Regional Winterfests: A Meaningful Move of God
Long rides on a church van, great musical artists, fast-food, worship, cramped hotel rooms, laughter, friends, and wonderful memories are all images of Winterfest; a youth retreat movement that annually reaches thousands across the country and around the world. For many years now, Winterfest has been a consistent place where the lives, direction, and paths of young people are interrupted, influenced, and forever changed by the power of the Holy Spirit!
By B. Randall Parris
Many people associate “Winterfest” with the largest and longest running of those events that convenes in the Great Smoky Mountains. That opportunity will take place March 14-16, 2014 in Knoxville, TN and includes a remarkable line-up of guests: The City Harmonic, Desperation Band, Jason Crabb, Rich Wilkerson, Jr., Kevin Wallace, Reggie Dabbs and others. It is not too late for students, young adults and churches to get registered and experience it for themselves.
However, Winterfest doesn’t start at the Smoky Mountain venue; Winterfest has been underway for several weeks already and students are experiencing a deep and significant move of God. We celebrate the ministries of Samuel Rodriguez, Ricardo Sanchez, Curtis Bridgeman, Tedashi, Nicole C. Mullins, Tommy Bates, Josh Carter, and 4-Trinity (just to name a few) who have been leading worship, preaching the Word of God and ministering around the altars!
The attendance at most all locations has been very solid this year, but more importantly, the hunger and thirst for more of the Lord Jesus Christ and decisions to “surrender all” having been hallmarks of these first Winterfests. Students have lingered and remained in the altar area in prayer and intercession long after the service was officially closed. God is at work, and Youth and Discipleship is determined to be right in the middle of it!
International Director, Gary Lewis is swift to remind, “Though every weekend we hear reports of deliverance, healings, and answers to prayer, we will never know all the details or stories of so many more who have been saved, filled with the Spirit, or called into ministry. Even early in this Winterfest season, hundreds have walked out the doors of a Regional Winterfest who had an encounter with Christ that changed their life forever!”
Smoky Mountain Winterfest and Sonfest take place in just a few weeks. Please pray with us for a “divine encounter” for the students, young adults, and youth leaders who are already counting down the days. Winterfest has been and continues to be one of the strongest arms of ministry of Youth and Discipleship. Lets celebrate what God is doing as He truly pours out His spirit on His sons and daughters.
For more information go to www.winterfest2014.com or www.cogyouth.org
(Source: Church of God Youth and Discipleship. B. Randall Parris serves as the Leadership Development Coordinator of the International Department of Youth and Discipleship)
