“So let us run the race that is before us and never give up…..let us look only to Jesus, the One who began our faith and who makes it perfect. He suffered death on the cross. But He accepted the shame as if it were nothing because of the joy that God put before Him. And now He is sitting at the right side of God’s throne. Think about Jesus’ example….”

Hebrews 12: 1-3 always reminds Beccy of a hurdle race. The hurdles are equidistant in the race the athletes run, in contrast to those in real life!

Surf the Wave 2011 was incredibly challenging – it seemed that each time we overcame one hurdle, with the Lord’s enabling; we were faced with another just as daunting, if not bigger! However, in the midst of everything going on,

                        by His Holy Spirit lives were being changed!                       

The initial challenges of bedroom allocation were set against a backdrop of worship! The designated band arrived and, within minutes, they were practicing in the Octagon Meeting Room in the centre of the courtyard.

Jesus’ name was being lifted high!

His glory was pervading Oakwood Youth Challenge!

In the ‘Gatherings’ every evening the focus was Jesus. The first evening the young people, many of whom came from non-Christian homes, heard that Surf the Wave was all because of Him. On the Tuesday, the guest speaker, Liam, gave a Gospel message which highlighted that when God looks at us He does not see the bad things we have done; instead, because of the cross, He sees Jesus. Many young hearts were stirred and responded by asking for prayer. Young people could not believe how accurately Liam prayed into their lives with the gift of knowledge.

They were taken aback by Him knowing them!

From then on young peoples’ attitudes softened, giving opportunity for leaders to come alongside them in a greater way. Youth who are so used to being put down were being built up again and again. The ‘posh meal’ on the Saturday evening communicated so powerfully how special they are, as the leaders served the tables and waited on them!

They were blown away by His encouragement!

On Thursday evening Creative Prayer Stations were set up to enable the youth to engage with Jesus individually. This was a different experience for many. As they walked around, responding in a new way to prayer, many chose to linger in the ‘Be Still’ tent and be prayed for.

They were drawn by His love!

The days were filled with a variety of activities through the week from horse riding, ‘kiwi wire’, mountain boarding and the climbing wall based at Oakwood itself to a ‘Photographic Scavenger Hunt’ in Reading city centre and swimming at ‘Coral Reef’.   At other times there were sports, dance and craft. The young people created a huge ‘wave sculpture’ model on which everyone placed their pipe cleaner surfer.

As they returned home, they were challenged to ride on the waves with Jesus!

In summary, what an amazing week of many lows but some incredible highs! Twenty young people made a decision for Christ! At least three healing miracles deepened faith in Him! Everyone was transformed by His love!

Many more things happened and there is much more to tell – some hard but much positive. Please continue to pray for all the young people who came to Surf the Wave 2011 and for the leaders as we seek to keep in touch with them through youth services and social events. Please also pray especially for the discipleship of those who have started their walk with Jesus!

Jon and Beccy Bebb

Turning the Tide

September 2011