Hundreds of youth and leaders from across our Convention traveled to Moncton, NB on May 11-12 for an annual youth event, Springforth, which focused on the theme “Collide”. This event is a highlight for many youth and has a rich history of changing lives for Christ. This year was no different as many youth either made first-time commitments to Christ or renewed their commitment to live for God. God was at work during this weekend, and we will see the fruit for weeks and even years to come. This event is helped made possible through the partial sponsorship by our Convention’s United in Mission Fund.
A highlight every year is watching the youth respond to the offering challenge. Each year a new project or emphasis is chosen for the youth to help support. This year the Springforth youth entered into a three year commitment to raise funds and support one area in Kenya, Africa through Canadian Baptist Ministries’ work in food security programs. This year Springforth youth graciously gave over $5400 to help provide seeds to families in Kenya, Africa. Youth are committed to making a difference in their world.
We are thankful to all of our speakers (Sid Koop, Mike Miller, Carl Nash, Rev. Rhonda Britton, Rev. Dr. Lennett Anderson, Rev. Mark Sypher, Mary-Jane Sypher and Rev. Jodie LeBouthillier) as well as our worship leaders (Atlantic and Sean Dayton Band) who made an impact on the lives of our students and leaders.
Springforth is an event that could never happen without those who were part of the planning teams – Dan Pyke (Douglas), Josh Dorey (Moncon), Aaron Hudgins (Halifax), Gordon Dickinson (Charlottetown), Andrew Glidden (Apohaqui), Mark Hunter (Moncton), Mark Pearce (New Minas), Allison Kirkbride (Florenceville), Todd Coldwell (New Maryland), Tim Carruthers (Green Hill Lake Camp),Troy Dennis (Moncton), Mary Grace Hawkes (First Cornwallis), Sarah Jane MacPhail (Halifax), Sarah Warford (Atlantic Baptist Youth Executive, Halifax), David Cook (Crandall University), Dale Stairs (Convention Staff) and Jody Linkletter (Convention Staff). Significant leadership was also provided by the Atlantic Baptist Youth executive (https://atlanticbaptist.ca/aby) and seven young adult interns at the Middle School site. The event would not have run smoothly without the executive, interns from Ontario and Newfoundland, interns at the middle school site or the many local volunteers from Crandall University, Riverview Baptist, Uplands Baptist, Highfield Baptist, Hillside Baptist and First Baptist Moncton, who came out to help at both sites. We greatly appreciate the time they gave over the weekend to invest in the lives of this next generation.
We look forward to seeing everyone in Moncton on May 10th, 2013 for next year’s Springforth!
