Youth Retreats

Many local churches try to plan some kind of activity for youth, during the holidays when school is not in session. One of the more ambitious is to organize a youth retreat held at a local church which typically lasts 2 to 3 days. These retreats are not just for the youth of the church, but are an outreach to other, non-churched youth.

Girls in their 'room' at a youth retreat

 There are very few established camps or convention centers in the area, so students sleep in the classrooms of a church-supported school next to the church or even in small tents. Some of the students sleep on beds loaned by church members, but many sleep on mats and area rugs on the floor just as they do at home.

At the retreats there are several activities to keep students engaged including: “Find the Scripture” drills, Bible Question games, skits, singing, educational lectures on health and agriculture and plenty of time for sports. In the evenings there are worship services and often HAFF is asked to show an evangelistic film, such as the one on Dec 21 that resulted in 22 commitments, and 19 re-commitments. A retreat can be a good place to make such life decisions because there are often several opportunities for students to ask questions, get personal counseling about their decisions and get connected with a church and youth group.

Please pray that these students will be followed up by the host church or another in their area so they can continue to grow in the Lord. Please also pray for the success of other youth activities held by churches in Haiti during the first week of January before school starts again.