Torch Youth Lock-In

On August 17, the annual Torch Youth lock-in was held. Despite the heavy rain that fell in the early evening, everyone arrived at church safely and we kicked off the event with praise and worship. With some campus members volunteering as musicians, the church was filled with voices praising God, definitely the best way to start off a full night of fellowship by dedicating it to our Lord and Saviour.

It’s been three years since I joined this church and I think that lock-in is one of the most special events for me. I remember my first experience was unlike any other, partly because I’d never even imagined that I would sleep at church overnight. This event was so unique to me- we spend an entire night at church, with games, food, and even a short teaching. At my first lock-in, I was pleasantly surprised by all these things because I didn’t know what to expect; I had so much fun at my first lock in and this year marks the third one that I attended.

This one was particularly special to me because I had the chance to share a short teaching. I briefly talked about Proverbs 27: 17.

“As iron sharpens iron, so does one person sharpen another.”

Through this teaching, I talked about the process of being sharpened. I explained that this process will be painful, that being sharpened often comes with being rebuked, but that rebuke is not a bad thing. When someone rebukes you with the right intentions, it means that they truly care about you and want to sharpen you, as they have been commanded. We should all do our part to sharpen one another and be open to the process of being sharpened ourselves.

The rest of the evening was full of food (pizza, cake, spicy ramen), games, with lots of laughter, and a lack of sleep. The thing that I love most about lock-in is the fellowship. I feel like being together throughout the late hours of the night, allows us to open up to each other more and grow closer. And I’m always grateful for the time that I get to spend with the youth, learning more about them and having fun with them.

Once again we have concluded another successful Torch Youth activity. Thank you to all the parents for allowing their children to come to the lock-in and for their constant support of this ministry through prayer and involvement with our events.

“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” – 2 Corinthians 9:8

– Cali Mendoza