King's News 32

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Report from the August 2008 festival


Soul Survivor is a three-week Christian festival that takes place mid-August of the summer holidays. It's been running for fifteen years now and tens of thousands of people turn up each week to join the company of other Christians and celebrate Jesus. I originally went when I was 10 years old, but because of my age and lack of understanding it didn'tt have an effect on my life. It was almost a chore that I felt I needed to do to be a 'typical' good Christian girl; commit to events taking place and go to Church every Sunday. The lack of fulfilment and encouragement to my everyday lifestyle meant I didn't return to Soul Survivor for four years and so moved away from God.

After hearing about Soul Survivor from a couple of friends I realised it was a chance to regain my faith and start again with God. I had heard so many fun stories about the festival and so felt Soul Survivor was the perfect place to begin my walk. In 2007 my cousin, my dad and myself travelled up to Somerset and camped with the thousands of people that had also turned up for the event. In the 36 hours we'd stayed, I'd sat through hours of sermons, sang hours of worship and had hours of fun. Of course, this left me wanting to go back and left me counting down the months to Soul Survivor 2008.

I'd had a few obstacles turning me away from Soul Survivor, but considering how much I wanted to go and friends persuading me to organise dates and plans…I decided to sit down and arrange things properly. This meant I had to cancel other things and rearrange work dates, but spending time with my best friend and coming together with thousands of other Christians of similar age was a predictable persuasion.

We arrived in Somerset on the 11th August this summer, and returned on the 16th. Before arriving I'd made a pact with my friend that we would be confident speaking to other teenagers our own age, making an effort to get to know some people. We decided that making other friends our own age would be a great encouragement with our faith and we both really wanted to leave Soul Survivor with contacts.

I can't even explain how amazing the worship and sermons were. On the first night alone, 365 people became Christians…followed by more and more people choosing that way of life in further meetings and group chats. Mike Pilivachi spoke some amazing words and I'm sure he has had a great impact on many lives. Some of the talks were so easy to relate to and the way speakers chose to portray their stories was perfect.

I left Soul Survivor with new friends, a new way of thinking, fantastic words planted in my memory and such an amazing, content feeling. Again, I am now counting down the months until next year…Soul Survivor 2009!!


for our kids in Tavi

This term at Tavi College, Guy has been supporting the Peer Mentoring team. These are older children who are available for younger children to talk to about any problems that they may have. Guy's role is a mixture of supporting the mentors, and finding the best way to support the students they work with. They have started a chill-out zone for those students who need time-out at lunchtime. As well as this, the Christian Union meet on Thursdays at 12.30pm, and also run a Friday morning Coffee Stop in the 6th-form centre, giving out free Fair Trade tea and coffee to any who want it, helping to raise awareness about fair trade issues, as well as providing a way for students to build friendships.

Guy (left) is currently working with several young people in small groups covering a variety of topics including making friendships, self-esteem and anger/stress management. He is also working on an individual basis with several students offering them help and support, covering some of the topics that he does in the small groups.

Catalyst (Tavistock) is a local charity which exists to share the good news of Christianity to young people, by offering them a positive witness of Jesus, showing how being a Christian can have a real effect on daily life, and providing opportunities for a response. Catalyst also exists to support Christian young people within their school environment where, regardless of belief and background, they can feel safe, encouraged, cared for and supported. We always appreciate any support that people can offer either in prayer or financially. If you feel able to help or would like any more information on Guy's work in the school, you can contact Guy on 07528 293698, or our Treasure, Rev. John Weir at Goblins Green, Dousland, Yelverton PL20 6ND.

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