Nine young adults decided to give their lives to Christ through baptism during Potomac’s young adult retreat earlier this year. More than 250 attended from around the conference, making their way to Camp Blue Ridge in Montebello, Va. “We were able to spend a weekend in the mountains, away from the distractions of modern life, and enjoy the opportunities to socialize, study and worship God together,” says Josant Barrientos, youth director.
With “Greater Things” as the theme, guest speaker, Pastor Jose Luis Nuñez, who leads two churches and youth ministry in the northern part of Italy, focused on the life of the apostle Paul—from who he was to who he became after his unique encounter with God. “Paul’s distinctive experience with God was the beginning of his transformational process,” explains Barrientos. “This led him to become an outstanding Christian leader. Today, this is still God’s desire and invitation to everyone, including youth and young adults.”
The retreat featured a variety of activities, including a prayer walk, which Arelys Santiago, attendee and Potomac youth staff, said was her favorite part. “This gave us the chance to have some alone time with God in prayer,” she said. “We are always on the go. Having some time to settle down, think and pray is an important pieced we often don’t do. It was so powerful to see God move at the retreat, when nine people decided to dedicate their lives to Christ after a very special ceremony of prayer and reconciliation. I love being a part of this ministry and the opportunity to work with such an amazing team.”
Barrientos hopes the young adults who attended were encouraged and enjoyed the opportunities to socialize, strengthen their spiritual life and have an encounter with God. “God always prepares many wonderful surprises during these events. Is there anything more powerful than witnessing the birth of others into a new life with Christ? God continues to work powerfully. We just need to be still to allow ourselves to see and experience His spirit calling and moving us.
“Today the invitation continues. We all are called to have an impact on others as Paul did, but that will not become a reality unless we let God impact us individually. As this retreat was the beginning of a transformational process for the young adults, today also can be the beginning of your transformational process. Don’t wait, He is calling you!”
