Shannon McCauley: “There Will Always Be Hope”

This year was my third year going to the Middle School Montreat Youth Conference. Every single year I become closer and closer to God. Middle School Montreat helps me and other middle schoolers alike to experience the hope and joy that God’s presence can bring. This year’s theme was Hope is Happening.

My favorite day was Friday. The topic of Friday was Hope in the Midst of Hopelessness. The scripture shared that day was Luke 23:25-42. It talked about how when Jesus was being crucified, he gave the criminals being crucified alongside him hope that they would be in heaven if they believed in him. Out of all the scriptures this is the one I remembered the most because I interpreted it as meaning as long as we believe and trust in Jesus Christ there will always be hope even when it seems there is no hope.

Another thing that helped me to experience God’s presence was the kindness every person there showed. It helped me to realize that if everone tried to do God’s work, this world would have so much more hope.

 

Aubree Byrge: “Hope for Everyone”

What was the most hopeful worship service for you? Hope in Action. My favorite scripture in learning the teachings of hope was Mark 2: 1-2. The kindness of the two men taking the paralytic man to see Jesus shows me the hope in others that are willing to help people in need.

When Jesus was able to cure the paralytic man and he was able to walk again, it is proof that miracles do happen and there is hope for everyone.

What song filled your heart with hope? Our theme song, Hope is Happening.

Where and how did you experience hope in God? Small groups because everyone was working together and helping each other.

What did you see that made you believe you were experiencing God’s hope? I saw God’s hope when everyone was learning everyone’s name.

What is something you hope for God’s world? I hope that we will do better for the world–plant trees, flowers, bushes–and everyone gets along nicely.

How will you share this hope now that you are home? I will share hope to my friends and family.