a surefire way to destroy a building: tamper with its foundation,” he warned. “You cannot simply read Scripture; you have to put it into practice daily.”
Throughout Regeneration delegates worked to raise more than $2,500 (which will be matched by Territorial Headquarters) for a vocational school in the Congo-Brazzaville Territory. The school will provide a way for women to learn skills that they can use to build businesses and provide for their families.
Through meaningful discussions, powerful moments of worship, and engaging activities, Regeneration reminded delegates of the importance of community, faith and action. It was a time of rest, spiritual renewal and community-building for all who gathered.
