BOLD: Public High School Students Meet at Camp Akita
- Illinois Conference Communications
- 20 hours ago
- 2 min read
Roberto Gonzalez
Association Youth Director
November 14–16 marked a milestone for our conference as we held our very first Public High School Retreat at Camp Akita. Nearly 30 public-school and 8th graders from across our conference came together for three days of worship, friendship, and powerful reminders of how God is moving among our youth. What a blessing it was to see the Holy Spirit working so clearly in their lives.
One of the most inspiring moments came from Jonah, a middle schooler who shared his testimony. In his public school, he and a group of friends started a simple Bible club—just students gathering to read God’s Word together. Their small group is already making a difference, and Jonah is preparing to continue that mission as he enters high school next year. His courage reminds us that God can use anyone, at any age, who is willing to say “yes” to Him.
We also heard from Gloria, a junior in high school, who spent an entire year praying over, designing, and writing a devotional journal for teens. Her heart is to help other young people grow closer to Jesus through daily devotion and reflection. Seeing her passion was a beautiful reminder that God places unique callings in the hearts of our youth—and amazing things happen when they follow His leading.
We also enjoyed a fun game night filled with laughter, friendly competition, and opportunities to bond and get to know one another. Students who barely knew each other on Friday were sharing jokes, stories, and new friendships by Saturday night. The joy in the room was a gift from God and a reminder of the beauty of Christ-centered community.
Our guest speaker, Milton Coronado, shared a moving testimony and powerful teachings rooted deeply in Scripture. He emphasized that God’s Word must be the foundation for our decisions and our lives—above culture, opinions, or even tradition. He encouraged our youth to be bold: to stand firmly on what God says, even when no one else does.
The theme of the retreat, BOLD, was reflected in every testimony, every prayer, every activity, and every moment of worship. Our youth are not just the “future” of the church—they are the present. They are already leading, serving, creating, and dreaming God-sized dreams. As a church, our calling is to encourage them, empower them, and walk beside them as they step into what God is shaping them to be.
This first retreat was only the beginning, and we thank God for what He has started. May He continue raising a generation of young people who are brave, compassionate, rooted in His Word, and bold in their faith.
Please send any news items of what God is doing around the Illinois Conference to communication@ilcsda.org.