 The weekend will feature workshops and two speakers, Lil Wilson and
Haley Schell. Both are LCU graduates and both currently serve in
youth ministry at Northside Christian Church in New Albany, Ind.
Under the direction of the LCU events coordinator and a local
teacher with ties to the university, 15 female students began
preparations last September for the February event. The students
took on the major roles to plan all aspects of retreat.
LCU's event coordinator Kim Turner explains: "Chantell Mills
brought the vision for the theme, I keep track of the budget, but
the students are handling the rest. These young women have designed
worship sessions, group activities and workshops for this retreat."
The women involved are Alisha Wilson, Amanda Miner, Amy Verkruyse,
Autumn Knecht, Ciera Dunham, Danielle Wehmeyer, Elizabeth Langley,
Karla Springer, Katrina Gross, Kayla Hislope, Natalie Hood, Samantha
Holley, Sharon Albert, Sheldon Allen and Whitney Lea.
This is the second consecutive year Awaken has been planned by
students.
Turner explains: "Awaken was started by a group of passionate
students and their mentor. Responsibility for planning and
organizing eventually drifted to LCU administration. Last year
students have reclaimed the leadership role in this project. Capable
young women have assumed the responsibilities of planning and
organizing."
The organizers expect an attendance of 50-60 high school girls.
A large portion of the planning involved a set of nine workshops
that offer hands-on training in arts, crafts, journaling,
photography, cake decorating and many others. Each workshop includes
a devotional time that draws connections between the project and the
Christian faith.
"Awaken" debuted six years ago as a means of filling a gap in
Christian conferences. There are youth conferences, women's
conferences, men's conferences, but nothing designed specifically
for teenage girls.
Sophomore Elizabeth Langley reflects: "There are many other
conferences out there designed for youth to grow towards Christ, but
this is designed specifically for girls. It is important for girls
to have an opportunity to get together and just be girls."
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Freshman Karla Springer can attest to the importance of this
environment.
"I decided to volunteer with Awaken because I attended Awaken my
last two years of high school," she said. "The girls at Awaken have
been great role models and even better at encouragement."
The female LCU students involved are focused on serving their
high school counterparts.
Springer comments: "The most rewarding thing about helping with
Awaken is seeing God empower young women to stand in their faith and
not waiver. He is just awesome."
Sophomore Sharon Albert echoes this sentiment: "It breaks my
heart to hear these girls' stories and know that they're going
through the same stuff I went through. I just hope to show Christ's
love to them through Awaken Boldly."
The registration deadline for Awaken Boldly is Jan. 30, and the
cost is $45. This cost includes meals, two main sessions of worship
and speaker presentations, two workshops, and various other
activities.
For more information or to register, visit
www.lincolnchristian.edu/awaken or call Kim Turner at
217-732-3168, ext. 2285.
[Text from file received from
Lincoln Christian University]
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