In many parts of the county, winter means snow, clouds, cold temperatures and even mild depression. For Church of God Youth and Discipleship, winter = Winterfest… a time of revival, encouragement, and spiritual renewal for thousands of students around the U.S.A.
By B. Randall Parris
For over three decades, 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.
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 13-15, 2015 in Knoxville, Tennessee and includes a remarkable line-up of guests: Planet Shakers, Elevation Worship, Samuel Rodriguez, Jentezen Franklin, Reggie Dabbs and others. It is not too late for students, young adults and churches to get registered and experience it for themselves.
[1]However, Winterfest doesn’t start at the Smoky Mountain venue; Winterfest has been underway for several weeks already in Indianapolis, Ocean City, MD, Arlington, TX and California, where students have experienced a deep and significant move of God. We celebrate the ministries of Josh Carter, Ricardo Sanchez, Preston Centuolo, and The Evangelistics, and 4-Trinity (just to name a few) who have led worship, preached the Word of God and ministered around the altars!
International Director, Gary Lewis and Assistant Director, David Blair, indicate the attendance at 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” have been hallmarks of these first Winterfests. Lewis stated that, “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!
Northeast Winterfest, Ozark Winterfest, Smoky Mountain Winterfest and Sonfest take place in the coming 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.winterfest2015.com or www.cogyouth.org [2]
(B. Randall Parris serves as the Discipleship & Leadership Development Coordinator of Church of God International Youth and Discipleship.)