A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver

—Prov. 25:11

This year at convention we learned how to live the salt life. Our main sessions taught about being at peace with one another. As Christians, “we are broken to bless, to bless the broken.” “We are a rock that needs to be broken of our pride.” As the youth of the church we were encouraged to apply Colossians 4:5–6, “Walk in wisdom towards those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” We learned that salt needs to be “poured out into the world” and that “we need to sow salt of destruction on our sin.” The biblical picture of salt was clearly seen through the speakers in our main sessions. From preservation to destruction, salt can affect many things, just as our speech and actions can affect those around us and our light in the world.

In addition to our main sessions we started every day with our Sunrise Group. My group had eight people who lived in my dorm. We had devotions and shared what we were learning and how we were growing as Christians that week. It was such a blessing getting to know more believers on a personal level. I also got to know more people through free time. We had some time each day to walk around, play cards, or play various sports. I constantly had the chance to meet like-minded Christians.

We had the privilege to pick the workshops that we wanted to attend. I enjoyed them all, but my favorite was “Who Do You Need to Forgive?” by Pastor Bob of Little Farms Chapel. He taught that we need to accept our forgiveness before we can forgive others. “God sees us as washed; we need to accept God’s view of us” (see 1 Cor. 6:9–11).

As always, the music was fantastic. It was such a blessing to be able to sing praises with so many fellow believers. I was also part of the Convention Choir. We sang at the Thursday night talent show. This also gave many youth the opportunity to share their gift and talents with the convention crowd.

Over all, my favorite part of convention was the Sunset Group. We would meet each evening with our own church’s youth group. We would talk about our day, what we learned, and share stories from the day. We were able to bond with each other and grow closer as a church family.

“Be of the same mind towards one another. Do not set your mind on things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, life peaceably with all men” (Rom. 12:16–18).

————————

Miss Cambrie Atsma Bethany URC Wyoming, Michigan